Family Vacation Day in Vail

Last week we had an Allen family reunion with my Dad, his two sisters, and all their families up in Colorado. Since we were making the drive we decided to leave a day early and have a relaxing family day just with us in Vail. It was wonderful! We really have never done this! We rarely go anywhere and when we have its been to St George with family or to visit Nic's brother.

We were able to get a great deal on a hotel right in the center of Vail, Colorado. We arrived around 6pm (after a looong drive). Our room was on the bottom floor, which had a door out to the "our backyard" (as Hannah referred to it), a beautiful view and a great walking/biking trail. It was fabulous.That night we walking around the "village" with shops (mostly closed) and restaurant. We ended up eating at Billy Tropical Seafood (something like that). We ordered a 4 course meal, that we split among all of us, with calamari, salad, lobster ravioli, and cheese cake (and waters of course). I don't think I'd order the lobster ravioli again, but it was fun and different.Our night was way too long... or actually way too short! Being all in one room didn't go over every well. Hannah would not go to sleep (she was too excited), ended up getting in our bed (which NEVER happens at home) and then was up at 5 am! Blah. We took it easy in the morning, taking baths and showers. Then walked up to the village again and found a fun little deli for breakfast, where we ordered french toast and an omelet. There was a fun feel there, that really made us feel like we were on vacation.We then took a ride up the gondola, an enclosed ski lift! The view was spectacular. At the top we were able to take in some more breath-taking views and then walked a little trail. After heading down we got back in the truck and headed a little closer to our destination of Keystone, but stopped at the outlets from some shopping.It was a fun little family time. I am so glad we took the time to do it. Aside from Nic being on the phone the majority of the time and Hannah not sleeping, it really was wonderful. I'm so glad Nic would take the time to be with us and get away. Vacations are expensive, even when you try to keep them quite reasonable: bringing lunches and snacks, sharing meals, driving, etc. But they are also a great time to create memories and and build relationships! I sure love my little family.

These are some pictures at the top of Vail. Hannah took the ones of me (while Nic was on the phone!) and of Nic and I. Impressive huh! And aren't my kids so cute! I couldn't decide which ones to post so you get a whole slew of them!

Vacation?!

Cell phones sure are wonderful... but before them, people could actually go on vacation!
We left Wednesday for Colorado. On the drive up Nic had me drive for a while while he worked. Then the next couple days he got and made a gazillion phone calls! Was this vacation or a work trip?! It really was fun to get away... Lots more pictures and stories to come!

Hannah's First Hair Cut!

Hannah is 3 years old and has never had a hair cut... until today! I braved it and gave her her first trim. She has such fun curls and I've been afraid that when we cut it, they will disappear. (Before pictures.)



(After)





After the cut, her hair was pretty straight from all the combing so I decided to straighten and curl the ends with my curling iron, another hair first for Hannah!

Straighten and Curled Under... notice the pants... they're on backwards :) What a little cutie-head!

Painting

No... not the walls or shelves this time... our nails! I painted Hannah's finger and toe nails, which she was totally delighted about. She even got to pick the colors: blue, red and yellow. Blue on the finger, then we did red with yellow over the top on the toes. So fun! (Nic wasn't sure about those blue nails!)Then I let Hannah paint my finger and toe nails... I know probably not the best idea, because now she'll want to do it all the time and think she's big enough. But we had fun and really she did a great job (wish you could really see what it was like, the pictures just don't do it justice.) I love spending time with you Hannah. You are so fun!

My First Harvest

Yellow pear tomatoes. Yum.

boots, hat, and puppy dog

It's 90 degrees and...I was going outside to water the garden and flowers. I told Hannah that if she got her shoes on she could come on out. This is what she came out in.

Meet Hannah's pet...She's been walking around pulling this shoelace saying its her dog.

I'd better not be released!

If you'll recall a few posts ago I made a statement after girls camp. Let me quote, "I can't wait until next year when I can go the entire week. (I won't be pregnant or nursing! I'd better not be released!)"

Well, 3 weeks ago today the bishop called. Said he needed to stop by for a few minutes. The only thing I could think of was that I was getting released.

Well, the Bishop comes, he asks how 'the baby' is doing.
"Great! He's a happy little guy." I respond.
"How's he sleeping?"
"Uhhh. Not so great."
The Bishop preceded to say,"Well, I'll get right to the point. I'm sure you've got all sorts of thoughts as to why I'm here. Natalie, we want to call you as the Young Women's president."

WHAT! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Guess I'm not getting released from YWs! And I can go to the whole week of camp next year! But still... Utter shock!

He continued to say that he worried with me having such a young baby. He said I could take some time to think about it. But he also said (and I wish I could remember his exact words), that he felt very strongly that I was to be the next president and that he's had very few callings confirmed so strongly since he'd been bishop.

I was very near tears when Hannah came sneaking out into the room and out of bed. It was kind of a relief to have her enter, because it allowed me to catch my breath for a moment. Obviously I was blown away, but I knew I didn't need time to think about it. The answer was yes, the answer is always yes. I was shaking. I told him I felt very inadequate!

We discussed a few more things. He asked if I had any questions.
"I don't know what questions to ask! I can't even think!" I was so not prepared for this! I didn't even know there was going to be a change in our presidency. Usually you can kind of sense these things coming. Total shock!
Once the bishop left, I walked to the counter, leaned over, put my hands in face and bawled! How was I going to do this? Why me? I'm just little. REALLY?!
Yes, I've been in 2 Young Women's presidencies. But I've worked with the Beehives, the sweet, wonderful Beehives.

After a while, I said, "I need to call my mom!"
I called mom and said, "I'm having one of those times when I just need to talk to my mom!"
"Oh no," she says, "What's wrong?!"
"Well, the bishop came over."
"You were just saying you didn't want to get released from YWs"
Through tears, "Now I'm president."
"You're going to be YOUNG WOMEN'S PRESIDENT?!"
Mom shared some wonderful words of wisdom.
The rest of the night I continued to shake, pray a lot, and have my mind racing.

Just this last Sunday, it became official. The new Young Women's presidency was sustained and set apart. The blessing the bishop gave me was beautiful and I really wish I didn't have such an awful memory! I remember he said I would be blessed for years to come and that my children would have angels attend them because of my service in this calling.

I am very excited for the great sisters I will be working with. I have a lot to learn from them and only know I can do it because of this new presidency, great advisors, and of course a very supportive husband. I am feeling so inadequate for this calling but know that if I have nothing else to offer I do have a testimony of the gospel to offer to these girls! I know Heavenly Father loves these Young Women and He loves me and will help me along the way!

Family Fourth Festivities

I love the 4th of July. What a fun day to celebrate! I'm grateful to live in this great land of liberty. Each year there is such an exhausting line of parties! (Mind you, Hannah's birthday was just the night before!)But we do it again the next year... and are anxious for the next already. We started the day with our traditional Baird breakfast games and lunch, which is always fun. Came home and crashed for a bit. Then headed to Nic's sister Alecia's for some pie and fireworks. The kids loved the fireworks. Yes, even Bryson, who was supposed to be asleep (and boy did I try), didn't want to miss out on the action. He was so enthralled and Hannah clapped!

Hannah's 3rd Birthday

Here are some of the fun things from Hannah's birthday!