Christmas and then some :)

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday together and loved all the time we were able to spend with our family. Now that I have a child, I'm more grateful than ever for the Savior and his example and love teaching Mackenzie about him. I look forward to her growing up and teaching her to be a charitable person and to share the holiday spirit with others. I really would like her to grow up and understand the true meaning of the holidays rather than think it's a time to receive gifts. She's so sweet during our family prayer at night and I love how she'll sometimes squeeze my hand at the end. It's probably just a coincidence, but I love it all the same. Here's some photos from Christmas though, she was so cute in her dress Grandma Wragg bought her and I can't believe she kept in her hair piece I made (I'm thinking she was distracted by everything else so it was off her mind).

The day of Christmas we spent time with the Reed family since Nathaniel had to go to work and we had fun! Mackenzie loves Grandma Lud and always is leaning on her legs to give her hugs. Grandma's gone back to Utah but I know Mackenzie will be looking for her whenever we visit. We had a blast playing outside and listening to Amy play piano. 

On New Year's Day at 1:11pm Mackenzie's Grandma Sandra married and had a small ceremony in St. Augustine and we couldn't be happier for her and Ernie. We wish them all the best!! Here's a photo of the newlyweds I got off my Grandmother In Law's blog that I hope they don't mind me sharing.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and has a great 2011 :)

Seaworld Fun!

Our family received passes to Sea World recently and met up with the Grandparents to go and it was a fun day! I had never been before so I was excited to see what Sea World was all about. Mackenzie was in awe the entire time of the animals and people surrounding her. We went to the manatee and penguin exhibits and it was pretty neat. Towards the end of the day we saw the Shamoo and Ice Skating Christmas shows which were fabulous! We were lucky enough to have a great seat to watch the fireworks as well. It was a great family outing and we're so grateful for the opportunity we were given to go. Here are some photos of our trip!

Mackenzie's First Birthday

Mackenzie is now 13 months so I'm a little behind on birthday posting! We had so much fun celebrating her first year of life. 

We had her first party in Memphis, Tennessee with my family while we were visiting for Thanksgiving and it was a blast! She loved playing with my cousins and getting to know everyone. I wish we could have stayed longer so she could have a better memory of it all.We had a family party at my Aunt Marcia's home and it was so fun! Mackenzie did not want to touch the cake so unlike many one year olds, she was fed her birthday cake. She's so silly. I love her so so much though! We're so grateful for everyone who came and had a great time with us.

Her second party was in Clermont, FL at Hancock Park and I think her favorite part was running around the pavilion while conquering her fear of stepping onto grass. She is so cautious and wants nothing to do with that green stuff on the ground. She'll only walk on cement. Sometimes she'll be brave and walk in it but not often. Many of our friends and family came out and celebrated and it was so nice to catch up and hang out with everyone. It was beautiful outside and the perfect day for a park party! I wish I had taken pictures there but I was so busy.

The  third and final party was on her actual birthday and it was very small. The three of us, Micah and Kenzie's Grandma Sandra met at Chuck E Cheese and had a great time playing! I had no idea Mackenzie would enjoy it as much as she did. Luckily, it was a school night and there weren't many people there so we had it almost to ourselves. We played hard! She is a very brave girl and just goes for anything (except grass apparently). By the time we pulled out of the parking lot she was fast asleep. 

Mackenzie is such a sweet girl and brings unmeasurable joy into my life. The love I have for her grows everyday and I enjoy talking and teaching her so much. She's bright and has funny little quirks that are all her own. I love her sweet giggle and shy smiles. It cracks me up how she thinks dogs not only bark but most other animals with the exception of horses and monkeys. I love her little signs that she's developed to let us know things she isn't old enough to express yet. She's smart and just tons of fun. She has such an appreciation for books, colors, animals and so much more and I'm overall just excited to watch her grow into the beautiful, smart girl that she's becoming. I know I might be a little biased because I'm Mommy although Mommy knows best, right? Haha :)

Here are some photos from her parties. Thank you to everyone who made this year so special! We love all our friends and family!

Grandma Sandra and Mackenzie

Cousins Sophie and Spencer :)

Three Generations- Mommy, Kenzie & Mammaw

Navy Update

Nathaniel's been looking into the Navy for quite some time now. We didn't expect it to be such a lengthy process but after months of doing all the things we needed to have done the time is finally here. Nathaniel will be leaving for Jacksonville on Monday and Tuesday he will enlist and receive his career. If there's not a job opportunity available that we're happy with, we will walk away from it. He's hoping to get into the medical field since he works in it already although it's most likely not in demand so we've made a backup list of jobs we're going to look at..well he is going to look at. Apparently wives are not allowed in making life decisions in the Navy. His recruiter gave me his word that he'd call me before anything official went down so fingers crossed that he's an honest man. 

I know there's some controversy in whether we're making the "right" decision for our family. We've done much research and have prayed thoroughly about this and it does feel like it's a really good opportunity for our family. Although it'll be difficult having him gone a lot the next four years, I know he'll be blessed for his service to our country. 

If there's a good career available then I am so excited to start this new adventure and if not then I'm just as excited to start Plan B :)!