A Sweetie Pie

Halloween

We attended my Aunt Carolyn's annual Halloween party as an ASU cheerleader and two fans.

We decided to carve a pumpkin this year. This is the first time we've carved a pumpkin together, but we had some fun. It is what I call a "pumpkin creation." Justin provided the inspiration and I did much of the cutting. We started on Monday night and finished on Tuesday, so the end result was a little droopy. 

Can you tell what it is?

On Halloween night, we headed over to our ward's Trunk or Treat for a little while before Savannah called it a night.

I love her face in this last picture! So serious!

 

And we're back!

Time flies. It has been a long time since I wrote anything on this blog. And really, I've never been too faithful about posting. I'm not going to make any resolution about how often I'm going to post, but hopefully it will be more regular than every 11 months. A lot has changed in my life since last November, and I know that out-of-town family members would like to see more of what's new.

Almost three months ago, we welcomed Savannah Dickson into our lives. Savannah was born on July 8th. The delivery was a wonderful and challenging experience, and we are so happy to have her with us!

 

About an hour and a half after her birth.

 

Later that evening.

 Leaving the hospital.

 

All tuckered out.

At one month.

I love all of her dark hair, which is now gradually falling out.

Just three days before Savannah was born, we purchased a new (to us) car. About a month after she was born, we sold our 15-year-old Mazda 626. It has been a great car, with lots of memories. It's the car we dated in, the car Justin drove back and forth to Tucson, and has brought a lot of laughs and frustration. Justin was sad to see it go, even with all the grief is has caused us. 

Savannah was blessed in our church on August 19th. We were grateful to have so many family members there with us.

This dress was worn by my mother, myself, three of my sisters, and two of Savannah's cousins.

The whole group at my grandparent's home.

 During the middle of September, we went to the annual Thomas Family Reunion with my mom's side of the family. It is always a fun time filled with good company, good food, and lots of nature to enjoy. Savannah did really well on the trip.

 

Unfortunately the only picture I took on the trip. Savannah is with her oldest cousin, Samantha, who is a pro at taking care of babies.

 With her aunt Allison and cousin Makenna, who is 9 months older than Savannah. Someday they'll be closer in size, but it is amazing to see the difference 9 months makes during that first year of life!

Savannah is smiling more and more all the time, which is so much fun. We are really enjoying being able to interact with her more.

 

Savannah reserves her best smiles for us when she is getting her diaper changed. She also loves to smile and talk to the owl on her bouncy seat. Undoubtedly because he is red, Mr. Owl has become one of her dearest friends.