Take a deep breath

We finally got life insurance on Paul. I can breath a little easier now when he goes knocking in ghetto areas or drives home in crazy weather. Anyways...he had to have a nurse come and give him a physical to make sure he is a healthy candidate to insure. With that physical he had to have his blood drawn. And in case you don't know Paul very well, he is deathly afraid, and I mean deathly afraid of blood. To both of our surprise he did really well with all the blood when I gave birth to Brooklynn but he said it was because of the adrenaline. But there was no adrenaline rush with voluntary blood donation (or rather required in this case). So, because of his fear, the nurse had him lay down on the couch...can you tell how nervous he is? So cute. He made it through and Brooklynn and I were so proud!

Grandma I want some of that!!!

The other day we were having dinner in my parent's beautiful backyard and enjoying the nice weather. Brooklynn started to play with my mom's cup and this is what I ended up capturing.

Our Precious little Girl

Just some sweet captured moments of Brooklynn lately...so cute and peaceful.

"His other ride is a surfboard"

We finally got some family time together the other day and Paul wanted to spend it at the beach. He bought himself a new surf board and was ready to test it out and also see how Brooklynn would do with the waves. Guess working out everyday and building up those muscles doesn't necessarily mean you are in good shape because Paul didn't stay out very long- he got tired quickly. But as always he looks so amazing. Brooklynn stayed very clean for the most part (And knowing me at the beach, I wouldn't have it any other way) but the water was a little cold. We put her feet in it and every time a wave would come she would lift her legs up. It was so cute. Thanks to Ryan for video taping her first beach encounter for us. It was a very enjoyable day as a family...one which was very much needed!

A late Happy Father's Day!

The above picture...Paul's father's day gift...reads... "The first man a girl ever falls in love with his her daddy!" Unfortunately I am so mad I didn't get a picture of him with Brooklynn on that special day... his first too! I'm horrible. It was a good day. We love the daddy so much. Happy Father's Day to my Paul William!

I can't believe it...She's all grown up!

My little sister, Shayna Paige, is not so little anymore. She just had her promotion from middle school and will be a freshman at the high school this fall! I can hardly believe it. Se is such a beautiful young woman and so much better than I ever was! I am so proud of her and hope that she will continue to make good decisions and blossom into the girl she desires to be. I love you sis!

P.S. Paul is missing from the pictures because he was at work and was unable to attend Shayna's promotion celebration! We missed him.

I love to see the Temple

The same day the family went out on the boat we were able to attend the temple that evening for my brother Skyler to receive his endowments. It was a great evening...one in which I feel so blessed that Paul and I were able to attend. It was the first time I have been able to go since having Brooklynn...therefore it was also the first time I left Brooklynn for longer than an hour. Luckily my best friend Stephanie was able to watch her for me since all my family was also at the temple. Steph said she did pretty good until bed time...then she wanted her mommy...or at least a part of me haha. Thank you to Steph for helping us out that night so that we could be there with Skyler. Don't know what I would have done without you!

I am so proud of my brother Skyler and excited for him to serve a mission. After the session Skyler asked to see where Paul and I were married, so we were able to take him to our exact sealing room and reminisce about that special day! It was a great evening to say the least.

First Boat Ride

A couple weeks ago we were able to go with the entire family on the boat. Brooklynn was able to test out her new life jacket. I was a little nervous she wouldn't like it and fuss but she didn't make a single peep. She sucked on the side of the jacket and enjoyed every moment. I love the picture of her with her three uncles, my brothers...they absolutely love her to pieces. It was great to see Ryan too for a quick visit.

Giddings Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Ancestors - Family name origins

Extended Giddings Pictures

We recently have done family pictures on both sides- extended Giddings and Ridley. Here are some of the Giddings and the Ridley's will soon follow.

A little later

When Brooklynn was a month old we came out to California for Karrie's wedding and Judy Hailey offered to take pictures of Brooklynn...we just recently got them back so here they are. Paul's mother was able to come with us so there are a few shots of her as well. It was a rough day for Brooklynn that day- she eventually became extremely fussy..but at that age it feels like no time is a good time because they are either hungry or tired..and she was both. However there are still a few good ones and because of that I would count it as a success. Thanks Judy for sharing your time and talents with us...you are such a great friend.

Photo Shoot

We recently had a photo shoot with Kristen Fuller..who was helping raise some money for the young women in our ward to go to Girl's Camp. Brooklynn wasn't showing off her smile as much as I would have liked her to, but Kristen was still able to capture some cute pictures. We will need to get some great prints of these because I like a lot of them...thank you Kristen!

Decisions Decisions...

Can't decide... Binki or fist?... Binki or Fist?

Northstar

Paul did an incentive for his guys... Pool O' Cash! The winners got to dive into the pool for $200 of quarters and dollar coins. It was fun. Then this last Saturday the boys finally reached their dinner goal and we went to Red Robin! It was delicious. They had their best week yet last week. I was so happy for them. Brooklynn slept through the dinner-nice and relaxed. We are having a great summer. Paul really has some guality guys in his office and he loves working with every one of them!

Called to Serve

My younger brother, Skyler, opened his call several weeks ago... He has been called to serve in the England, Manchester mission...The same mission my dad served in! He is reporting to the MTC in England on August 29th! We are so thrilled for him! But we will miss Uncle Skyler!

Catching Up

Sorry I have not posted in awhile. I finally got internet in our apartment and then our computer goes crazy with a virus so hence the long absence. Because it has been so long I have so many pictures to post and events to talk about. First of all, a few weeks ago we were able to meet my cousin, Ridley, for the first time. He is so cute and what a great name! He is about three months younger than Brooklynn. It was so great to visit with my aunts, uncles, and cousins for Matthew's college graduation! Then we have pictures of swimming, church, sleeping, snuggling...the usual everyday precious moments!

It worked so have another!

One day after swimming in the Pool (hence why she is only in a diaper), Brooklynn and I went to the office to visit Auntie Stephy. Brooklynn was just playing on the floor, enjoying tummy time, and I decided to videotape her..good thing too cause I caught her rolling over. I was so excited!

First Video Post

This is my first attempt of posting a video on here so I'm keeping my fingers crossed because videos always capture the moments better than camera still shots do. If it works I have a few more videos of her to post.. We shall see. Hopefully this will also help family members living far away from us to really see Brooklynn's personality. It's a video of Brooklynn eating her rice cereal...probably the 2nd or third attempt eating from a spoon. She was so funny. You will have to first scroll down and pause my blog page music so you can hear the audio of the video because her laugh is so stinkin' cute...you won't want to miss it!