March

A little bit of commentary: Jewell is by far the best thing to take pictures of, so that's pretty much what we have! I (Jeanie) have been taking her to playgrounds and parks as often as possible (there is a play group the moms in our ward hold every Tuesday at the local park). She does a lot of cute things at home, of course. Above you can see her sporting her favorite beanie hat (thank you, Emma Nelson), and her love for stuffed animals. Like many toddlers, she loves to run around with nothing but a diaper (or nothing at all). She also loves books... and every second of time she gets to spend with her daddy.

2 Years Old

Jewell turned two on January 29th, and I think had a pretty great birthday. We celebrated in Milton-Freewater at Travis' parents, a weekend trip we made so that I could attend Amanda Nelson's baby shower. Grandma Jorgensen's birthday was that Sunday and there was a big dinner with Aunt Colleen and Uncle Gene in attendance. Their granddaughter, Taylor, was there, who turned out to be a great playmate to help Jewell break in her new toys. Jewell got a set of beads (ages 4 and up, but we supervise) and a 6-in-1 doll set (playpen, front pack, carrier, bouncer, changing pad, and clip-on high chair). Only $19 at Target! There's a plug for ya.
Much thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Nelson for the wonderful ice cream cake!

Playing on with some of the toys at Grandma & Grandpa Nelson's house.
The Hello Kitty birthday balloon, which she wanted to take with her everywhere: to the library, to Church (we didn't) even to bed (I snuck in after she was asleep and pried it from her clutches).
Cute little redhead
Putting her blankie "on". Thankfully, Jewell enjoys brushing her teeth. She uses a variety of toothbrushes at once and insists on having the water run the whole time. It makes me cringe, but I'm picking my battles.
Tending to the needs of her stuffed animals

Our Holidays

Have I started a New Year's Eve tradition for our family? This year, I made clam chowder. The best I have ever had! Thank you Costco, Martha Stewart, and Doogers for your supplies, recipe, and inspiration, respectively.

Christmas morning at Grandma & Grandpa Nelsons. Jewell is holding the Christmas stocking I made her.

Jewell had a lot of fun with her Aunt Tiffany, and kept asking her to come "sing" at the piano.

Some pics (still in the parking lot) of our sledding trip on Christmas eve. Jewell was NOT very excited about it. In fact, this year we bought her some pink snow boots and black snow pants, but she despises the snow pants so much she seems to have rebelled against all snow activity. Must buy pink everything from now on to ensure that it meets Jewell's standards. I basically had to hold her the entire time we were out sledding, which wasn't too much fun for me. But it was still amazingly beautiful outside. (For better sledding pics of the trip, and shots of a little girl who IS having fun, see Heath & Michele's blog).

The family photo: despite wild children and a freezing cultural hall, we made it happen! Thanks everyone for your cooperation.

Back in Selah at the ward Christmas party, Jewell got her first good taste of Santa Claus. Although she enjoyed the little toy doll he gave her, she was not otherwise amused.

Happy Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving day very casually, just the three of us. We all got to sleep in and relax, and then we went for a drive up the canyon. It was raining everywhere, but miraculously as soon as we reached the spot where we wanted to go on a little hike, it wasn't raining! We had a scenic little stroll in the snow. When we got in the car and started driving, we were immediately in the rain again.

Instead of turkey, I made a quiche using my mom's fantastic recipe. And some apple pie. Jewell at a croissant and a heap of Wheat Thins. My little carb-lover.

But we did eat a bunch of turkey, like everyone else. Our Thanksgiving really happened last Sunday, when Trevor and Amanda came to visit and be part of the big feast held at her grandparent's house here in Selah. Talk about a buffet! And lots of people. Yet all Jewell ate was a muffin. Typical. But we feasted and Jewell had a great time playing with all the kids there. Trevor and Travis went skiing (some newly fallen snow) on Saturday, and we all rough-housed in the living room (and hugged)...

Also, I just finished painting this little wooden cradle I found for Jewell at an antique store in Seattle. I have a new-found love for spray paint!