6 months

Dear Jane,

You are 6 months old today! That went by so fast! I can't believe that it was only 6 months ago that I was holding you and meeting you for the first time. When I could tell it was time to push all I could keep saying over and over to your dad was "I just want to meet my baby, I just want to hold my baby". You were perfect and you have continued to brighten every single day in our house. 

Your little 6 month old self is a treasure. When I get you out of your crib in the morning and when you wake up from your nap I am always greeting with the biggest smiles and squeals. You are sitting up so well. You love to sit and play with toys and watch your sisters run around. You are so peaceful and calm. You hardly ever fuss. When you do fuss, it really isn't that bad. 

You love to eat! You have started eating baby cereal and some baby food and you down it. Its so cute and fun to feed you! You are still nursing great too. That is one of my favorite things getting to sit down with you and curl you up in my arms. You will either fall asleep or take breaks to smile  and coo at me. 

You love your family! You get SO excited when daddy gets home and have a hard time taking your eyes off of him. Your sisters can always get a good belly laugh out of you. You are always the most calm and content when you are with me. 

It has been so fun to see more and more of your personality come out. You are not as busy and active as Abby was. You don't get overly excited about things like Juliet did. You seem to take things in and really think about them. You always have a quizzical almost skeptical look on your face like you are trying to figure out what is going on. I think you are really going to think about things before you do them. When I was doing this little photoshoot with you, you wouldn't smile at me when I was holding the camera. You were trying to figure out what that thing was. As soon as I would move it so you could see my face you would grin great big. The biggest smiles we got from you during the photoshoot was when we started singing Abby's song for you. "Little baby Jane, hop hop hop". Whenever you start fussing Abby starts singing that little song and you calm down and smile  at her. Its pretty awesome. 

You have the cutest little baby body in the world. So chunky and rolly polly and cuddly. Your cheeks are absolute perfection. I can't get enough of kissing them and making you laugh. You are so ticklish. And you love to grab and pat things. You love to be where you can see what is going on. You do not like being left in a room by yourself. If you can see me or one of your sisters you are fine. But being alone doesn't fly. You just soak in everything thats happening around you. You are great in the car. You are great when we are out and about. You are great when you have to miss naps. You are just great.

We lucked out with you sweet girl. Thanks for coming to our home and making our lives even happier. 

We love you Jane!

Love,

Daddy, Mommy, Abby and Jules.

Lunar Eclipse, Supermoon, blood moon

In September there was a really neat Supermoon, lunar eclipse, blood moon that was awesome. When the moon came up it was HUGE! So we drove over to the field by our house to check it out. Later in the night during the eclipse it looked blood red. It was crazy! Luckily it was beautiful night and we were able to watch it the entire time. 

We were trying to be cool and get an interesting picture... it didn't really work but I love Juliet's expression! I caught her mid really excited face. We love that kid and her extreme level of excitement. 

I love these pictures of the girls. They are the sweetest together! 

Estes Park

We took a day trip up to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park in September. It was the only open weekend we would have for weeks so we wanted to get up before it got to cold. We were really hoping to see some fall leaves and the mountains did not disappoint! We headed up there as soon as everyone woke up and got to the entrance of the National Park only to find it totally packed. I thought it might be busy, but all of the parking lots for the hike we wanted to do were full. It was nuts! We started driving up the mountain on the highest or maybe longest (something cool) paved road in the United States. This is where we got separated from our friends that came with us. That was bummer because nobody had service and there were SO many people. We drove up to the Alpine Tundra and got out for a little hike. We walked maybe 100 yards before Me, Jules and Abby had enough. It was so cold. It was in the low 40s and the wind was howling. Some nice lady park rangers took our family picture and laughed at how crazy we were. Then we ran back to the car and drove back down the mountain. We found a nice little place that wasn't too busy to stop and eat lunch. Then we hiked around the creek that was there. It was really pretty and relaxing. Then we decided to just go try to find a parking spot in the park and ride so that we could go do the hike that we really wanted. We saw a big herd of Elk with a huge Bull Elk on the side of the road. It was so cool! Then we totally lucked out and found 1 spot in the totally full parking lot. As we were getting out of the car we spotted Kelsey heading over to throw something away. It was a huge blessing that we spotted her. With no service it was nearly impossible to find each other. I'm so glad we reunited with them for the big hike. We hopped on the bus and all the kids were so excited. While we are the absolutely amazing hike all they wanted to do was get back to the bus. 

The hike to Alberta Falls was perfect. It was quick and easy and breathtaking. We were in the middle of a thick forest the whole way up but the view at the waterfall was amazing. The girls did a great job and were good sports about climbing all the way up the rocks to the very top of the waterfall. 

Then we hiked back down and drove down to Estes Park to have a fun dinner and get some taffy and caramel. It was so nice to be in Estes Park again. We had such a dream trip when we went there for Thanksgiving. 

Our first little hike after lunch. Years ago it used to be a very small ski resort. You could still see where the ski lift used to be. So that was cool. 

The fall leaves were so pretty! 

hiking up to Alberta Falls. 

I carried Jules all the way up and down. Not because she wanted to be carried, but because her poor little legs couldn't keep up with everyone. She was such a trooper. 

At the top of the mountain on the Alpine Tundra. It was SO cold. Abby and jules both had their heads buried in me. And of course Jane is just being cool. 

Beautiful views. This part of the drive really freaked me out. We were really high up and the road just dropped off . It was crazy. 

Our first hike again. It was nice and easy and pretty. 

Abby wanted to climb every log and boulder she saw. She is a little adventurer. I love it. 

Jules wanted to keep right up with Abby. She reminded me of little Carl from the beginning of up. When he is walking and pretending to be an adventurer. He tries to climb a stump (mount everest in his imagination) and he can't get over it so he goes around it. That was totally Jules. She would try to climb over a huge rock and end up scooting around it while holding onto it. She would get to the other side and say "I did it!" and we would cheer for her. She is so cute and never gives up. I love that about her. 

Best buds. 

We had to cross these precarious logs to keep going on the hike. It made me so nervous but everyone did it! 

The herd of Elk right off the road. Third time was a charm coming up to Estes Park. This area is famous for Elk but we have only seen a couple on the other trips we have made up there. 

At the top of the falls! 

Riding on my shoulders. It was fun to listen to her talk the entire time we hiked. 

Our champion hikers! 

The cute girls waiting for dinner to come. 

It was such a fun day! We were gone the entire day. Almost a full 12 hours. But the girls all did great. Its so fun to be able to take them on these adventures with us. 

September

September was such a fun and fast month. Usually September is one of those months that creeps by. Summer is over but the holidays haven't started yet. But this may have been one of my favorite Septembers ever! The weather was amazing and we did so many fun things! 

I love this picture. Abby is the best big sister. I was unloading groceries and Jane was fussing. All the sudden she stopped and looked over to see this. Abby had puller her over to where her and Jules were sitting so that they could keep her company. I love these three little girls!

Bike riding and wearing daddy's new hat. Abby is getting professional at her glider bike. It is the coolest thing to watch her learn and grow! 

Coming back from a walk one night. I always want to remember this beautiful house. It is the best place to live!

Cute happy sisters! 

Selfies at the park. 

Abby and Jules love playing this game where they "go to sleep" and then "wake up" and open up their "Christmas wish boxes" that have little toys in them. The Christmas wish boxes are the circle toys by abby that they put together. Its such a cute little game and they will play it for hours.  

Kyle took me on an epic date! We went to Red Rocks to see Brian Regan! Kyle got me the tickets for my birthday. It was a blast. We left all three girls and had an awesome time. Brian Regan is so funny and Red Rocks has to be one of the coolest venues I have ever been in! You could see the Denver skyline over the top of the stage. It was perfect night. 

I made carmelitas with the girls one day. I asked them to help me unwrap the caramels and put them in the bowl in front of Jules. Abby was a pro. Jules would unwrap them... but I don't think any of them ever made it into the bowl. Her little cheeks were full of them! 

Another picture from Red Rocks

Abby loves holding and taking care of Jane. Sometimes Jane gets a little fed up. But it is rare. 

We went to a movie night at the park. They were showing Big Hero 6. I wish we could have stayed the entire time. But it got too late for Jane. 

One day Abby insisted on changing Juliet's poopy diaper. Poor Jules, she was really uncomfortable with it. Ha ha. 

Selfie with my new Broncos hat! 

Sunday morning Snuggles

Building a castle in the kitchen in their halloween shirts. Abby has the most incredible imagination and Jules loves to follow along. 

Perfect Sleeping Baby.

Ward labor day 5k run! I made Kaity come do it with me. It was a blast!

After the 5k run our ward had a Labor Day BBQ. It was so much fun! 

Fun date with daddy! 

She had wrapped up her baby and was standing there bouncing her. Its so cool to me how they learn how to love and comfort at such a young age. Juliet is the sweetest little girl. 

Abby running in her sports class. She took this sports class once a week all through September. She was so shy at first, but she has really opened up. Its so hard and incredible to watch her in a situation like this. I want to protect her from everything. So its hard to watch my shy little girl fight for her place in line and fight to be heard and seen. But its incredible to see her grow and get stronger. I'm so proud of her. I hope that she will be confident and strong in everything in life. 

Mini Golfing with daddy! They can't stop talking about this and want to do it again so bad. 

They love riding this horse at king Soopers. Its only a penny! 

Grandpa had an overnight in Denver! It was so much fun to get to see him. I took the mortensen's pictures that same night so we were all together. He came to church with us the next day too. He was highly entertained by our wonderful children's antics during sacrament (namely Juliet running up on the stage during the sacrament). It was pretty hilarious! 

Selfies with my girls! There is never a dull moment at our house. 

I was trying to get a good picture of this little girls face but she wouldn't hold still. She is covered from head to toe in dirt. But she had a good time playing in the flower pots outside! 

Another picture from the movie at the park. Seriously, never a dull moment. Ever.

I LOVE this field. Full of sunflowers. I had to stop on my run to take some pictures. Its just breathtaking! 

Morning hangout. Juliet is already in a princess dress. They start playing and pretending as soon as their little eyes pop open in the mornings. I love it. 

One Saturday we took a little trip down to the Temple and the distribution center. I wanted to get the girls their own copies of the Book of Mormon to use for scripture study. We are really working on that. 

This sweet angel baby turned 5 months! In the past few weeks she has become a total pro at sitting up all by herself. She is SO happy. She has been taking better naps. She has been sooooo hungry. I've had to start feeding her rice cereal twice a day with baby food to keep her happy, on top of nursing 5 times a day. She is growing so big! 

For family home evening we have been going through the verses of "Follow the Prophet". Each week we learn a new verse, learn about the prophet and play a game. Its been awesome and the girls have learned so much. This week was on Jonah. You can see the tiny little Jonah at the bottom of the whale. We would take turns hiding and finding Jonah in the whale. Abby was obsessed with it. She asked me to take this picture, thats how much she loved it. 

We go on a walk/bike ride almost every single day. 

We can't take enough pictures of these 3 sisters. They are the cutest together! 

Cutest baby ever! That little shirt was only $1.50 at target. I couldn't resist. 

My pretty little Jules. I took this picture on a walk one Sunday. Jane had woke up around 5 in the morning and threw up everything she ate. So I stayed home from church with her and kept Jules with me. It was fun getting to spend some one on one time with that little sweet heart while Jane napped. 

Gorgeous sunset.

I found these fairy wings at the dollar tree! The girls love them. 

We found this costume at the halloween store. Abby thought it was so funny and now she prays that daddy can be the poop costume for halloween. I never thought I would hear that prayed for in a prayer! Ha ha! 

Jane and I went on a little adventure to Arizona together. It was Lacee's 16th birthday and my dad flew us down for a few days so that we could party! I was so much fun. Jane did a great job. We got to the airport over two hours before our plane took off and made it to the gate right as they were boarding. It took forever to get through security! Jane was a rockstar. I didn't get to nurse her until an hour after I usually nurse her but she was fine. She cried for a little bit on the plane, but I got her to go to sleep eventually. So it wasn't terrible. 

This was in the bathroom the night we arrived. I had been joking earlier that we would find one while I was there because we always see one when I'm there. Everyone said they hadn't seen one in months. And then boom, there it was. I hate them!

My gorgeous sister. I seriously can't believe that she is 16 now. 

I love this temple! I took this picture while I was running. I didn't make it very far before I turned around. It was way way way too hot. 

I found this picture of me at my parents house! Look at that little girl. It is Jules. I made my own clone. 

Airplane selfie on the way home. The way home was so much better. We had a seat in-between us and the next person. Jane slept almost the entire way. The fall colors on the mountains were incredible from the air. It was so fun to get away and so fun to get back to my girls and my incredible husband. I like him. 

We were talking about how awesome September was and Kyle mentioned how it was our last September in Colorado. All the months from here on out will be our last. It makes me really sad! But really excited. We are ready to get the most out of every month from here on out and soak up every moment of Colorado (even winter).