Colombia 2012

We went to Colombia!! That's all..........just kidding. We had originally planned to take this trip next year in the summer, but we felt we should take it sooner. So, we made the arrangements and got all ready to go in August. It was a really great trip. We spent a few days in Bogota, a few more in Neiva, and the last part of our trip was spent in Cartagena. Lily was an amazing traveler. The plane rides didn't phase her, she adjusted well to the time difference, she like the bouncing of the bus rides in Bogota, she loved the food and the people, and she just had a good time. A piece of advice, though...baby food in Colombia is expensive...travel with your own or travel with a child that will eat what you're eating!

In Bogota, we visited some of Faiver's extended family, Monserrate, la Candelaria, the president's plaza (I don't actually know what it's called), and ate lots of yummy food. We were in Bogota the shortest amount of time, and because Lily needs naps, we didn't see as many things as we had originally planned. It was really great, though. Lily liked to make noises when she bounced on the bus! It was classic!  

Daddy and Lily at Monserrate

with Abuelita :)

                                                       

Lily loved her food 

On the plane from Bogota to Neiva 

We stayed in Neiva the longest. We visited lots of friends and family, ate lots of yummy food, went to Playa Juncal, went to the river, and got to see parts of the city that we hadn't been to last time. It was unbearably hot, but we managed! Thank goodness our friend stayed in a hotel with AC so Lily could take good naps. It was a life saver!!

This baby can sleep anywhere!
It was super hot at the river, and she slept for like an hour!!

Us with Faiver's mom

                                                 
Cartagena was beautiful! We rented an apartment right on the beach, so we only had to walk the length of a football field to be in the ocean. The water was wonderful and warm! Lily was a little hesitant at first, but then she started to like it. We went to see the castle, saw lots of stuff on our bus tour, took a boat tour to some islands, met an Italian actor, and had a very relaxing end to our vacation. I loved it there.
                                           

One of the stops on the bus tour

at the castle

on our way to the islands

getting in the ocean was a welcome relief from the heat

Hopefully we can go back to Colombia soon. It is a wonderful place with wonderful people and amazing food.

Aunt Muriel

This summer was a very special one for many reasons. One of them was that my sister was in Utah with us for the whole summer - she watched Lily while I worked, helped me around the house, and many other things. It was so nice to have her here! It was one of the best summers I've had because she was here. It was amazing to get to know her again (we haven't lived in the same house for many years) and spend time with her. We laughed, started a running program, and had great culinary experiences. Lily got to know her aunt, and I had a 24/7 helper. I don't know if I would've gotten through the summer without her. She left at the beginning of August...I miss her a lot. I'm glad we got the chance to spend so much time together. Love you, Muriel!!

Interrupting Aunt Muriel while she was doing her exercises

Lily LOVES Aunt Muriel's Camelbak

"Oh, that's your eye?!"

My bug is ONE!!

So, if anyone out there actually reads my blog, they'll know that I'm writing this quite a bit after Lily's first birthday. Better late than never :) Our little bug turned one in July, and I remember planning and getting everything ready for the party while thinking, "really?? I have a one-year-old??" Oh how time flies.

The day before her birthday, we went to FotoFly Away to do her one-year pictures. It was really nice because my parents were able to be in a few pictures too! They went to California for their 30th wedding anniversary and decided to stop in Utah on their way back home. It just so happened that their trip overlapped with Lily's birthday. It was so nice to have them here!! So, FotoFly is an amazing place for pictures. I love the work they do, although I didn't have a good experience getting my prints from them this time...that's another issue though. Our little Lily is so photogenic and just LOVES having her picture taken! See for yourself:

She did this pose all by herself!

Yay for family!

                                                             

Once again, all by herself. What a ham!

We did the cake smash with a cupcake. She loved it!

The day of her actual birthday was pretty low-key. We went out to dinner and sang to her, but the party was the next day, and since she's one, we didn't think she'd really care that she wasn't opening presents and having cake on her actual birthday. :) The party was stressful, but that just comes with being the hostess. Our friend let us have the party at his house...it's much bigger than our little apartment! Faiver made arroz con pollo and French Fries, and I made the appetizers and the cake. My mom decorated it the way I wanted it...she's amazing! The house was soon filled with friends and family that came to celebrate with us. Lily was a little nervous at first, but then she was ok. She wasn't too interested when it came to opening presents, and everyone staring and cheering when she ate her cake scared her, so that didn't last long. All in all, it was a great day!

                                                

The serving table

Ladybug appetizers...aren't they cute?!

  

Cake time!!

Thanks, Mom!!

Lily definitely makes our lives happier, more interesting, and just better. Happy Birthday, Lily bug! We love you!!