Some Washington pics

We took these at the cemetery on Saturday afternoon. The lighting was just perfect for cute pictures of Emma. What am I saying, the lighting is always perfect for cute pictures of Emma!

We thought this was a cute picture of Max holding little Katrina's hand. We also celebrated Maren's (Kyle and Necia's girl) birthday party at Bryan and Heather's house. They had little tiaras for all the girls...

Emma and Ellis Emma in her tiara...and royal robes... Lexi, Maren and Natalie

We had so much fun with all the family. We love Adams-Bair parties because it always seems like one large family, and Jay always falls asleep somewhere...

Eternally Beautiful

As many of you know (especially because almost everyone who reads our blog is family…) our niece Mara passed away on September 22 after fighting for almost 1 year against cancer. To learn more about the last year please visit http://www.maraadams.com/ . Since most of you do know what has happened in the last year I don’t feel it is necessary to explain it any further. Instead I would like to talk a little about how Mara has affected us.

Mara was born just a few months before I left for a mission in Peru. I remember her being a happy, smiley baby. After 2 years in Peru I came home to a now 2 yr old girl. It always took me forever to get Mara to warm up to me. She had such a sweet little voice. My one goal during holiday vacations was to gain Mara’s trust and get her to talk.

Lucky for me, I met Leisha. She was much better at making friends with kids, Mara being no exception. We are so glad that both our families live in the same area so we could enjoy Mara each holiday.

We have felt an increased love from our Heavenly Father this last year. We have seen the Lord prepare us for the events that would come. Mara was diagnosed just a few days after our little Emma was born. We have felt Mara’s sweet spirit in Emma and are convinced that we had her just in time to understand on a small scale how Bryan and Heather felt about Mara.

We were sad to see Mara go, but we are happy she is at peace. We have been strengthened as a family and cherish every minute together. Bryan and Heather have impressed us so much. They are by far some of the best parents we know and are wonderful examples for us. We love them as we continue to love Mara. We are grateful for eternal families and the chance to be together again as Mara’s Team.

Thanksgiving 2004

Summer 2006 Summer 2007 Memorial day 2008 Summer 2008

We love you Mara!

Emma thinks she is so funny...

When we were in the Sacred Grove the other day I was bouncing Emma and she was laughing so much that Leisha took a video of it. Later that day we transfered the video onto the computer. We decided to watch the little video Leisha took and Emma just started laughing. We thought it was so funny! So of course we took a video of Emma laughing at herself!

Just a little bit of cuteness...

Here are just a couple of random pictures of Emma. I can't believe she is 11 months!

I just had to post these cute pj's!

I would like to say she is giving her baby doll kisses, but shes not. She likes to bite on her ears. Should I be worried?

Grove...

I don't think you could ever go to the Sacred Grove to many times. Since were not going to be in New York forever we want to go to the sites every chance we get. So yesterday we put on our jackets (it was a overcast day) and headed out to our favorite place.

It was a lot of fun taking Emma this time! She giggled and talked her way through.

My favorite part of going to the Sacred Grove is seeing the Stone Fence. It's the Fence that the Smith family built along their property line. These are the last remaining rocks of the fence. I wish I could take one...but that's why there probably aren't a lot of rock left. Richard always has to stop and check the apple orchard...to make sure the fire blight hasn't taken over yet. Emma just had to stop and smell the flowers before we left...silly girl!

It's about time!

Emma finally decided she wanted to get around on her own...

Can you say meow?

Well I got rid of the baby hawk finally! I decided to play with Emma's hair one day and I got inspiration from one of my own baby pictures. So thanks Mom. Here are a couple of pictures of her with her new dew.

This clip is of Emma's new trick. I think Grandma Adams will love this! Emma loved the cats at Grandma's house! Now anytime we say kitty she looks around for the cats, and anytime we meow she tries to meow too. Thus the clip...

France and Italy

As some of you may know, I recently went on a business trip to France and Italy. There is a nursery about 2 hours from Paris that has some apple rootstocks I am working with. There is also a research center about 2 hours south of Venice, so we decided to visit there as well. I was lucky enough to catch up with Neal Manly who showed me around. Leisha thought I should post a few pictures for those who may be interested.

The Eiffel Tower

The Louvre

My favorite statue inside the Louvre. The rest of my Louvre pictures are not appropriate for the blog...

Notre Dame Cathedral

Proof that it really was a business trip.

Outside the castle in Angers France. It was built in the 1300's

Venice!

The Grand Canal from Realto Bridge San Marco Square

Emma being Emma

It's been funny watching Emma watch the TV lately.

Emma really likes the Wiggles. Don't ask me why. Emma decided to use her rubber dukie in another fashion in the bath tub. Another picture of Emma glued to something going on on TV. Then she discovered she could lounge on her boppy while watching TV.