Fun and Friends

The days just seem to be flying by in this Lute household! Isla and I are anxiously awaiting spring so we can go outside and enjoy some good ol' Oregon sunshine, although the few nice days we have had recently have not gone unappreciated :)

A few weekends ago, we (Kyle and I, along with our good friend, Alicia) took Isla to the Riverfront Carousel for the first time. She was a little unsure at first, but after five rides she seemed to get the hang of it.

What a big girl she is becoming! It's hard to believe she is almost one and a half!! It's fun to see her learning new things every day. It was bound to happen even though I wished it wouldn't...Isla recently discovered the word "no". I'm sure she thought it was great that she could use the phrase that Mom and Dad so often use with her..."No, Isla. Don't eat the dog food." "Isla, that is a no-no. Do not put your finger in the light socket."

But with a face like this, how can a mama's heart not melt?

Recently we welcomed our new nephew, Sam, into the family. He has now brought the total to four nephews and three nieces. Family get-togethers are anything but quiet, and that's how we love them :)

Our own family has been lucky to "adopt" a new member. Our great friend, Alicia (or "Leesh" as Isla calls her) makes frequent appearances throughout our week. Her husband is currently serving overseas with the National Guard, and while we are so thankful for his loyal service, we are also grateful that we get to temporarily adopt his wife into our own family :) We are able to spend two dinners a week together, along with our weekly game night, not to mention the times she relieves Kyle and me from our parental duties. We are greatly blessed to have such a dear friend and Isla can never seem to get enough of her Auntie Leesh :)