New Food Blog

I'm joining the world of food blogging - check it out! http://bakeforlife.blogspot.com/

The Importance of Hobbies

I've been reflecting on what it is that I enjoy doing in my spare time, and I'm grateful to my husband who has encouraged me to find hobbies over the past 6 years.

Something I am passionate about is photography. I haven't pursued this hobby nearly as much as I'd like to think I have. I have everything I need to take beautiful pictures, but I just haven't had (or made) the time to do it.

I also love baking. There's just something about making a delicious, beautifully presented dessert that makes me happy inside. My most often baked good would have to be chocolate chip cookies. I thought I had the perfect recipe, but I still test out other recipes all of the time. I do have a tradition of making Alex a fancy cake on his birthday every year - there's just something about slaving away for hours on these cakes!

Another hobby I haven't pursued nearly as much as I'd like is reading. When I was young, I couldn't put books down. I'd read into the wee hours of the morning because I had to finish a book once I picked it up. I had a huge bookcase full of books, and my dad would take us to Barnes and Noble regularly and I'd get to pick out one or two books to buy. Since college, I haven't had that same drive to read. I'm still figuring out what types of books I like and what things interest me.

And lastly, I love to travel. I'm trying to figure out how I'll do it with a baby, but I have the travel bug and I don't think it will ever go away. I'm already thinking of where we can go on our next trip!

So, to those who are still reading, I'm asking for your comments. What things do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any favorite recipes for me to try out? What books do you recommend that I read? Any places that you think I need to travel to? Any tips on how to travel with a baby?

Such a cutie!

Family Visit

This past weekend we had lots of family come into town to celebrate the 4th of July and to be here for Nicole's baby blessing. My parents were here, my oldest brother Dan, his wife, Ashley, and their three boys, Josh, Jake, and Ben, and my sister, Megan, and her boyfriend, Andrew.

We kept really busy and had a blast! On the 4th of July we headed out to Gettysburg to watch a live reenactment. I highly recommend this as the way to see Gettysburg! There was the battle going on and a festival/fair, and then they have an awesome new visitor's center. Alex and I bought the audio tour on cd, so if any of you ever want to borrow it, you're welcome to!


On Saturday we went into the city and toured Independence Hall. We were part of a lucky group that got to go up to the 2nd floor of the building - none of us had ever done that before. We also went to Reading Terminal Market for some good eats, and then up to the Museum of Art to run up the stairs like Rocky!


And last but not least, Nicole had her blessing on Sunday. It was a beautiful blessing, and we feel so lucky to have had so many family and friends there. Nicole was an angel all through sacrament meeting and we are so proud of her!

Nicole on her big day

The men who participated in the blessing

Madeleine and Nicole

The family