Exhaustion

This is what our office looks like at the moment. Poor Brett has to have all of these books and materials memorized for the BAR Exam at the end of July. The BAR is a two day test. Each day is 8 hours long of testing. (I would die right there.) We want to wish him the best of luck this month as he edges nearer to D-Day. Love You Babe!

This picture describes how we all feel, especially Brett. Abby has moved from her crib to a bed. When we first set up the bed, she thought we had just given her a trampoline, exclaiming 'Thank you Mommy, Daddy' jumping up and down on the mattress. I think she was pretty disappointed when we explained it was for sleeping and not jumping. She has some lessons to learn about going to sleep in a bed now that she's not 'behind bars'. It was a long night last night, but she'll get better. :) As you can tell, you can't sleep without having her stuffed animals there to accompany her.

Best Christmas Present !

Arriving around December 23rd! Abby is going to be a big sister. We are really excited to have this baby come to our family, it will be the best Christmas present. We are very blessed!

Virginia is for Lovers

Benjamin walking Abby to the car after a lovely morning at the park.

Juris Doctorate

He did it! Brett graduated! In Abby's words at commencement: "Yay Daddy!"
We are so proud of him and his hard work. One simple piece of paper can symbolize so much...time, discipline, hard work, dedication, endurance, and let's be honest: $$. These years of law school have been a wonderful experience and have definitely changed us. We wouldn't trade the experiences we have had for anything. We are very grateful for the people we have met, the many things we have learned and the Lord's hand in our lives. Thanks to our family and friends who have helped us through the years. We are blessed!
Now, on to face the BAR exam in July! Good luck Babe and CoNgRaTs!


DONE! Done! DONE!


Graduation was held on the National Mall in front of the Capitol, which made it a fun atmosphere. The weather was perfect, and we had just enough sun to give Brett an awesome tan line from his hat.
Round II...receiving the long awaited diploma. (This is where Abby 'lost it.' I have to give her credit, she did pretty well for 6 hours of meetings. )

Brett with his parents.
It was nice to have our parents out here to celebrate. Thanks for coming!

Nani
Pops

I made him pose at the Jefferson Memorial...

We had to get a picture in front of the Supreme Court.

Great friends...

The law school had a big party for the graduates at the Air and Space Museum. It was a good time, which included FREE unlimited Gelato ice cream. Yum.

Here are a few videos from graduation. Abby was actually good and even played quietly during Michelle Obama's speech. Phew.

The Great Outdoors

We have had a few mornings to spend with daddy before he starts his hard core classes for the BAR. Because daddy has been stuck studying behind a computer for the last few months, we thought it was a good time to enjoy the outdoors. We needed to stick close to home, so we chose some nice places around the city. Abby LOVED spending time with daddy. (As you can tell from the pictures, Abby insists on wearing a dress wherever she goes. She is all girl.)

ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Abby found a baby turtle along the way.

THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

These columns were transported from the Capitol when it was reconstructed. Here are the original columns from Abraham Lincoln's time.

She kept saying...'Pretty flowers Mama.' She also always wanted to check out the bees. Abby loves bees after watching them from our bay window with Aunt 'Sippy.'

Hand and hand with daddy.

Feeding the fish. (There were some big ugly ones.)

Great Falls

Watching the falls.

All within 30 min. from our house. Sweet.

A Mother's Imprint

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world."

— President David O. McKay

To our Mothers,

Thank you for showing us what LOVE is all about. We are so GRATEFUL for your great influence on our lives. Your imprint can never be erased. WE LOVE YOU! xoxo

Out of Control

This little girl makes everyday a fun adventure for sure, and we love her. (You can't truly enjoy a fruit smoothie without smearing it all over yourself and the walls.)