Flying with Emma

That's right Emma takes her first flight this weekend! We are headed to Arizona to visit some friends from Hawaii and for a family reunion. As I am preparing for the journey I have done some research and talked to a few friends on how to fly with a baby. I still feel a little anxious as to how Emma is going to react to the sounds and feelings of flying. I am also anticipating the amount of luggage I am going to have and how much harder it is going to check-in, go through security, board, de-board, and get our luggage. And all by my self!!!! (Mark is taking a later flight)

This is where you come in. I am turning to you my blogging buddies. I need some help - and maybe a little encouragement! What experiences have you had with flying with a baby or what advice have you heard or used that might be helpful? Anything would be GREAT!

Here are a few details and things that I have already planned on:

1. Emma is 7 months old and will not have her own seat (does anyone buy a seat for children under 2?)

2. She is really active and vocal ( I am a little worried that her talking will bother others).

3. I am planning on checking in her car seat and base and just taking her stroller ( don't they let you just put it at the door of the plane before you board and then they give it to you after you land?)

4. We are flying out at 6:30 (she is normally up at 7) and we have a 2 hour layover in SLC, then we arrive at 11:30 (2 hours past her nap time) . I am just hoping she will nap or just be so curious about her surroundings that she will make it through :)

5. We are flying out of Medford so it's going to be a turbo-prop plane until we reach SLC.

Ok I think that's it.... HELP!

Then & Now

This first picture was taken right before Mark and I were married.

This second picture was taken yesterday nearly 3 years later in the same spot.

(please disregard that I am still wearing the same sweatshirt 3 years later - I need a wardrobe makeover!!! )

Besides our cute addition, we have grown so much these past few years. Life hasn't always been easy, and it doesn't always go according to our plan. We get thrown trials that we wish that we could just pick up and throw back, but we have been blessed more than we ever could have imagined.

I know that my Heavenly Father's hand is guiding me in everything I do. And where ever we may go in this life, he will always be there as he has promised.

I am feeling like i am the luckiest today as I see a loving husband and father playing with his daughter. I love him more today than ever!!

Let Freedom Ring

I know that it is nearly a week overdue but I can't get this song out of my head! So I guess I figured that meant I needed to share what we did on Independence Day. When you are in Southern Oregon on the 4th of July there is no greater entertainment then the Ashland Parade. It was a hot day but we weren't going to let Emma (or Mark) miss out on their first 4th of July....shall we say... "Cultural Experience"!

Poor Emma was so tired and Hot! She was a good trooper though, she loved watching all the floats and she kicked her legs to the music.

You also wouldn't believe who came out for the festivities

enough said!

We were happy to see shortly after, the Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They sang "Called to Serve" as they walked through the streets of Ashland. I have to say this gave me goosebumps. It helped remind me how blessed I am as a member of the church to have religious freedom. I was proud to see the white shirts and black name tags.

Then if there is ever a place to protest something, this would be the venue. A HUGE group of people holding signs stopped in the middle of the road, faced the library, and proceded to bow before it! They were protesting the recent closure of all the Southern Oregon Libraries. Parade watches cheered with support! To read more about said closures click here.

What a great parade! We love Ashland and we love their parade!

I feel so blessed to live in a country where we are free. So if I can't get this song out of my head thats fine..... LET FREEDOM RING!!