Feeding the Ducks, Zoe walking??

There is a duck pond in Springville that we have been excited to take Zoe to. When we got there, there were just a few ducks around, but it only took a few minutes for them all to figure out we had bread. I am pretty sure this is a popular place because they all came swarming, ducks, geese, and even a few pelicans. I am not gonna lie, I was honestly a bit nervous with them all surrounding us, but it was really fun and Zoe loved it. We handed her a few pieces of bread, but she didn't throw it to the ducks, she wanted to just eat it herself. It will be fun when she gets the hang of what to do.

On another note, Zoe is finally starting to take some steps! It has been so fun watching her develop and learn new things at her own pace. For the past 6 weeks or so, she has been so comfortable cruising around just barely hanging on to one of my pinkies. We kept thinking she would just take off and go any day, but with her cautious personality, we knew it would happen only when she was well and ready. So on Monday night, she was on the one side of the couch and I saw her little head pop up. Then she sat back down, and popped back up a few times, and then just walked over to the window! I didn't say anything yet, she didn't know I was watching, so I wanted to continue to see what she did. Sure enough, next she went from the window to the couch. Then she saw me so we clapped and had a little celebration! Since then it has been funny, because she will go off by herself or facing away from us to "practice" I guess (of course we are secretly watching). She will get up, take a few steps, fall, have a little frustration tantrum, and then get up and try again. Tyler says she wants to get good and confident before she just comes out and does it knowing we are watching, haha!

We have been so lucky to have this little girl in our lives, she has taught me so much already. Mostly being more patient! I am kind of a freak and a perfectionist with many things, and she has brought out being more laid back in myself. If the house isn't perfect, so what, if I have spit up or slobber on me, it is not the end of the world, if she won't keep a headband on so people don't call her a he, who cares! One of the things I feared about being a working mom, was missing out on big firsts that happen especially in the first year. I have been so blessed to be with her when she accomplished many of her firsts, and grateful for those experiences.

Moab

We generally do at least 2 trips a year to Moab, one in the spring, and one in the fall. We hadn't been since Zoe was born, so we were excited to get back down to see that beautiful red rock. I don't know what is my deal is lately, but for the past couple trips down, I get nervous while jeeping and don't enjoy it as much. There are a few trails that I will always love and be fine with, but the boys always like to go and do the more difficult trails. I wasn't comfortable with doing even the easiest of trails with Zoe, so I was so excited that my little sister and her hubby tagged along. Ty invited Scott to ride along as passenger with him, so Ruth, Zoe, and I went to explore Arches National Park. It was perfect weather, lower 80's with a slight breeze so great for hiking. We did Delicate Arch in the morning, I couldn't believe Ruth had never been there! I remember going to Arches a few times as kids, but maybe we never hiked there, we just did the lookout. I have hiked it a few times with friends and Tyler, and always enjoy it. We weren't able to do it at sunset though, which is the best. We did a few other little trails to arches after that, and enjoyed our time talking as sisters. I can't remember the last time I spent that much time with her just chatting, it was really fun.

It was our first time tent camping with Zoe and she did great. We camped a few times with her last year, but were lucky enough to use the Happiness Bus, aka Shannon's trailer. The first night was a little difficult to get her to go to sleep because a dog kept barking (she loves dogs, and goes "OOOO" every time she hears one). She woke up with the light very early the first morning, but went back to sleep pretty quick. The second night she was right on with her little schedule, no problems.We are looking forward to lots of summer weekend trips with her!

 Zoe and me under Delicate Arch

 The chipmunk Ruth bribed in

 Wiped out while hiking back

 Fun time playing in the tent