Baby Christopher!

Today I got a new cousin!! Baby Christopher Douglas Stephenson was born 3/30/2013 at 1:59 PM in Phoenix, Arizona. 5 lb 12 oz, 18.5 inches long. He is my 14th cousin, and the 17th grandchild on the Kopta side. He came just in time for Easter.  I love him already. Congrats Michelle and Larry on your little boy!

 

Happy Birthday LaRae

Friday the 29th was Mama Lemich's birthday! They spent birthday weekend in Orem with us and Dallin. (Who is finally back from his internship. Now Mike gets his twin back!) We went out to eat at Mimi's cafe, then went back to our apartment for March Madness, cake, and presents. On Saturday we went birthday shopping, to see the movie The Host, and out to dinner at Iggys to watch more March Madness. I had never heard anything about The Host or read the book. At first when the movie started I thought, "Oh dear, I hope the whole movie isn't a one on one with her and the voice in her head" -but it wasn't, and the movie definitely grew on me by the end. Mike even said he enjoyed it.

The lighthouse

Arizona

Last week I also got to leave town and go to Arizona Wednesday - Sunday. I couldn't have asked for better weather. 90's all weekend! I went with Kathy, Olivia, Calvin, Levi and Grandma Sue. (Mike was left behind because of school.)We stayed at the Floyd's in Phoenix. The main reason for the trip was to visit my aunt Michelle, and attend her baby shower. Unfortunately, on Monday before we came up, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia due to her blood pressure spiking during the pregnancy. The doctors sent her to the hospital where she has to remain until the baby is born. She is 35 weeks along, but the doctors are planning to induce her at 36 weeks. Luckily, the hospital let us change the baby shower location to one of their conference rooms, so we were able to celebrate with her. She was only allowed to leave her room for 1 hour, and had to be wheeled there in a wheel chair. There were about 20 people who showed up at the shower, and I think she felt loved. The other days of the trip were spent shopping, swimming, tanning, eating, chatting, and of course dog walking.  I walked Michelle's dog Snickerdoodle ever day while we were there. I also went to my cousin Jared's soccer tournament to cheer him on. I can't wait to meet my new cousin. He could either be a Samuel, Nicholas, or Christopher, and should be arriving next week.

 (Olivia)                                 (Taylor)

 

(My buddy Snickerdoodle)

It's finally getting warm!

Mike and I LOVE cycling, hiking, and running outdoors. Our favorite trails to bike have been covered in snow, until last week. We were finally able to take the bikes into the mountains and ride!