She's becoming a little girl

Lydia likes to be pretty. Larisa made her a nice green skirt, and she loves to wear it and dance around. It's fun to see her with some favorite things, like her sippy cups, dresses, and boots. She has these pink rain boots, and even if it's not raining she will say "boots" when it is time to go outside (which she can say as well - "oukide"). Sometimes we just let her wear them anyway.

"Bagga" is how she says banana. They've become a favorite food for her recently. She'll look at us very seriously to make sure we understand when she says "bagga." It's funny when we wake her up in the morning and she's already making meal requests like "bagga" or "egg."

We went to Utah at the end of March and saw Myron and Ruth, Laura and Spencer, my parents, the Hartleys, and Michael. We also visited Ryan Gardner and Bart Seeley. On the way there we drove straight through the night, beginning at about 8pm. Lydia just slept the whole time. On the way back she was fine as well. Whenever we would go to get her out of the car she would try to hold on to as many toys as she could. She'd start piling them up in her arms as we went for the door to get her.

Lately I've been at home pretty late in the mornings. Sometimes I've just been doing school work up in our bedroom. When Lydia notices that I'm awake (if I go to the bathroom or something), she gets excited and starts yelling "daddy." It's very fun to hear. I usually can't resist but to go play with her.

Memories

Last night I slept according to the missionary schedule. It's definitely a lot healthier than my usual sleeping habits. I think the night before I got to be at about 2am.

My youngest brother, Michael, went into the MTC on Wednesday (going to Toronto). Aren't memories wonderful, especially when they're good ones? I've been reflecting on the MTC. Life was so focused and I was willing to commit so much effort. I remember seeing Erik (Elder Heiss) a lot on the way too and from classes. He'd always be speaking Spanish to me. I also remember taking pictures a few times with our BYU ward. Michael will be in the MTC for only three week, whereas I was there for nine. Still, I've been sort of nervous and anxious for him. I know how intense and busy the MTC is. I hope he loves it as much as we all did.