New Toys for Sam

It's an exciting world for kids when there are such fun toys for them to discover and that is what Sam has found during our stay here in Utah. The stroller has become a torturing device since he found there was a new way to take a stroll with mommy! Without fail, Sam always grabs hold of the steering wheel each time we go for a cruise!

My mom bought a bouncer for all her new grand babies and it has become Sam's favorite toy. Without fail his little legs do an Irish Jig! Grandma Stomberg loved it so much, she bought one for her house too for Sam. Sam has also been discovering his voice and has found a new game of Copy Cat.

6 Months and Growing

It has been 6 months since we have had our special little Sam in our lives and we feel so blessed to have our amazing son! Right at Sam's 6 month birthday he decided to show off some pearly whites to us! Aren't they cute!!

Firsts for Sam

These little events are big events for Sam and I. Since we've been to Utah Sam has had a few fun little firsts!
Like discovering grass!

Taking a bath without a baby tub! He loved to splash!!

Playing and sharing toys with cousin Tristan!

Sitting in a high chair for his meals!

Visiting the Strombergs

Sam & I have been able to see Grandma & Grandpa Stromberg and Aunt Susan since we've been here and I think a great time was had by all. Sam and I plan on making many more opportunities to visit with the Stromberg side and enjoy our little Sam's company!


I guess this is how Sam shows his determination. What a riot you are Sam!

Coming to Utah

With Aunt Ashley's help we had a great flight to Utah, with the last leg being filled with babies. We were actually glad that was over. We think that Sam was the best baby on board!

Grandpa & Grandma Bean met us at the airport that night and I think everyone was glad to see each other. It's always such a relief to arrive to your destination. The next day, Sam was able to meet the newest Bean cousins (Tristan & Samantha.) It was really cute to see them smile and play with each other. Grandpa had just as much fun as them!

Aunt Ashley Comes to Laura's Aid

If it were not for my sister Ashley, I don't know if I could have packed everything up, take care of Sam and close up the house for 4 months! This was an emotional experience and I feel blessed for family that always comes to my aid.

Ashley and I decided to relax a little and play dress up with Sam at Old Navy. Sam please forgive us, but you're so darn cute!!

Look-alike Meter

That was a no brainer!

I've been tagged

The Strombergs have been tagged by Kristina! Since this is our family blog I will include Dan in this too. If Sam were to have an opinion on any of these questions it would all be the same, eat, sleep and play!

Where I've worked
1-Dan- Morinda (where he met me!!)-Provo,UT
2-R&R Pest Control (exterminator)-UT
3-Laura- Morinda-Provo,UT
4-Zales (not as glamorous as I thought it would be)-Orem,UT

Movies I can watch over and over
1-Dan-Band of Brothers
2-Napoleon Dynamite
3-Laura-Grease
4-Napoleon Dynamite (brings back those 80's memories,so we can laugh at ourselves)

Places I've lived
1-Dan-Pueblo,CO
2-Lakewood,WA
3-Laura-Pasadena,CA
4-Lakewood,WA (We loved Washington!)

Favorite tv shows
1-Dan-Heroes
2-NFL Football (sorry you're missing it this year Danno-Go Broncos!)
3-Laura-Heroes
4-American Idol

Places I've been
1-Dan-Australia (he loved!)
2-Iraq (the list goes on...)
3-Laura-Oahu,Hawaii
4-Victoria, Canada

Favorite foods
1-Dan-Chocolate Chip ice cream (oh yeah, my sugar cookies he OD on before he left)
2-sushi (he misses his Yama Partner)
3-Laura-My Mom's Strawberry Shortcake
4-Chicken Fat Noodle Soup with homemade rolls

Places I'd rather be
1-Dan-New Jersey (home with his family)
2-New york, on our future pizza touring expedition we have planned!
3-Laura-Here in New Jersey with Dan by our side (then the pizza trip!)
4-Provo Canyon (having breakfast in the canyon with family)

Weird things about me
1-Dan-Very particular that everything has it's place and an order to it.
2-Don't know if it's weird but he has a passion for discovering some historical treasure that know one else has found!
3-Laura-I hate seafood!
4-The clothes and shoes in my closet are color coordinated

Saying Goodbye

This is where Dan will be spending a lot of his time for the next 4 months. Please be safe daddy!

It's hard to believe that the day has come to say our goodbyes to Dan. The next 4 months will be hard, but we feel blessed that Sam and I will have the support of our family to take us in. We feel honored by all that Dan does for our country and for our small little family. I guess it's good that it's hard to say goodbye, because it must mean that we really love him. Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again! -Author Unknown We love you daddy!

Last Day with Daddy part II

In honor of dad's last day with us, he decided he would like to enjoy his favorite hamburger, fries and root beer at Stewart's Drive-In. Sam was eager to help dad with his root beer.


After a long day with daddy, Sam snuggled up with his blankie his Grandma Bean made him and took a nap. Notice how the blanket is scrunched up around his face. This seems to be a source of comfort for him, but mommy and daddy don't like it one bit.