Oaklynn's First Birthday

Where has the time gone? Our tiny 6 lb. bundle of joy that we brought home from the hospital, is now a walking, babbling toddler! She loves to sing with Mom and Dad. She loves to carry her baby dolls around and say "oooh" to them. She basically will copy anything that she see's me doing, which has its good and bad moments. She is a ham and makes me laugh just as hard as her Dad does. We love our Oaklynn pie and can't wait to see what she will do next!

Love, The Littlefields

3 Things I've Learned In Spokane, WA

My husband, Dallin, wants to be a lawyer. He took the LSAT and applied to schools all across the country. We ended up choosing Gonzaga University as our new school and Spokane, WA as our new home. In August, we moved our 8-month-old baby and all of our crap 11 hours north.

Since the move, I have learned a lot about myself. Until now, I have lived in the bubble of Utah surrounded by Mormons and family alike. Life in Utah was comfortable and familiar. Spokane has been a different story. 

Here are 3 things I have learned: 

1. You can survive for weeks without the sun. 

I have never gone so long without seeing the sun. Not only is it usually rainy and overcast in Spokane, but since winter and daylight savings, the sun goes down at 4:30 and dusk hits at 3 in the afternoon. Although, you can survive with very limited sunlight, it's no fun. Lately I soak up the sun every minute I can when it's out! The scene from Twilight where the kids are sitting outside basking in the sun at lunch time makes a lot more sense. 

2. People are people no matter where you go, but some people are nicer than others. 

I have made more friends than I could have ever expected in Spokane. The ward has become my family. I love a lot of people in Spokane.

However, there are a lot of people who I don't share the same political opinions with and who seem uptight and apprehensive. I still haven't figured out why so many people in Spokane are paranoid and unhappy, and I hope I never find out. Perhaps the presidential election had something to do with it. 

3. You can be happy anywhere. 

The first few weeks here were really hard. I missed my family. I missed the familiarity of the streets and buildings in Utah. I missed quirky Utahans who always get into your business. I missed only having two options of restaurants in my small town.

I called my Mom and sister nearly every day over Facetime just so I could see some one I knew that day. 

However, things have gotten easier. The streets are more familiar. I have found new restaurants that I love. I have met people who are just as nice, kind, and sincere as those in my hometown. 

I am happy again in Spokane. We are exploring our new home and having a blast! Dallin and I are closer as a couple than ever before. Moving has been a blessing in disguise. Will we go back to Utah? Heck yes! But, until then, we are happy! 

Love, The Littlefields