our 1 and only

Happy Birthday to the little girl who changed our lives and charmed our hearts. 

We love you, Margaret Diane — it's almost ridiculous how much. 

P.S. Remember how Mags went from this ...

... to this? Sob!

If you look closely, you'll see that my daughter is now capable of a ponytail (of the itty bitty variety). Happy birthday to me!

along for the ride

Last weekend we went biking with my sister, Kara. 


Yes, this is the same Kara that learned how to ride a bike three years ago. Adam taught her how to ride in our church parking lot. He held on to the back of her seat and ran with her as she wobbled along. He's cute.


And more than a thousand days later, Kara owns three gorgeous bikes, regularly frequents the bike blog land (yes, there is such a thing), and dreams about spokes, baskets, bells and whistles. 


We Hallstroms may be late bloomers to certain hobbies, but we promise to obsess appropriately once we've found our stride. (See also: TV shows on DVD.)


Here's a glimpse into our fun ride with my fun sister. It was Maggie's first time two-wheeling it, and I'm glad it was with her cray-cray cute Auntie Kara.


Love you, Kara-Lara! Until we bike again ...

Utah is pretty.

Picture-perfect Kara.

Bottle + bike ride = Maggie bliss.

Kara peeking out of the golden weeds? Super, super cute. 

Doesn't Adam look hard core? (Answer: Why yes, yes he does.)

Margaret is nothing if not helpful.

Yes, Maggie wears a collared shirt, cardi and glitter shoes to go bike riding. 

That's just how she rolls.

uh to the oh

Oh, hello. 

Remember how I'm a kid now?

Adam woke up Margaret for church on Sunday. (Our ward is now at 8:30 a.m. Yeesh.) 


He rubbed her back softly and whispered hello and good morning.


Maggie lifted her head to look at Adam. And you know what she said?


"Uh oh."


Then she planted her pretty head right back into her bird bedding. 


Yep. Totally my daughter.