Lily dressed up to go "Bye Bye"

Happy 29th!!!

It was less excitement than previous Birthdays, but non-the-less, Tyler had a great Birthday. Thanks everyone for calling to wish him a happy day! He was even somewhat surprised with his presents of a new wallet and a "tool chest". So much for the wrapping job, Lily "helped" him open them before he even got to see them wrapped up. Oh well.
Here is what a handsome 29-year-old looks like:

Welcome Home

It's been many months and a lot of unpacking but we are finally feeling like we are home. For those of you who miss all the picture updates, keep checking below as I will be past-dating blog entries that we've missed over the last few months.

And for another special treat, below is a virtual tour of our new house just 10 mins off post from Tyler's work at Fort Hood. That's right:
4403 Esta Lee Ave
Killeen, TX 76549
(for all you address book keepers)

Tyler is quite the super man and has learned all kinds of handy stuff the past week such as disposal and dishwasher installation, child lock and plug cover application, boxes in attic stacking, shower head replacement, and various other odds and ends.

Janna is heading up the computer Windows re-installation (it crashed after the move), random paper sorting and file cabinet reorganization, storage solutions, phone calls and bills, Home Depot trips, and baby-growing naps.

Lily is really enjoying her new play room FULL of toys (thanks Grandmas!) that she can spread out to her heart's content. She also enjoys her daily post-breakfast ritual of Elmo's World and Sesame Street.

We have great neighbors with several toddlers and are starting to make friends in the Ward too. Thanks for all your prayers!

Final Days in a Hotel ... YEA!!!

After 3 months it's time to say GOODBYE TO HOTEL LIFE. Though we've become quite adjusted to some of the luxuries (like continental breakfast and swimming pools) it will be nice to have normal life again.

The Open Road

Apart from our wonderful visit to our friends the Bets, our trip was so uneventful (thankfully) that we only took a few pictures to remember it. Much to our surprise 3 days on the road to TX with a toddler and very pregnant lady went comfortably well with few complaints.

Christmas at G-pa West's House

How many Ballings fit in a Photo Booth?

We went to a wedding reception for my cousin Levi tonight. They had a photo booth at the sign in table. How fun! Of course, we had to all get in at once. Even Lily made a funny face:

Our New House

Well, almost anyways. We are under contract and scheduled to close January 13th. It's 4 bed/2 bath. There are minor fixes to make, but we got a good deal and are excited about it!

The usual week

Things are so much fun here. We had the first Big Snowstorm which led to all sorts of fun. Janna had a wonderful birthday thanks to everyone! Christmas is coming and decorating is always new and exciting. Lily is always finding new amusements for herself.

WFDO Training

Here are some pictures Tyler took at his WFDO Training in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was a long 3 months, but Tyler did well and even received "Distinguished Graduate" for his class.

Cousins and Turkey

We went to the Steven's House for Thanksgiving this year. It was so much fun to do much of nothing and just spend time together. Here are some highlights:

A fun day, or two...

We've been trying to keep Lily busy with all sort of fun things to do.

We went to Provo to visit Aunt Diane. We stopped at Rick and Cindee's for a grand reunion of: Aubree, Taylor, Sam, Mandee, Nate, Paul, Dan, Rick, Cindee, Janna, Lily, Diane, Jessica, Jenna. Lily loves to play with Paul and Nate. Lily played in the fort at Diane's house all morning long and even took her nap in it.


We went out to play in the fresh SNOW (it's still new to Lily). Lily was very excited when I told her we were going to make a snowman (she love to sing "once there was a snowman"). The biggest ball I could form was a fist size. When she saw the final product she joyfully declared: "baby no man!"


We stopped at the "Daddy Park" on Hill AFB (all the airplanes and people running laps in PT uniforms must have reminded Lily of being with Dad.)

Bye Bye Tyson

Tyson left to the MTC this Wednesday. He will be serving for 2 years in the St. Louis, Missouri mission. We are sure going to miss him!!!

Fun in the Sun of Florida

Daddy!!!

We've been having SO MUCH FUN visiting Tyler. We're getting a little cabin fever from the hotel room, but we've found some entertaining things to do.

We ate at THE SHED. Yum! Best potato salad ever.


We weathered a TROPICAL STORM (the outskirts of Ida) and got locked out of our room when we ventured out to take pictures.


We found a PARK in front of the houses Tyler and Janna built the last time they were here 3 years ago.
And we went for a walk/jog on the new BAY BRIDGE.


Most of all we've just enjoyed being TOGETHER!