Sunday, April 27, 2014

Tess and Brian's Wedding

The morning after graduation, Brad and I got into the car at 4:00 am and drove down to Utah to attend the sealing of Brad's brother Brian and his sweet bride Tess. We ended up having Aubrey stay in Rexburg with my family for the day, one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. It was very difficult to be away from her but it would have been a very long day for a 2 month old who was still had a low grade fever from her shots, and we wanted to have a happy baby for her baby blessing the next morning (stay tuned for the next post).

The weather was perfect and we arrived in to American Fork at about 8 am. When we pulled into town we stopped at a gas station to use the restroom and get a snack. We ran into Brian, the groom, filling his vehicle up with gas. It was so fun to see him and wish him luck for his big day! 

We changed our clothes and arrived early to the Mount Timpanogos temple. I had never seen this temple up close so I was so excited to attend and go inside. The temple was beautiful with awesome stained glass and the grounds were starting to bloom with tulips!  It couldn't have been more perfect!

The sealing/wedding for Brian and Tess was so wonderful. The spirit was so strong and it was so great to be there and support them. 
When we walked down to the waiting room where all of the nieces, nephews, and young cousins were at, Brad and I were so excited to see them. We hadn't seen our nieces and nephews since July/September. We walked in the room and little Shae ran up to me with her arms wide open yelling, "Katelyn" I just began to cry as I picked her up to hug her. We love this sweet girl!! 

Annie was very excited to see us too and was sure to inform us that she was going to be 5 years old in FIVE days!! She is so cute!!

It was so great to catch up and see Brad's sisters, Megan, Nicole and Carmen. We are so excited to have Tess join us in the family!! 

And then it was time for Brian and Tess to make their grand entrance as Husband and Wife! 
Mr. and Mrs. Duffy, Est. April 12, 2014
They are so cute together and so in Love! 
Tess's dress was so gorgeous!! It was once her grandmother's, then her mom wore it, and now it was her turn! A few pictures were taken at the temple grounds and then we headed to the luncheon!

The Duffy's had organized the luncheon at a beautiful Art Center in Alpine, Utah. 

We were able to sit by Grandpa Duffy and Nicole's sweet family! 

Shae was so darling and picked up the fork at the table setting and started brushing her hair. I turned and asked her what she was doing and she responded with no hesitation, "I'm Ariel." She definitely has the red hair to be Ariel!! 

Brad and I were able to meet our new nephew Grant! He was born on January 4th making him and Aubrey exactly one month a part! 

After we ate a delicious cordon bleu meal and ice cream sundae dessert, we were able to snag Tess and get a picture with all the sisters!! 

Everything was perfect for this lovely spring wedding, just look at the beautiful trees in bloom!! 
We have loved to getting to know Tess this last semester and see their relationship "bloom" as well. We are very sad we are leaving Rexburg and will be far from them! We love you guys so much! 

A few hours after the luncheon we went to the reception location, Wadley Farms, to take family pictures! (My brother and sister in-law, Jeremy and McKensie had their wedding reception there!) We got to visit more with family and take a few more pictures before Brad and I headed back home to Rexburg. 
I was able to have some Grant time!! 

Carmen and I had to get a selfie together! It is now a tradition to do so at weddings. We started this a couple years ago at their cousin Tara's wedding. 

We also got a picture with our sweet niece and nephew, Maci and Brexton. I couldn't believe how much they have grown since we saw them at Disneyland this last fall! They are going to have a new brother or sister join them in September! We are so excited for them!! 

Brad and I soon left after getting some treats at the reception. We were so excited to come home to our happy baby girl! My sister in-law Mckensie captured this picture while we were gone! Aubrey was in a swimsuit that Mimi and Papa had bought her. She got to watch her other two cousins, Quinn and Zoey, have fun in the pool at the hotel they were all staying at. 

Overall it was such a great day! So glad my parents could watch Aubrey so we could attend the wedding. We are so excited for Tess and Brian to start this new chapter in their lives. We can't wait to build new memories with the both of them!

College Graduates

After 9 semesters of classes, a full time two year mission in Tijuana, participation in collegiate dance teams intramural sports, a WEDDING, two construction internships for Brad, a public health internship for me, working at the record and registration office/electrical shop/student health center, moving three times, and having a baby, April 11, 2014 finally arrived where Brad and I completed our Bachelors degree at BYU-Idaho!!! It has been a long road but we did it and are so excited to be done with this part of our education. 
Thursday evening my parents came into town to prepare for our exciting weekend! They couldn't believe how much Aubrey had grown in just two short months. When my parents come into town one thing we can count on is lots of picture taking! I am so grateful for this so we can capture so many great memories. So for all of those who couldn't be here, these pictures will almost make it feel like you were here in the windy ole Rexburg celebrating this exciting event! 
Friday morning before graduation, Brad went to work at the electrical shop for the last time. Aubrey and my parents ran some errands and relaxed at home with Aubrey. She was still recovering from her shots and was happy to get lots of snuggle time.
Aubrey and I were able to take some pictures before we got ready to head to dinner. Some of you may recognize this onesie Aubrey is wearing from this post when we announced we were pregnant. It finally fit, just in time for graduation! 

Brad's parents arrived Friday afternoon and helped Brian, to move out of his apartment before he headed down to Utah to get married the next morning! (more to come on that event in the next post) We all then got ready to go to dinner in Idaho Falls. We went to Jakers and enjoyed our favorite prime rib sandwiches! 

Mimi and Aubrey all ready for Graduation Dinner!

After dinner Brad and I got dressed in our caps and gowns to take pictures before convocation started. It was a brilliant idea since there were so many people in attendance that we wouldn't have gotten the pictures that we had wanted to if we had waited until later. Also by arriving early, our parents were able to get awesome seats.

Brad and I were so blessed to have both of our parents in attendance! We couldn't have done the past 4 1/2 years without their love and support! 


I love my sweet family of three! 

These flowers were gorgeous! 

The graduates! 

Love you Momma! 

My Dad doesn't usually get to be in a lot of pictures since he is the one usually behind the camera!

My Dad is always scoping out the best places to take pictures. We went right outside of the Taylor building to fight the wind to get these great shots.


While all the pictures were being taken outside, Grandpa was busy getting some "Aubrey Time". 

Is it just me or does Aubrey look like she is 3 years old in this picture? She is growing up so fast!

Such a silly little girl taking everything in! 
I love her so much!! 

Then all of a sudden the Taylor Chapel started to fill up and it was time to take our seats! When we applied for graduation I was able to apply to walk with Brad's college so we could walk together. We were one of 71 married couples that graduated together that semester. It was so fun to be able to sit next to each other and enjoy this exciting event together. 

Right before convocation started! 
and we happened to take a "selfie" with Brad's phone! 

After a couple of speakers, it was time to walk the stage! 

Bradley Jame Duffy- Construction Management

Katelyn Marie Duffy- Health Science

We did it!! 

Aubrey was so proud! 

3 generations! 
"Papa why is this camera always in my face?"

More pictures!! 
My Idaho Boy!!!

It is so hard to reflect on everything that I have learned and experienced in the last 4 and 1/2 years but I am so glad that I spent it here at BYU-Idaho and the majority of it next to this Man. 

BYU-Idaho has been such a great blessing in both of our lives. We have been so blessed to receive our degrees and have all the opportunities that we have had here. We couldn't be happier! We have really seen the hand of the Lord in our lives and couldn't have done it without Him. Thank you to all of you who have shown us your love and support! We love you all! 

Love, 
The Duffy's

Thursday, April 24, 2014

2 Months Old

Aubrey is 2 Months Old as of April 4, 2014!! She is such a good baby! She eats every 3-4 hours, holds her head up well, makes eye contact, smiles, and can see her toys hang above her. She is slowly grasping her toys and bring them to her mouth. 

Here is her photo shoot! I have way too much fun!! Also I painted her cute toes!! 
She wiggles around a lot while on her back!
I caught a smile on camera! 
Her Newborn size pants are turning into capris. 
Her look while thinking, "Mom are you done yet?"
Ok one more!! 

Comparing her 1 month picture to her 2 month picture. I tried to zoom in to make her hair bow to be the same size. She has definitely grown!!

Being 2 months old means going to the doctor! She was 9 lbs 13 oz. at her appointment. 
She hates going on the scale. I think it is cold! 
We had quite the experience at her 2 month appointment. I don't want to go into full detail but lets just say while we changed her diaper before being weighed, she may or may not have soiled the window.... twice! The nurse and I were shocked that a little baby could do so much damage lol. We were the talk of the office that day I am sure! (definitely a story to put in the baby book!)
Oh just look at that cute innocent face! 
My little wiggle worm! Getting chunky legs! 

My sweet girl is now vaccinated! Being a Health Science Major, I can be a little more at peace taking her places. Other stats: she was 21% in weight, 22 inches long (31%), 15 inches in head circumference (29 %). So she is still pretty little but has basically doubled her birth weight! 

I love this little girl so much! I love being home with her everyday and watching her take everything in. It's crazy she changes so much in a day! I recently packed up a box of clothes that don't fit her anymore and it is just crazy to see how much she has grown in the last 11 weeks. Time really needs to slow down!!