Happy New Year!!

Life the past two weeks has been craz-y.  We've had family in town (both sides), birthdays, Christmas, shopping, weddings, and always lots of fun.  I have a ton of pictures to catch up on-so sorry for the lengthy post. 

Here is Jack's first time on Santa's lap.  It was just before nap time, and Santa was a bit creepy, but he was a pretty good sport (wiggly, but good).  

Once the whole family was in town (actually Mom and Dad met us straight from the airport- what troopers!) we went to Disneyland to celebrate all the kids' birthdays.  Sophia and Jack shared a birthday on the 28th, so we went more for Sophia.  Then Landon waited to go with everyone else (his birthday was in November).  It was so fun to see the kids' reactions on the rides and to all the different characters!  They were such troopers all day!  

 

The park was full of Christmas decorations- and I am always amazed by how clean it is and how cute the downtown is.  It truly is such a magical place!

First ride of the day:  Mr. Toads Wild Ride.....It was quite the psychedelic ride, and I was glad I didn't eat a funnel cake before.  Nevertheless, Jack liked it!

Here we are on "It's a Small World"...much more mellow ....Jack was mezmorized!

Here we are about to go on Pirates- the kids were all so brave.  Jack especially loved the hologram Davey Jones.  

Near the end of the day, we took the kids to get pictures with the Disney characters- (princesses for Sophia, and Minnie/Goofy for the rest of the gang).  Jack LOVED Goofy- he was making him laugh so hard!  

We spent Christmas Eve with my family and enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Kathy and my attempt at the table set up.

We then did a quick live nativity followed by a talent show.  The kids showed off their many moves and skills-  Landon did somersaults (joined by Oliver),   

Sophia recited a memorized poem,

and Oliver sang the BYU Cougar song (as you can see he gets very into it!). The adults put together a slideshow of favorite pictures and music from 2008.  

Here is Jack doing what he does best- climbing and standing.  That kid has no fear.  Once again, Oliver joins in.  He (and we) loved having cousins around!

Christmas morning mayhem....I couldn't even get a clear shot. 

Christmas day we drove up to Big Bear to meet up with Derek's family.  Jack got loads of attention since he was the only grandkid there.  

It was so fun to be in the snow on Christmas day....and it sure was cold and blustery outside!  Derek and I were able to get some skiing/snowboarding time in....and Jack had his first experience with snow!

Thank you to everybody for making this Christmas so memorable!  We miss everyone already!

Our Baby turns One!

People always tell me how fast time flies, but I cannot believe that Jack is already one year old! Pretty soon he's going to be in nursery (I can't say that I'm not excited for that!) and getting involved in all sorts of sporting events.  This year since we had both sides of the family in town, we decided to have a low-key birthday with family only.  The Cowboys- Eagles game was background entertainment, and of course Jack was the main event.  His reaction to the cake wasn't exactly what we thought it'd be.  As soon he touched the frosting, it was like an electric current ran through his body and sent shivers all the way through.  ...you could say, he didn't exactly love it.  It still made for some good laughs and photo ops.   

He got plenty spoiled by all of his Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents- with lots of cool new toys and clothes to play with.  

Thank you to everybody who came- we were so glad to have family in town to celebrate with us- and we definitely missed those who couldn't be there! 

Until he turns two....

Christmas Festivities

Oh how I LOVE this time of year. I love everything about it- 

 

Decorating

the smells of peppermint, pine, and cinnamon

Starbuck's Caramel Apple Cider

Holiday crowds

  

  

Holiday movies

Holiday lights (I wish people would leave them up all year-they are just so magical!)

and parties with friends.  

Here we are at Ryan and Erica's house (yes Erica had a baby just 2 months ago and looks amazing already!).  We had a PJ party....Derek and I don't own any Christmas PJs but we were envious of newlywed's NAte and Mia's matching reindeer pants!  We played Christmas scattergories and all went home with some random white elephant gifts (we ended up with a pooping penguin and "irresistibly chocolate" Axe body spray).  Notice we are baby free?  Thanks Bill and Nina for watching Jack!

I. Am. Sasha. Fierce.

I did it.  I went dark.  I don't really know what made me want to, or what inspired me, but I guess I was just sick of the bleaching and the roots.  I was going to go more of a chestnut, reddish-brown and came out with this.  I've gone dark once before, but it didn't last b/c the week after my family went to Hawaii and it immediately lightened up (even though it was overcast the whole time).  I'm liking it so far, and it does make me feel like a different person- kinda like Beyonce's Sasha Fierce persona.  So for now, Derek's goin' home with a brunette. 

 

Thanksgiving in Utah

....was so much fun!  My family all met in Utah- a good meeting spot since my parents are back East, Tyson and ourselves are in CA, and Shane and Dallin are in Provo.  It was so much fun having cold weather and getting to bundle up in winter clothes.  The kids all had so much fun together (unless of course they were hitting or stealing toys from each other). It was crazy at times- especially for us b/c Jack wanted so badly to keep up with the other kids, but he is at the 'victim' end of the group, so we have to keep a close eye on him.  

The first day we went to the Thanksgiving Point petting zoo.  It was Jack's first time- and he was in HEAVEN!  We couldn't wipe the smile off of his face as he got to interact with all of these furry creatures.  Best of all, he got to ride on a pony!

Here are the boys after a feisty Turkey Bowl game...

The Beautiful Table where we ate til we had to unbutton our pants...

After stuffing ourselves with a delicious meal, passed around the corn jar, and played a fun trivia game, the girls escaped to see TWILIGHT!  I was so excited, went into it expecting the worst, and came out loving it! I would completely see it again.  (I'm all talked out of it so I'll just leave it at that).

We also took a ride on the Heber Creeper.  During the Holidays, they turn the train into the North Pole- decked out with lights, holly, elves, hot chocolate, cookies, Mrs. Clause, storetime (The Polar Express of course), singing caroles, and of course a visit from Santa himself.  It was so much fun- we BARELY made it on time- but definitely worth the rush leading up to it.