Viva Las Vegas

Don't we all need a little vacation every once in a while. Jeremy had a conference down in Las Vegas this past weekend and we decided that I should go with him and make a vacation out of it. We had so much fun. We were able to leave our kids with our parents (thank you!) and just spend time together. We were able to sleep in, lay by the pool, eat some buffets, and even go see a Vegas show. I wish we had some more time, so that we could have visited all our friends that still live there, but we were able to go out to eat and go bowling with our good friends Curtis and Liz. I'm so glad that I married my best friend and that he likes to vacation as much as me!

A picture from our balcony.

We were able to go see the show KA. It was pretty impressive.

Jeremy enjoying his crab legs

We had a lot of fun bowling and I even bowled the best game of my life...129!

Our friends Curtis and Liz. We miss you guys!

Yes, I even threw in a scary sunbathing picture. It was so nice to lay in the sun. I miss the Vegas sun.

Doesn't that pool look so inviting. The place we stayed at had four pools and three hot tubs and I was in heaven!

Fondue Anyone

Valentines is not only a time to celebrate the love you have for one another, but also a time to eat some yummy fondue. Jer's family hosted their annual fondue party and once again we went home about five pounds heavier. Was it worth it...yes. We had a great time having a dance competition on the Wii, playing the newlywed game (which Jer and I won!) and watching the kids play their valentine games. And to top it all of Jer got me my favorite flowers...homemade ones with reasons why he loves me. Isn't he sweet!

Winter Doldrums

It's cold and gray here today and usually I would find myself in a slump or melancholy mood, but I have decided this year that I was not going to let the winter doldrums keep me down. Attitude is a choice and I firmly believe you can be happy or miserable despite your circumstances (well - I guess I need to say most of the time because some situations would make me downright miserable). So, I've decided to be happy this winter and those of you who know me and know I am not a fan of snow or cold, know this is a stretch for me, but it's working. My kids make me laugh every day and I'm so glad that I married my best friend. I love where I live and that I get to be surrounded by friends and family. This morning both of my kiddos jumped into our bed early in the morning and snuggled and laughed with Jeremy and I. It's the little things in life that bring so much joy. Michael also informed me that when he grows up he wants to be Superman and fly planes and despite our conversations that Superman can fly on his own...he still wants to be a Superman that flies planes around. Bryce is my little parrot and repeats every last word I say and he has taken up the habit of calling for "Julia", even though he has no idea who that is. He just hears Jeremy calling that name a lot, so he goes around the house calling "Julia" too, but when I ask him where "Julia" is, he just points to an abstract corner of the house and says "there." It cracks me up every time. Becoming a mom is the best decision I have ever made!

Achilles

Church ball is a dangerous sport! Poor Jeremy, just severed his Achilles tendon during a church basketball game at the beginning of January. He underwent surgery a few weeks ago and has been non-weight-bearing since. My dad bought him some crutches and a walking boot...thanks dad! And Jer's dad also let him borrow his crutches - thanks! - so that he can have a pair upstairs and downstairs. We also bought Jer a knee scooter so that he can scoot around the house and also at work. It's great! The kids also love it and think Jer is now there to be their personal taxi service. He is now in a walking boot that he will have to wear for another month and then he will start therapy. Poor guy! This is an awful injury for him, because he is such an active person. He will not be able to start running again for six months, but we are grateful that it was not anything more serious and hopefully he can make a full recovery.

Resolutions

It is that time of year again....where I gear up for the year ahead...and make new goals and resolutions. I do like this time of year. I feel more motivated and want to make myself a better person. While I have many different things I want to work on, I am going to try to be better at blogging. Did you know that you can print your blog out into a book. Presto...my family scrapbook for the year! So, I need to try and be better about posting, so I can count this as my scrapbook too.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! We love Christmas over here. Not only because we get to give and receive gifts, but also because we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We tried really hard this year to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and keep up with some of our family traditions like; making gingerbread houses, going to see the lights on temple square, Christmas puppet show, and having the kids pick out items for the road home. Michael was so excited for Christmas this year and asked me last week if Santa could come again. He thought it was great that we all get presents for Jesus's birthday. Santa brought the kids Buzz Lightyear and Woody and they carry them around all day. We were able to have four Christmas celebrations with our families - one with the Stones, one with the Fortunes, one with the Youngs, and one with our own family and we had a blast. We were all spoiled and loved the time we are able to spend with our loved ones. For New Year's this year, Jer surprised us with a trip to Midway. Nick and Sheryl and family came with us and we had a great time swimming, playing games, and laughing. Is anyone else shocked that it is 2011! We are excited for this new year and hope it's even better than the last.

Temple square and a Christmas puppet show

Santa came to visit Michael and Bryce Christmas Eve

Bryce charming Santa's helpers while Michael is getting his picture with Santa

Santa brought Buzz Lightyear and Woody and a train table Christmas morning

Christmas with the Youngs. Meet Bruce and Barry and we had a wild white elephant gift exchange. Nice teeth Sherp and Unkie.

Christmas with the Stone. Gingerbread houses...yum and new toys!

Christmas with the Fortunes. The boys loving their new play guns.

We like to Party. It's 2011 Baby!

Thirty

Yikes...that's right...I turned the big 30! I still can't believe that I am that old. Time flies by when you're having fun. Actually turning thirty wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, it was great. Really, the hardest part is having to admit that I am in my thirties and not in my twenties. I've accomplished a lot in these past thirty years and I hear your thirties are even better than your twenties...so bring it on! My wonderful husband took me to Park City for the weekend to celebrate while my mom watched the kids (thanks mom) and then he cooked and cleaned and made me a yummy cup cake cake on my actual birthday. I have the best hubby and family ever!