Birthday Celebration

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Sydney

My baby girl turned 3 today and I can hardly stand it. I love that she is learning and progressing but sometimes I want my little baby once more. Last year at this time she was speaking only a few words and now she talks nonstop. For awhile we called a parrot because she repeated and copied everything we did. She sings non stop and this morning while she was taking care of business in the bathroom she was singing "The wheels on the Bus" opera style. She is officially potty trained and we all love it. Other than the first couple of days, it has been smooth sailing.

She has been waiting for her special day to arrive for quite awhile telling everyone who would listen that her birthday was January 24th. By all accounts I think she had a great day. When we put her to bed tonight she asked if we could have a party again tomorrow and eat more cake. I think there will definately be some more cake but no more party. Mom is too tired!

Tubing at Bogus Basin

 

 

 

 

A day off of school and Dad taking a day off of works means we need to have some fun. So we sent Syd off to play with Mason and we headed up to Bogus Basin Ski Resort for some tubing fun. They have a great hill to tube down and then and even greater rope tow that pulls you back up to the top of the hill. I was a little worried about it being to cold as it has been freezing in the valley due to an inversion which means no sunshine. As we drove up the mountain the fog got thicker and thicker and the trees and plants were covered with thick layers of frost. It was so beautiful and it looked like it should be 7:00 am instead of 3:30 pm. Then the fog started to disappear as we climbed in elevation and suddenly we were above the clouds/inversion. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue and the sun was warmer than ever. Suddenly, my several layers of clothing seemed a bit much. I wasn't sure what to expect from this tubing experience but it was a blast. After the first ride down, Zach yelled, "that was AWESOME, let's do it again." And again we went as many time as we could in the two hour window we were given. We got creative and would hold on each others feet and then they would spin you around before they pushed you down the hill. It was crazy fun and a little nauseating. The boys were of course starving (I am scared for my future grocery bill) so we headed back down the hill ate some Quizno's -- Alex's new favorite place and picked up our Syd. I think she had just as much fun as she got to go to the YMCA with Mason and play on the kid water slides.

Holiday Festivities

 

 

Highlights from the Holidays Fun Christmas Eve party with some of my mom's family. We are happy that Natalia is back in town for good! Santa came during the night and delivered a wonderful Christmas. Alex got the coveted Wii. He was worried as he kept opening Wii accessories but no Wii. Magically it appeared. Zach's wish was granted and he got his "hulihoop", pirate necklace and football. Syd played mommy to her "potty baby" aka Baby Alive all day. She changed her diaper every five minutes. Laying around in our PJ's eating great food and playing the Wii all day long. Learning how to use my new camera! Kids going home with Grandpa and Grandma Wood for a night. Happy 12th Wedding anniversary to my favorite Boyfriend. Mexican Fiesta with some of the Wood cousins at Grandma's house. (I was lame and didn't take pics) How is it that the cousins I remember being born and holding are now working towards being a doctor and lawyer. I am getting old. Taking the kids bowling for the first time. They loved it! I think it will be a new birthday tradition. Steph making the cutest cupcake birthday cake in order to redeem herself. (I had to remind her it was my birthday. I will still call her my favorite cousin.) Hanging out with family and friends. Playing lots of Wii Making New Year's Resolutions that will last all year long Taking down all the Holiday Decorations and have a clutter free house. (so it was only clutter free for a couple of hours, I try) Kids going back to school and getting into a routine. Here is to 2009!

What do these two places have in common?

Both are crowded at the first of the year! We waited 1 1/2 hrs Friday night for a session at the temple and ended up doing sealings. The gym as been rather busy all week too. I am one of those New Year's girls and have been six times this week. My plan is to no fizzle out keep going all year long (to both). I love the natural high after a good workout and I have been sleeping like rock. I think in need to work extra hard as after the temple we stopped off at Cheesecake Factory for some potstickers, acavado eggo rolls -- yumm, and Godiva Cheesecake. Love those kind of dates. Thanks to Steph and Jake for holding down homebase and playing with the kids.

Happy Birthday to My Girl!

Ok--I am not a blogger, but since I have a Facebook page and brokedown and played Bunko a couple of times, I guess I can do this. The real reason that I can do this is because there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my Jen. She is 33 today and still doesn't look a day over 23; for the first 10 years of our marriage, when a solicitor would come to the door, they would ask her if the lady of the house was available. It used to make her so mad!
Well Honey--I don't stop what I am doing and give you praise enough. We were married 12 years ago this past Saturday and I am a better man for it. You are so kind and generous; I continue to learn much from you. The most wonderful thing of all is that you are my best friend. Thank you for so many wonderful memories and for our wonderful children. You all bring so much joy into my life. May you have a great birthday and always know that I love you!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Yes, it should be looking a lot like Christmas as it is only one day away and a very long time since I have updated this blog. It has been a very fun month busy with preparations for the big day, parties to attend and minor ailments to recover from. The shopping is done except for the surprise gift Zach asked for on Santa's knee the other night. Shouldn't be too hard to find. Surprisingly, all but one gift is wrapped and with a bow on top. That is first for me as I am usually wrapping at midnight Christmas Eve scribbling names with a sharpie and throwing things in gift bags that have seen better days. But I think our preparations have made for a memorable Christmas complete with lots of white snow covering the ground. Let's just pray everyone travels safely in the snow. Our guests, G & G Wood and G Johnson, arrived safely yesterday. Tonight, we kick off the festivities with some good family time with three of the six Johnson sisters and family. We are all gathering at our house for some good food and good times.

It appears I haven't downloaded photos for a long time and there were some blog worthy ones to post. This post may be lengthy but enjoy and Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!


Our Christmas tree with the always crooked star.


We finally have a fireplace to hang stockings. Love it!


Our sweet media ent. center my brother Erick built. Love it Love It LOVE IT!


We were fortunate to be invited to a friend's family Christmas Party and had a great time. Santa came and it was priceless. Alex had quite the conversations with Santa. He reassured Santa that not cleaning his room 5 out of 365 days is pretty good odds. Thanks Randall Family for letting us join you.

The kids played a game stuffing Santa's long John's. I think they liked it!




Alex pleaded his case to Santa for the Wii.



Syd surprisingly wasn't afraid of Santa at all and asked for the famous "Potty Baby" aka Baby Alive. We are hoping this baby teaches Syd to go potty like a big girl.


Zach surprised us by asking Santa for a Pirate necklace. What? I hadn't heard this request. He had been asking for a "hulihoop" and football.



Our first real snow of the year worthy for playing in. We have lots more snow now so they suit up often. Me? I watch from inside where it is nice and warm.



The boys finished basketball season and both did a great job. Alex is becoming a great little point guard and Zach played some serious defense.



My fav Thanksgiving decoration worthy of a post. Made by Zach complete with pretzel feet and a red balloon waddle.