Blankie

This is no longer in Macie's life. We couldn't find this blankie one night and Macie said, "Mom, it's okay. We can get it tomorrow." I thought okay. This is my break. Take the blank, hide it forever...

She has asked about it and has tried to find it a few times. She has replaced the once pink blanket that quickly turned brown over the last 3 1/2 years with a soft clean purple blanket...that she can only snuggle with at night time. Whew. Now, if we could get that thumb out of her mouth!

Tis' the season...

The kids in their Sunday best!





Snowy days...and so thankful for 4WD






We headed out to check out Christmas lights. There was a house that was unbelievable...put the Griswald's to shame with well over 300,000 lights...and around the corner another house where you tune in to a radio station and watch the lights dance to the music! The kids had a great time....

Looks like we will be getting a white Christmas this year for sure!!

Birthday Wishes!

This is just a shameless shout out to muah! It has been a great day. There is something great about having your very own special day to pamper yourself (pedicure thanks to my friend Kirsten...oh and for keeping my kids all day long!)

It all started at 5 am with my friends picking me up promptly at 5:10 for what I thought was going to be a great work out. Instead, Lindsie turned the wrong way and said,"I am high jacking your workout!" We went to IHOP instead where Shelly was waiting and Krista & Krissy showed up a little later. Breakfast instad of squats. Sold!

I just have to end this post with the best line yet in Lindsie McDaniel's card:

"Happy Birthday! I hope you have a fabulous relaxing birthday. Take a break from being an incredible wife and mother and just be an okay one today!"

Taking that advice to heart.

ps. Thanks to all those who know me so well and for all the "dark!" chocolate I could ever dream of...my thighs thank you for that!

For an additional shout out and flash back see here

Baby Jameson...the reason for our trip! It was his blessing day! Isn't he so sweet!!



Macie & Cali dressing up!



Dave & Dal playing in the basement!





Girls - Amber. Sorry slow poke!




Temple Square!




Dalan bundled up!




Miss Macie!



The whole family!





AND...when we got home...

Macie and her new pink tree for her room!



Dal with his tree!



The kids and our family tree!!





We went to Salt Lake last week to enjoy a fun weekend with my family and to celebrate the blessing of baby Jameson. Since, we didn't get to see our families for Thanksgiving and instead went here:



NEVER AGAIN....I am thankful there were no left overs after this meal!

AND, we wont get to see our extended family for Christmas since we live at the North Pole and are starting our own tradions with our kids (Dave's Choice!) we enjoyed a nice weekend with everyone and miss you all badly!!

After our nice family dinner, or Thanksgiving feast consisting of Mac & Cheese and pizza for the kids....and gross instant potatoes and dry turkey...we headed over to The Festival of Trees. This was pretty fun!!










All in all we survived the holiday and are now offically in Winter...hence the freezing temperatures up here! I love this time of year with all the goodies, parties, and the kids getting excited for Santa, and mom gearing up for the weight gain this time of year brings. I don't care. Bring on the DARK chocolate!!

***Picture overload I know!***

Vacation in Orlando!

The Resort...I need to thank the McClure's for use of their timeshare points! It looks a little somethin' like this:




This is how the trip started out and a good chunk of it was spent on the phone!




Nothin' like a good face shot. Look at the beautiful ocean in the background..and Von




This is my debut photo from ANTM Cylce 12. (America's Next Top Model) Come on people!




The 4 of us at the beach!




That night, we were able to see a space shuttle launch. We were on this AWESOME cruise ship called "Liquid Vegas!" WOW....long night!






The volcano brownie that I am still dreaming about. Let me explain. A brownie...erupting with chocolate and caramel and ice cream to melt it down! This was to celebrate Dave's 30th birthday. Or was it really for me!?



"Squinty and Chewy" aka Shelley and Von!



"Sarge and confused regardless!"




Oh yea. Football on vacation! Only if it is a NFL game. Buying tickets. Trying to negotiate...which we did pretty good! Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans



The Stadium!






Rollercoasters. Poor prego sat on the bench and waited so patiently for us! She was such a good sport. I have to say though that there were no lines EVER....and we just kept riding and riding! The best day EVER!!



Such a fun and happy place! Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Theme Park!



McClure's with their kids faves: Scooby Doo and Shaggy!



Grantham's kids faves: Duh Duh Duh Duh Duh Dora...




What a great trip we had. The weather was nice, but not hot. We did a lot of things and laughed A LOT!!! Can I go back on vacation now....please!?



THANKS TO my little brother ROB and his wife BRITNY and their tot BRECKEN for an all expense paid vacation to Boise, Idaho...and for watching the Grantham monsters! You guys are the best!!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

The kids wishing you a Happy Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Dave!!

Look at this stud of a thirty-year old! He is one handsome dude! I sure love this guy.

Home!

The road trip continues....I have to say that being in St. George made me realize that although I live in Idaho....and do love it here, my heart still belongs in St. George. It is home. I miss so much my friends and family! I have memories there. Lots of them! I will always have a special place in my heart for where I grew up. Maybe that is why it took 2 years to change my cell number to an Idaho area code.

Idaho is cold. I live here, I breathe here, I am here...I have to say though this is my kids home. This is where my family is now. I love the friends we have made here. My kids will always claim Idaho as their home. Meridian, Idaho. This is where we are supposed to be! We are making memories here and I am still working on getting my family to move here....anyone!? anyone!???

Las Vegas

 

Our family took a drive (okay more like a 12 hour road trip) to Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago to surprise Dave's parents for their 60th birthday. Here is a glimpse into their birthday bash...50's theme! ps. It was so great because I met Dave's grandma, who after being married for almost 7 years I have never met. Also, the entire family was there, all siblings included *this is a big deal in his family!* and it couldn't have been any better! J & K were shocked!

The future Mr. and Mrs...

These 2 little love birds, Macie & Britton, cannot get enough of each other! We (the parents)think that this would be a great picture in their wedding video
one day!