Family Ties

Trent's parents gave us this dvd for Christmas and we've been watching it the last couple nights. Can I just say that I love this show?! It is so sweet, funny and simple. I know it's not very realistic, but it's so nice to watch a good family show and not have to worry about the content. And it's really funny! I highly recommend it!

St. George: Part 1

We enjoyed a Christmas with the Nestmans this year in St. George. It was a nice getaway from the freezing cold Iowa. I apologize now for the overload of pictures...I mostly wanted my family to see how we spent our time this Christmas. Here's Jack with his present from Grandma and Grandpa: his very own mini set of golf clubs or, as Jack refers to them as, his "sticks!" I have to admit, they are pretty adorable!

Trying to get the hang of them:
Our nights were spent eating, talking, playing games (Taboo, Family Feud) and my personal favorite, singing karaoke! At first we were all a bit bashful, but once we loosened up everyone took a turn and it was so much fun! I loved this picture of Trent's parents singing "Bye, Bye Love":
Trent and me in action:
And Jack washing the windows with his tongue. Nasty!

St. George: Part 2

Here is Charlie chillin in his favorite spot right before our family pictures: Decorating sugar cookies:
Charlie's first two steps!
Waking up each day between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. was certainly not a highlight.
Playing at the park:

St. George: Part 3

We had a great time bowling with the whole fam at Dixie Lanes bowling alleys, home of the best cheesburger in town. It was Jack's first time hitting the lanes, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.


Having a story with Grandma after a long day:
We had a great time with the Nestmans this year. Thanks again, Randy and Sandra!

Lovely.

We are leaving for the airport in just over an hour to go home for Christmas. After attempting to keep Jack up all day today so he'd sleep on the flight, this is what I found when I just walked into the room. Lovely. Let's just say this is the perfect cherry on top of the horrible day I've had today trying to pack, clean, wrap, and deal with Charlie after waking up at 5:20 and sleeping a grand total of 55 minutes today. I dare say this has been Charlie's worst day of his life. He is so miserable with a cold, teething...whatever the problem might be. I am praying the flight isn't full and I can bring his carseat on the plane so I don't have to try to hold him for 3 1/2 hours late at night. Wish me luck!

Merry Early Christmas: Part 2

Thanks to Utah Idaho Supply, Jack got several fun new toys. Here's his personal favorite, the pizza: Charlie felt much better after a good nap:
Another favorite, the mailbox. It's really cute, but took only 10 minutes before Jack broke part of it in frustration. Too much excitement for the day!
I couldn't resist this one of Charlie:
Trying to get some rest after a busy morning:
We had a great early Christmas, but can't wait to head to Utah...only one more day!

Merry Early Christmas: Part 1

Because we're leaving tomorrow for Utah, we celebrated Christmas on Sunday. Here is Jack with our plate for Santa and his reindeer on Saturday night: And here's Jack on Sunday morning looking for Santa outside the window:
Opening stockings:
Charlie has been sick, so he wasn't as thrilled to be awake:
Animal crackers:

Let It Snow!

It is finally snowing here in Iowa...not just the sleety, slushy "wintery mix" we're used to, but light, fluffy snow! It really makes me miss Utah and the beautiful white snow I took for granted while I lived there. I was looking though some old family pictures this morning and found this one of my sister and me on our front porch many moons ago. I thought it was pretty funny!

Breakfast of Champions

As I was just doing my birthday post, I noticed Charlie was being awfully quiet. It's no wonder! He's discovered popcorn!

29 Years

Yesterday was my birthday...29 big ones! It's hard to believe I'm beginning my last year in my twenties! It was a great day. Thanks to all the well wishes from everyone! I'm not sure which was my favorite part of the day: Jack giving me his candycane?

Charlie taking two two-hour naps (this is NOT typical)?

Trent's list of 29?
A surprise delivery of flowers and evening out?

Or Jack's Happy Birthday song?

Happy Birthday, Maddie!

I realize this picture is pretty lame, but I had to give a shout out to my dad's dog Maddie on her birthday! Happy Birthday, Maddie!

A Weekend With Grandma

We love having visitors in Iowa! This last weekend my mom came into town and we had so much fun, despite the freezing rain storm that hit on Saturday. We managed to keep ourselves very busy. Here are my mom and Jack making Christmas cookies: Mom and Charlie fresh out of the tub:
Stringing popcorn for the tree:

Putting up Christmas tree #2 (don't ask!):
Good morning, Charlie!

Thanks again, Mom for coming. We all had so much fun with you here and appreciate all you do for us! We love you!

Mighty Mason

Santa came a little early this year for Trent and me...we went to the Mason Jennings concert in Iowa City on Friday night and he did not disappoint! Here's a taste of one of his best: Crown. Enjoy!