Stevens Pass

Well, I finally put my new skis to use! On Saturday we went up to Stevens for a long date (thank you Dyers for babysitting!) I was a little rusty at first, but Braydan didn't really let me warm up on anything easy :) We had lots of fun talking on the lifts and racing down......well.....not exactly racing. Braydan would go through all the trees he could to give me time. He tried to get me on seventh heaven, but I said no thank you! My boots hurt so bad that I finally skied without socks to see if they fit better. I think they're a size too small or something, but I don't remember boots hurting that bad. Anybody know? (Molly?) I got compliments on my skis however. I don't even notice other people's skis, but apparently mine are nice. Too bad I'm not very good. Here's a video to prove it :)

I'm sore today, and surprisingly sunburned! Who would've thought for Seattle! OH, and I just have to say the snow is so different than Montana and Colorado. It's harder to carve because it's more dense or something. Or.........because I'm just out of shape. Anyway, it was a fun day with Braydan. Hopefully I can go more than every 3-4 years now :)

Blessed Sun

It's been really nice these last 2 weeks! It's hard to believe it's January. We've enjoyed working and playing outside.

Don't you want to come visit you cold Montana folks?

This last picture is just too funny not to include. I caught Kaleb grinding his chalk in my garlic press and roared at him (like a dinosaur.......he's always roaring at me).......but he did not think it was funny. He looked at me in shock and burst into tears :)

Some trouble

Here's some pictures of our day yesterday. Kaleb was stuck in the washer for almost 30 minutes! We were playing hide and seek and he thought that would be a good place. I almost started to freak out when I couldn't get him out, but then we got it. Phew! I think the laundry room will be closed for further hide and seek games!

Eliza kept trying to get into my gigantic bag of chocolate chips .

I finally agreed that we needed something chocolaty,so we made delicious chocolate chip zucchini muffins!

I love this last picture.

It sums up how 1:00 church is for the kids (and us). He fell asleep at dinner in our friend Denise's arms.

Kaleb just told me something funny this morning. I got a sliver in my foot when we were in the garage, but I pulled it out fast. A little while later I was laughing about something and he said this (in a very bossy voice), "Mom, you can't be happy! You have a sliver!"

Date with my MAN

Or little man I should say. On Friday night, Kaleb and I went out on a much needed date. We went swimming at the YMCA and had a blast! Ever since Eliza was born, I think he's felt kinda ripped off. He used to have me all to himself, but now he has to share me with sister. Lately I've felt prompted to give him more one-on-one time. If I sit down and actually play with him for just a few minutes in the morning, it seems our day goes better. He's old enough now that he can do so many things on his own. He doesn't need me as much physically, but he still does emotionally.

Anyway, on the way to the pool, I asked him, "are you excited for our date?"

He gave me a confused look and said, "Date? Is there chocolate in it?"

I still don't think he knows what a date is, but we had fun anyhow. He loved me holding him in the water and soaked up every minute of attention. I think we'll do it more often.

Eliza's One Year Pictures

So, I know these aren't the best (especially for you Shandi DuRee), but here's some fun ones we got of her. Place your order Grandmas. (Yes, i used the same flower again. I couldn't think of anything else cute I to distract her).

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A few updates about little Eli girl. She's walking all over!

Everyone laughs when they see her toddling around because she's still pretty wobbly.

She sure loves to come up and cuddle with me. I love it! When I say give me a kiss, she puckers up and slobbers us. She's trying to talk more and I know she understands me more. I finished nursing a few weeks ago, poor girl, but she's just fine.

I couldn't leave out Kaleb! I thought he looked so funny in these pjamas, plus Braydan told him to flex his muscles. Pretty tough man!

Sacramento

My best friend from college got married last weekend and I got to go! She got married in the Sacramento temple so I finally got to see her beloved town of Elk Grove. Braydan was super nice and took off work Friday to watch the kids and take me to the airport. The first thing we did when I got off the plane was just scream and hug and look at each other over and over again. It's been 4 years! After all that, we went straight to a nail place and she got some fancy nails and we both got pedicures (all essential pre-wedding stuff :)That night we had her bachelorette party and I've never karaoked so much! We swung by the church also so I could get a sneak-peek of the decorations and food. I think my mouth dropped a foot when I walked in the door. They seriously converted the gym into a winter wonderland. It was so beautiful with the silver and blue theme, just like what we always talked about when we fantasized our weddings)

After, we talked like old times till we fell asleep. The next day I heard her alarm go off at 6! I rolled my eyes grumpily (just like college days) and got out of bed. I sat on the bathroom counter while she got ready. I was so excited for her! It brought back many memories of my wedding day.

We left for the temple in fog, but by the time the sealing was done, it was beautiful sunny! There was tons of people everywhere that I didn't think Brittany would even notice me! But after all the pictures, she grabbed me and asked if I would help her change in the brides' room. I felt very special. Especially since she has 6 sisters.

We had a nummy brunch after and went home for naps before the reception. Sean (her new husband) had to go do some secret surprise for a bit, so we had time for one last good talk and then I had to go back to the airport. Yes, I missed the reception :( I was sad to miss it. It was gonna be a huge party with delicious food. But, I think I was there for the best parts.

Thanks Brittany for letting me stay with your fun family. It's weird---no matter how many years go by from when we see each other, it's like no time passes. I think we'll always be friends :)

Love you~

And CONGRATS!!!!

Eliza's One!

My little princess turned one last week! It was fun having lots of family to celebrate with. In the morning the boys (Gavin spent the night with us :) helped make her cake. They're working hard in this picture.

I wanted to make a cute Gerber daisy cake like my friend Emily made once, but it looks more like a starfish. All well, we are from Seattle I guess.

After dinner that night, we sang to her and Gavin helped blow out her candle.

I gave her a big piece of cake. At first she used her little finger to nibble a bite.

But then she just picked up the whole thing and shoved it in.

All the kids helped open her presents and and then it was kinda anti-climatic.

I think the boys were expecting toys or something more exciting then dresses and clothes.

Today she had her one year doctor appointment and she was 16% for height and in the 75% for weight! She has petite features, but they're hidden in her rolls :)

Happy Birthday little girl!! We love you so much!

I'll have to update later about her new skills! When will I ever be caught up?