The Greatest Day Of The Year!!

It was that magical time of year again- MY BIRTHDAY!!! I don't know why, but I absolutely love this day!! And it's not because of gifts or anything like that (although I never turn them down) :-) I just love the excitement of it and feeling special. This year did not disappoint. I had a great day of doing my favorite thing- going out to eat for all my meals. My fabulous friends took me out for lunch and I got some really thoughtful gifts. After lunch Josh and I went shopping- another of my favorite things. After boy scouts, the kids and I went and rode the carousel. We then picked up Josh and went to dinner. It was a fun weekend with games, guitar hero and hanging out. It was hard to see it end. Thank you to everyone who texted, called or sent a card. I felt most grateful this year to have Josh home and safe since he had rolled his car several times and then crashed 2 days before. *Remember to always tell your hubby you love him! I felt sick inside when we couldn't find him.

Getting Caught Up

So I'm so behind in blogging. I'm almost tempted to say "the last month has been great", and be done. But, I know when I look back on this I'll wish I wrote more. So, we had a wonderful christmas, and had a blast having my family up. The time went by so fast, but we appreciated their efforts in coming, bad weather and all. (Sorry about the 12 hr trip again mom). Josh and I celebrated an anniversary and true to every year said "next year we'll do something big". :] We had a blast on New Year's partying with friends and their kids. The best part was Josh making everyone watch his illegal fireworks. The kids and I got in the truck to watch them, not because it was like 20 below, but because of Josh's track record with fireworks. We did a lot of sledding, eating, reading, movie watching, playing of games and even a few projects in the house. I'd have to say that it was one of the best and most relaxing times ever. The best gift was having Josh home for most of those 2 weeks. Now, I"m so OVER winter and am ready for some sunshine!! Or at least my birthday to hurry up and get here. :)

Tree Cuttin'

So right before it hit -20 degrees, we were lucky enough to head out and cut down our xmas tree. This was a big step for me. Last year I totally pouted when Josh and the missionaries went out and cut one down. (My mom always had the prettiest fake ones-that's what I love). I tried to be a better sport this year. I made cookies and hot cocoa and off we headed. And, I am so super glad that I did. Can I just say that it was one of the funnest things ever!! It was so fun to hike out in nature with no allergies, heat or bugs flying around me. The views were amazing. But best of all the kids and Josh were on cloud 9!! It was worth it and I can actually say that I would do it again. Don't tell Josh though, I don't want him thinking that he's right too often. :]

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a super blast this year. We spent the night up in Salt Lake so we could see my fam before they jetted off to CA. We ate at Little America's yummy buffet and had a great time just being together. We then headed to Orem to spend time with Josh's fam (their year). It was so great seeing everyone and having a big slumber party with the Stucki's at Becky's. We had way too many late nights for my old age ( coming home from the gym at 2:00 a.m. is never easy). But it was fun to have good food, catch up with family, play lots of games, and laugh a TON. My stomach was seriously sore after the week. I loved seeing my siblings and their kids. The kids had some great bonding time with their grandparents, as well. Becky, thanks for putting up with all of us. Love the Holidays!!

The game that shall not be mentioned

Just thought I'd put some pics in of our BYU/UTAH party we had at our house.I think enough time has passed that I can speak of it. :] I'm trying to look on the bright side of things that even though they lost, we still had a good time and good eats. It was also pretty funny how the Missionaries just "happened" by during the game. It stinks that we lost, but had a fun night. Besides, there's always next year- right Josh?

Twilight Mania

Even though it was a few weeks ago, I thought I'd put what a fabulous time I had Twilight night. I've been in countdown mode for months. A bunch of us ladies got together and had some yummy cheese and chocolate fondue. We then headed over to the late showing of the movie. I didn't know it would be this big up in MT, but we had to wait forever just to get into the theater. (we even got there early) It was fun seeing the movie and having a night out. Here are some goofy (and extremely close) pictures.

Birthday Girl!!!

We got to celebrate Ashley's 7th birthday this past week. It was so fun getting to do fun things for her. She gets so excited and screams "oh my gosh this is soooo cuuute!! for everything. It's great. Sometimes she feels outnumbered by the boys, so it was fun to do some girly stuff with just her. I can't believe that she is getting so old. I still picture her my litle bald headed 2 yr. old. She has been so much fun and joy since she was born. There is never a dull moment with her around. She's a miniature Josh with a love for life and endless energy. We did a family party and then a friend party. We rented out a gym and bounce house and that was perfect for her personality. It was a good week! It's just crazy to me to hear her now talk about her baptism "coming up". Where does the time go?