Hannah's 6th Birthday Party

We had a pretty big storm brewing this morning. My cousins in Salt Lake were posting pictures of snow and I was counting my lucky stars we didn't get any, at least not yet.

But I promised I would not complain about any storm that happened after Hannah's birthday because we were blessed with the most beautiful day on March 14th, which was important because all Hannah wanted for her birthday was a barbecue, to roast marshmallows over the fire, and make smores.

I worried the weather would be junky and my sweet little six year old would be disappointed, but it was the most gorgeous day this year, and for that we are so very thankful!!

But I must back up because there was so much that happened before the actual family party.

Since it is an even year Hannah was able to have a friends party. She wanted to take three of her friends to Chuck E Cheese for pizza and games. Of course I agreed, she was taking it very easy on me. We went the day before her birthday and the place was empty. She loved it and had a ton of fun playing games with her friends.

On the morning of her birthday she was able to open one present, we always hope it will keep them satisfied until the night when she gets to open the rest. She picked out Hunter's present, the Mom to her Brave doll, she was so excited and carried them with her everywhere we went!!

She didn't have school, but we did have to go to parent teacher conference, thankfully she was OK with that, until we started talking to her teacher about how she was doing. Poor thing was beet red the entire time.

We then headed to Artic Circle to have lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Davidson, and then back home to get ready for her family party that night.

(this picture looks like Hunter pushed his cousin, but I am pretty sure they were trying to do flips)

We were very grateful to all of our family who came, and we missed all those who could not make it!!

Hannah took it very easy on me, for dinner we had Hamburgers and Hotdogs, which is easy because Rob does all the cooking and I get to sit back and relax because all of my prep work was already done.

(Thanks Mom for your help!!)

She could not wait to open her presents and wanted to do it at the first of the party, but was willing to try and be patient and open them after we ate dinner.

Continuing with the "easy" theme of the night, she didn't want a cake, just smores, so I took her to the Sweet Tooth Fairy to pick out a cupcake so she could blow out her number 6 candle.

And so we didn't miss out on our big first bite tradition (and picture).

The smores bar was a huge hit with the kids and adults.

It was a fun night, and she was a very happy and tired girl at the end. I had to sneak away at 8 for Hunter and Samantha's parent teacher conferences and when I returned home at 8:30 she was begging me to say family prayers so she could go to bed.

It is hard for me to believe my baby is 6, she is growing up so fast, they all are.

Birthday's always remind me that the days are long but the years are very short, and I should really try to enjoy it as much as possible!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl, we sure love you!!

Happy Birthday Dad

On Saturday my Dad turned 60 and I was so excited to get to spend the evening with him, my Mom, my siblings and our spouses. My Mom planned to have all of us kids there to surprise him when they came to The Roof for dinner, and somehow we managed to pull it off.

Do you see what we had for a view?
It was beautiful and Temple Square was all decorated for Christmas, my favorite.

My poor little point and shoot did it's best to capture the night for me.

I love this family of mine and loved spending time with just us adults (and little baby Dixon). We talked, laughed, and just had a great time together. My Dad said it was his best birthday yet and I am thankful we were there to celebrate it with him.

New Year's Eve 2011

I have a confession, New Year's Eve is my least favorite holiday of the year, I don't usually stay up late and I really really love sleep.  Plus when everyone is already exhausted from all the Christmas celebrations keeping the sidekicks up till midnight (or later) never sounds fun.

I love a new year full of fresh possibilities, but I would rather wake up ready to conquer the year instead of spend the entire day wishing for a nap (or a nap for the very cranky sidekicks).

That being said my Sister in Law Katie threw a great party this year, we ate lots of yummy food, went out to shot some guns, played a few games, and spent time with Rob's family.  The kids all had a great time hanging out with their cousins, and there is always lots of laughs when we go to their house.

   

I don't have many pictures, I should have taken more but it is what it is.
Thanks Katie for the fun party!!

Christmas 2011

We had a wonderful Christmas at our house, the day started with me up before anyone else, I may be the adult now but I still can't sleep Christmas eve because I am so excited.  Not the rest of my family, they were all out cold and snoring.  When they did finally wake up we headed into the family room to check out their presents.  Every year Rob and I figure out what to get the sidekicks, and every year we get more, we love buying for the kids and love watching their excitement when they open the gifts.

    

Waiting to go to the family room and right before opening presents.

First up, checking to see what is in their Stockings.

Gifts from Santa Clause (Samantha: Monster High Cleo bed, Hannah: Monster High Laguana bed,

Hunter: Giant box of Lego's)

We like to open presents one at a time so Rob and I can see their reactions, and to make the entire morning last longer than if we just set them loose on everything.

We also loved watching them watch each other open gifts and getting just as excited with them.  A couple times we had to  remind them to let them open their own present, they would get so excited to see what it was they wanted to help rip off the paper.

Samantha: Monster High Cleo bed, purple pea coat, clothes from Mom, Monster High Abbeybomidable, gift card to Claires (and promise of a shopping trip) from Dad, Monster High Lava Lamp, Monster High head band. Also a Monster High book from Hunter, a Nerf gun from Hannah, Monster High Cleo Doll from Leka, a Monster High drawing set and Just Dance 2 for Kids video game from Grandma and Grandpa Morris, and a crochet Hat from Great Grandma Selman.

Hunter: Big Box of Legos, Airport Lego set, Real Steal action figures, Clothes from Mom, Halo Master Cheif toy from Dad, Lego Indiana Jones Xbox video game, Angry Birds bomb and pig toys. Also a Nerf gun from Hannah, and a Halo Alien from Samantha, Transformers from Austin, Airplane Lego set and Hunting guys from Grandma and Grandpa Morris, and a Crochet Hat from Great Grandma Selman

Hannah: Monster High Laguana bed, Crib Life doll, Monster High Spectara doll, 2 wheeled scooter, clothes from Mom, toy marshmallow (from annoying orange) from Dad, Monster High head band. Also a Monster High Neptuna (Laguana's pet fish) from Samantha, Polly Pocket play set from Hunter, Monster High Frankie doll from Leka, Monther High Draculora doll and Tinker bell fairy from Grandma and Grandpa Morris, a crochet Hat from Great Grandma Selman.

The kids and I bought Rob a new Leatherman, old man slippers, a new pair of pants, and a Hunter Dan toy.

Rob took the kids to the dollar store and set them loose to buy my a Christmas present, I almost wish I was there from all the stories he was telling me.  They came back with:
Hannah: A turkey baster (she told Rob I NEEDED a turkey baster and he was surprised she even knew what it was, thank you Curious George), Huge pink sunglasses, ice trays, and colored zip ties.
Hunter: Sunglasses, an apple slicer (he didn't know what it was it just looked cool), and a back scratcher.
Samantha: a Thor puzzle, a pillow (which will include a picture of me and her) and a piggy bank.
And Rob bought me an air horn to use so I don't have to yell to get everyone's attention.

Rob may have started a new tradition, I laughed the entire time I was opening my gifts, I think I am taking the kids to do the same thing next year.

When all the presents were opened Rob pulled out one more for me, I wasn't expecting it and I was so excited and happy when I opened it.  There were lots of tears shed, I LOVE IT, and we have been having so much fun taking pictures with it.

After we opened presents on Christmas Day we ate our traditional Christmas breakfast of sticky buns, eggs, and fruit.  We then hung out playing with toys until it was time for church.  Our Sacrament meeting made me wish Christmas was on a Sunday every year, the music and speaker added to the spirit of why we celebrate Christmas and helped to set the mood for the rest of the day.

We came home, changed back into our jammies, relaxed, and played with toys for the rest of the day.  I pointed out that for the first time in 6 years we didn't have to pack up and drive 16 hours, it was a great feeling.

We enjoyed a nice Christmas dinner of ham and potatoes, I didn't think I could after last year's ham experience (which I really should blog about because now that we look back it is kind of funny), but Rob got a ham from work and it was delicious.  We were also lucky enough to have my parents and brother Tyler stop by and visit for a bit.

The day was perfect and Rob and I decided this is how every Christmas should go.

Thanksgiving 2011

This Thanksgiving will forever be known as the one when Jamie suggested a new way to cook the turkey she had heard about on the news one night and the turkey was not cooked when it was time for dinner (thanks a lot little america chef).  Rob thought there must be something to this method though because once the turkey was fully cooked the meat was some of the juiciest he had ever eaten.  I will not be beaten though, Christmas is just a few weeks away and I plan to show the turkey who is the boss.

*Side Note: see those cute chocolate turkeys, Samantha helped Grandma make them, they were a big hit.

This poor kid was "SO HUNGRY" and wanted to know "WHEN IS DINNER GOING TO BE READY".

He was pretty happy once dinner was finally served, we all were actually.

The food was delicious, the company was wonderful, and our bellies were very full.

So despite the turkey taking a lot longer to cook, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving!!