we're still having fun, and you're still the one...

How have the past 6 years gone by so fast?

This guy is still the sweetest man I know,...who makes me laugh on a daily basis, can kiss my fears away, and it just so happens he is also a pretty amazing father. 

And I get to finish out eternity with him?! How in the world did I get so lucky?

 We celebrated this year with another showing of Les Miserables...

we may or may not have cried through the entire thing, again. (ok, maybe not we. mostly me :)

After the movie, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, followed by a night downtown at the Little America.

Happy Anniversary, Ryan!

Christmas Day

Christmas...everything we hoped it would be :)

Camden was beyond excited when he saw that Santa did indeed bring him a bike, and a Lightening McQueen racetrack-- so much excited, that we had a hard time getting him to even look at any other gifts...

Turner was just as he always is, happy with everything. It did help that he got a new walker and ball toy.

Ryan completely surprised me with a Kindle! Well done, Ryan. Well done.

After having our own little Christmas morning, we headed over to Ryan's grandparents' house for brunch. From brunch, we all met at Charles' office for the "reveal".

Then we got to see the MUCH anticipated premiere of Les Miserables.

I'm not sure what I was more excited for, Christmas itself, or Les Miserables... and I did indeed LOVE it. Anne Hathaway broke my heart! Empty Chairs and Empty tables never hit me so hard, and I really wanted to join the revolution!

After the movie, we opened gifts with Ryan's dad, and had Christmas dinner.

The Christmas spirit was deep in my heart this Christmas... what could be better than spending a wonderful holiday experiencing joy with the ones you love most? 

Christmas Eve

breakfast at the belgium waffle and omelet inn.

setting up our Christmas gift for Charles (a new couch for his office! plus, some organization...)

revealing my gift for Ryan (an office makeover)

dinner, games, trifle, the nativity (at Lourie's house)

putting together helping Santa (some assembly required?!) 

Anticipating Christmas! 

Why do I even try to get him to take pictures?!

pre-Christmas in Idaho

Ryan had to coach an away game in some random, central Utah town the Friday before Christmas, so I took the boys up to Idaho for a pre-Christmas visit.

I'm so happy we went. 

Camden and Turner loved playing with their cousins, I got to cuddle baby Teagan, and hang out with the fam on the "off" year.

a few highlights: we introduced Camden to Candy Cane Lane, where he saw Santa and Mrs. Claus.

a GAG reunion at one of Idaho Falls' cutest restaurants. You know you have wonderful friends when it feels like not a day went by since you'd all been together. 

cookie frosting with Grandma Nelson. She really does make the best sugar cookies...

Our trip was cut a little short...Turner started throwing up Saturday night, so we packed up and headed home first thing Sunday morning. Poor kid. and poor me! (wait, I can feel bad for myself, right? I mean, I did do my fair share of puke cleaning... ok, if we're being honest, we can also feel bad for my mom too.)

We had a great time in Idaho, minus the puke. I wasn't sure if I was willing to take on the stress of heading up there solo with the kidlets when I still had so much to do for Christmas, but I'm so happy I did. 

Christmas time is here

'tis the season, and we are ready for it!

Hosting a Christmas party for close friends, making spaceships out of Christmas boxes, and taking advantage of every ounce of snow that comes our way.

December, I love you.

I love how every day is filled with plans of tradition, friends, and family.

I love singing Christmas carols at the top of my lungs while Camden sings along, and Turner giggles. 

I love carefully planning gifts.

I love that Camden asks when Santa will come, and each time it snows, he tells me that Santa must be close!

I love cuddling with my boys at night, reading stories of Christ and His birth.

I love that Camden asks me if we can go visit Bethlehem.

December, I'll say it again, I love you!

snowy days, elves, and cookie madness

1) Me: Whatcha doin' Camden?

Camden: Watching all the snow fall! Mommy, I'm going to wait here until all the grass is covered, then we can go tuba! (tubing)

2) Camden: Look at my pirate gloves, mommy! Arrr, Mateys!!

3-7) Hanging out with the elves at Gardner Village

8-9) Sugar cookies making and decorating with our BFFs. Madness

this week

plenty of highs and lows this week...

a major high: holding this sweet baby Gwen.

Brett and Angela welcomed a baby sister for Penny, and the boys and I dropped in to get some newborn cuddle time. 

Turner playing with one of the nativities at Grandma's house.

Camden loves reading the story of Jesus' birth each night before we go to bed.

 Christmas shopping, and seeing Santa Claus!

No tears for these two! We love Santa around here :)

and our elf on the shelf, Fisbee...

the low of all lows: (ok, not THAT dramatic) however, Mastitis attacked for the 2nd time.

ugh. and it completely wiped me out. and on a day that Ryan was out of town.

Camden had crackers, fruit by the foot, and pop tarts to eat.

 however, some silver lining came when a few wonderful friends watched my boys, brought meals, cupcakes, and just visited because they care.

I guess it takes mastitis to make a girl feel loved, and extremely grateful for good friends.

the tree is up! if you look carefully, you can see where Camden contributed. I love that he could help this year, and actually wanted to!

a baby shower for this lovely mama to be!

my mothering advice? just know that sometimes it's ok to lock yourself in the closet and eat a candy bar all by yourself.

and that is coming straight from the horse's mouth.