The Nutcracker

Sure she may have been a bit young at 3 1/2 years old, but I just could not resist another opportunity to take my little girl to The Nutcracker. It has always been one of my favorite traditions. When I told Rylie I was going to whisk her off to the Ballet she was so excited. She wanted me to "cyrl" her hair, paint her nails with "toe polish," and was thrilled to get to wear her new Christmas outfit. Half of the fun was primping (which we don't do very often), and then we girls were off for a night on the town together.

The Nutcracker was great. I just loved watching her eyes light up at this new experience. The only disappointment of the evening was when she realized we wouldn't be dancing with the ballerina's. I told her maybe next year she can try a dance class.

Afterwards we stopped at Mimi and Papa's for a potty stop and to use their phone to check on the boys. They were having a great time up at Gramy & Papa's "pwaying lego's." Nic told Kade he would take him to do the activity of his choice, and he chose to stay in his jammies and build a lego ship with his daddy.Rylie loves to watch this little bear ride around on his tricycle and play Christmas music.
It was such a special night for me. I love nothing more than hanging out with my family. I really love when I get to spend time with my kids on an individual basis. I wasn't the only one who had a special night. When Kaden arrived back home that night, he came to me and excitedly said, "Mom, my dream really did come true." He told me all about his night with his daddy. It is amazing that something as simple as Nic taking a couple of hours and building one heck of a lego ship meant so much to our son. I am so thankful for the wonderful father and husband Nic is.

We Survived!!

Thank you all for your thoughtful comments and sympathy as Nic was away. I just had to sulk for a bit, but rest assured that we are all fine and dandy. We missed Nic a lot, but had a fun week. We jump started the week with a pizza party, and Kung Fu Panda! Nic is usually in charge of the movie rental department, and as a rookie I made a mistake and rented "The Furious Five" which we learned is not the actual movie. Whoops!! We found Curious George the movie on TV, and I redeemed myself the next day with the real deal.

No that is not blood. We stuck our foot in Mrs. Ceasars pizza sauce. Whoops!

I toughed it out one night at home alone and thought that was enough. So we packed up and headed up to my parents for a little comfort and protection. We were received with open arms, and cozy beds.

Mario Kart, Mario Kart, and more Mario Kart. Until Kaden's eyes were bloodshot, and I had to force him to stop.
Oh, Parker. Why are you so cute?

Is this not a scream? We looked in to see Rylie reading Gracie a story. Those two are the bestest of buddies. Two peas in a pod, and adorable to boot.

Wednesday we welcomed our newest nephew/cousin, Bode. He weighed in at a whoppin' 9 lbs. 3 oz. He is healthy and beautiful. Congratulations to Ty and Steph!!

Nic and the kids spoiled me, and got me a Nikon D60 for my birthday. I just had to throw a small tantrum to get it. Ha ha... just kiddin'. (a little) I am now obsessed! Not that I wasn't already obsessed with taking pictures, but my obsession has grown into a problem. I don't know how I am going to possibly have time to blog all of these pictures I have taken. I have captured some pretty cute pictures this past week (mind you I am still not a professional YET!) I plan to read the owner's manual front to back in hopes of becoming MORE professional. A little preview for your enjoyment:
The kids helped Papa put up the big snowman. So fun!! Nic made it home just in time for presents and birthday cake. Rylie wasn't so sure she was going to forgive and forget that he just abandoned her for a whole week. Eventually she caved, and gave him a big old smooch!!

Heavy, heavy, hang-over... my poor head was right!! Kaden got me good!

That's a lot of candles... Eeek! I'm getting old!!
I love that Parker is grabbing for the cake!! And my whole fam is helping blow out all 29 of those birthday candles. Thanks guys!!
We survived. Hopefully our daddy won't be leaving us again anytime soon. We spent some quality time with Mimi & Papa, and I had a great birthday!!

The End.

Race Day Tomorrow!

Race Information

Place: Ogden Regional Medical Center, Ogden

Time: Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. Race will begin around 9:00

Dress warm, and come prepared to have a great time! The spirit of thanks and giving will be in the air. You may bring non-perishable items (canned goods). Bring 1, or 20 cans if you'd like. Cash donations are also welcome.

Hope to see you there!!

Wild Week Ahead...

What is it with men and shooting innocent creatures? It is something I guess I will never quite comprehend.

Nic and Dakota awaiting their ride (6:30 in the morning, and yes I'm up too)

I was trying to be tough and supportive, but my heart sunk as they drove away this morning. Now I sit here and anticipate a week of up's and down's. I am looking forward to spending some time with the kids, preparing for the holidays, not worrying about what to fix for dinner, leaving messes around the house, turning the heat up to 70 degrees (sometimes I feel like I live in an igloo), popping popcorn and renting Kung Fu Panda. I am not looking forward to tantrums, bedtime routines by myself, sleeping alone, getting up with Parker in the night when the house is dark and I am scared, no adult conversation, and waking up on my birthday without my baby by my side.


Last night Nic kept asking me, "Are you going to be okay?" as I was flipping out. We shall see...

Raising Kids Is No Joke

There was a moment the other night when Nic was dripping in throw-up, and I was doing my best to scrub and sanitize the bathroom from top to bottom. Nic and I looked at each other, and with big puppy dog eyes Nic said, "This raising kids is no joke." Amen to that honey. Amen to that.

But aren't they precious when they are sleeping.

Turkey Day Run

So I thought I would send out a little announcement about the annual Thanksgiving Day Run that takes place none other than.... Thanksgiving Day!! We still have 2 weeks to get training. It is a 5 mile walk/run, not to be mistaken with a 5K (had to learn that one the hard way a few years back... those last 2 miles were killer!!) Anyways, anyone who would like to start your Thanksgiving morning off right with a great workout--GET TRAINING!! I will post more details later (time, place, whatnot). Oh!! And the best part is it doesn't cost you a penny- only canned goods which go towards feeding those less fortunate than us. Huh? Sound good? THEN GET RUNNING!!

Family Halloween Party 2008

I know, I know... you are thinking- seriously, more Halloween? Yes, more Halloween. I had some picture drama, and I didn't want these ones left out. So here are some pictures from our annual Halloween Party. This was I think our 4th year, and it has become a fun family tradition.

The donut game was a new addition to the festivities this year.

The kids had a lot of fun with it. Who can resist a krispy Kreme?

The picture of me and my sisters was on MY camera, which (referring to a later post) are lost. Hopefully, one day to be found. It was such a fun night. I am so thankful to have the greatest family that all come together to make such fun memories for our kids. I am looking forward to next years Halloween bash!!

Halloween Storytime at the Treehouse

So something terrible happened to me a few weeks ago. We had had quite an eventful week at our house. We visited the pumpkin patch, enjoyed a weekend getaway to Park City, went to The Treehouse Museum with Mimi and Papa, and hosted our annual family Halloween bash. I had taken some darling pictures of the kids, and was looking so forward to getting them on my computer so I could post them. Well me, being the computer genius that I am, somehow lost about 150 of the cutest pictures I've taken in a long time!! Let's just say I spent an entire day literally crying over my mistake. Visions of my darling photos running through my head. Nic consoled me. Rylie consoled me. She said to me, "Did you leave them over there?" Pointing in all different directions. To which I had to explain, "No honey, I lost them on the computer." She patted my back (one of my favorite things in the world), brushed my hair from my forehead, and sympathized, "I hope you find your pictures Mom." That right there made it all better. I love what a little loving mother she is. She seriously made me feel better.

Luckily, my Dad had his camera at a couple of these events and I was able to salvage some pictures for memories sake. Thanks Dad!!

The kids got to dress up in their costumes.

Rylie was so excited about curling her hair for her snow white costume.

They had so much fun with their cousins.
Kaden was totally into the stories.
The girls holding hands walking from station to station was adorable.

And we can't forget about ol' Parker Frett...

Wait, let's get a closer shot... precious pea pod.

Here we have the fire-breathing dragon found at the end of this adventure. Alright... maybe not fire-breathing, I'm feeling a little dramatic (if you couldn't tell).
After the Treehouse, we went to Mimi and Papa's for some pizza. Me and my sisters pictured here with the three babiest of the bunch. They are growing too fast!!

And a little Mario Kart on the Wii. Kaden is obsessed!!
We all had a great time, and I am so glad my Dad was able to get me some cute pics of our fun night!! Thanks Mimi & Papa for the fun fun night!!