Christmas 2012

Well this Christmas was definitely one to remember. Santa went all out with the boys' gifts this year and bought Nick a four wheeler and Kyle a little power wheels. Can you say spoiled?! They have really enjoyed their toys a lot though and I guess they are only kids once. 

The BEST part about Christmas this year though was that we got to spend it with Grammy and Papa! We had so much fun spending this special holiday with them.

And of course we celebrated Dad's 31st Birthday with some delicious steak and red velvet cake. 

Here's to another great year to Matt!!!!

 And last but not least, we got HAMSTERS!! Matt has been begging for a pet for while now and a neighbor of mine was giving away a pretty cool cage so we settled on two little hamsters. Nick's hamster is named Peso like the character on Octonauts and is all black. Kyle's is white and gray and he calls him Coco like he calls just about every animal. The novelty of these has kind of worn off but they are still going strong so we will keep them for as long as they last!

Nick Turns 6

Nick had a very fun 6th birthday party. It was fun planning all the games and decorations around his chosen theme of Spiderman and he got to celebrate with his friends and cousins!!

 Our sweet deocrations.

 He was just a little excited.

 He made out like a bandit with all his loot

 The Spidey Crew

Like always we can't believe how fast Nick is growing up! We are so blessed by his sweet spirit in our home. He can be so sweet and thoughtful and stands up for the underdog and sometimes he gets frustrated and has a little temper too. He is learning so much in school and in church and always surprises us by how much he knows. Nick, we love you so much and are so grateful you are in our family. Happy Birthday Spiderman!

Halloween 2012

Kyle was Yoda for halloween and this was his first year that he really went trick or treating. He did good for about 3 houses then was ready for bed! He was a cute Yoda!

Trying out the ears

Had to be carried and given a sucker just to make it through Trick-or-Treating!

Yellowstone 2012

We had a BLAST in Yellowstone. It was a great trip considering it meant two young kids in a car for a long time and camping for 4 days with a crawling baby. There is so much fun to be had in so little time. I loved camping, seeing the scenery and wildlife, playing in the many rivers with the boys, freezing our butts off at night, cooking over the fire, and much more.

 Moose Ears!!

 Nick's very first pocket knife!! Which he promptly cut his thumb with of course.

 Yellowstone is a very beautiful and very big national park. This little guy did pretty good considering how much time he had to spend in his car seat while we drove around enjoying the park.

 Big brother helping little brother learn to walk.

 One of the best parts of the trip was Nick getting his Junior Ranger Badge! He had to do a packet of activities and pass an exam with a ranger to get it. He was really excited about all the things he had to do and of course very excited to be a Junior Ranger! This kid made the trip SO much fun for all of us.

 

 Playing in the dirt, heaven for any little boy.

Nick took this picture. He loved playing with the camera and telling us how to pose (what to do and where to put our hands etc.) and actually took quite a few good pictures. We may have a little photographer on our hands. 

4th Of July

Yeah, I am not that behind am I?! I always thought I would be a master blogger even after kids, but alas it hasn't been so. I have also been horrible at taking pictures so thanks everyone for sharing the one you took with me!

Anyways, on to the 4th of July. We always spend Independence Day with Matt's family and it is so much fun. We usually have a swim party, the Provo parade, the hot air balloons, lunch, movie, picnic for dinner, and of course the fireworks! I love being a part of a family with such fun traditions and love when my kiddos get a chance to play with their cousins.

It Takes A Village to Raise a Child

It's an old saying but I know now more than ever how true it really is. I have been so blessed with the best friends, family, and neighbors/ward members that have saved Matt and I on more occasions than I can count. There have been so many people willing to pitch in and watch Kyle on a moment's notice, often when he isn't feeling well, so that I don't miss another day of work and get written up or Matt can take a test at school. Not to mention his normal sitter that is so incredible, we are so blessed to have found her. Kyle is starting to get into that "stranger danger" phase and sometimes it is hard to drop him off but every time I pick him up I know he has had a lot of fun and is so loved and well taken care of. There is no feeling like knowing that your child is loved by someone else and is being taken care of so well, it's a blessing beyond description. 

So THANK YOU to everyone that has helped us so much. I hope you know how much I appreciate what you do for us and hope that one day I will be able to return the favor:

Rachelle Hurd

Tessa Partridge

Gloria Hair

Aunt Jennie & Uncle Greg

Grammy and Papa

Kelly Taeoalii

Aunt Cathy

Here are several pictures of Kyle with the people of his "village"