Sleep Talker

I crawled into bed late last night. As I did Scott started shouting, "OH NO! OH NO! That is not good."

I asked, "What Scott? What's not good"

"If I can see them, its not good. Not good at all."

With a little more force and concern,"Whats not good Scott?"

 Almost hysterically, "The ants they are all over! All over on our bed!"

He went on about the ants in our bed for about 5 minutes. 

I asked him how the ants got there and he told me, "That darn Santa was bringing those fancy worms!"

I can't even tell you how hard I was laughing.

It sure is amusing sleeping with a sleep talker!

Christmas 2011

Christmas was awesome this year! Christmas eve we added some new traditions. We made reindeer food for Santas crew and got a new nativity book that we read as a family. And as always, we opened PJ's from Grandma Mennear. 

Beckett showing off his new walking skills! 

I love that Christmas was on Sunday this year. I love the opportunity to go to church to worship and remember the true meaning of Christmas. It was great teaching opportunity for Tayden and I loved having the spirit with us the rest of the day. Also...my boys looked dang handsome in they Christmas outfits. (Thanks Aunt Ashley.)

We tried our hand at a taking our own family picture. It turned out okay, but the flash didn't go off so they are kind of dark. We decided if you could take Tayden and I from the top picture and insert it in the bottom picture, it would have been perfect. 

After church, we changed our clothes and opened gifts. We had gifts from both sets of Grandparents to open as well as our own, so it seemed to take all day. We are lucky enough to have modern technology and had the chance to Skype with our parents as we opened gifts. The boys are so blessed to have so many people who love them. They had a blast. As did Scott and I.

 Old Woody and New Woody

 Dancing to Mom's new Glee CD!

Big Buzz! I could not get Tadyen to put Buzz lower so I could see he face. He was memorized by his jet pack.

We cooked our first Christmas dinner together and it turned out great. We made ham, (and have about 8 lbs left over) rolls, mashed potatoes and corn. It was delicious. Beckett really enjoys mashed potatoes!

We spent the rest of the evening cuddling in our new hoodie blankets and playing with all our cool new toys.

It was a different being away from our parents this year, but it was so great sharing the day as a family. It was great having our boys around us, cooking together and spending the day with each other. 

I am grateful for this time of year and all that it brings.

This year is also bringing my mom and grandma! They are coming in tonight and are probably landing right about now. So, I'm signing off, heading to the airport to pick them up.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas.

I know we did.

Did Your Toe Fall Off?

I've had the same set of Jamberry's on my toes now for about 6 weeks. (For those of you that don't know what Jamberry Nails are- They are an awesome nail shield/decal. Click HERE for more info.) I decided it was time to switch it up and took them off this morning. 

Tayden came in the bathroom a few minutes later. We were having a nice little chat when he says, "MOM! What HAPPENED to you?!" 

I look at him a little confused. "What?"

 The got the most disgusted/worried look on his face. He slowly looked down at my feet without moving his head... "Did your toe fall off?". 

No buddy. I still have all my toes.

Thanks for your concern.

Christmas Festivities

This week has been full of Christmas-y stuff! It's really getting me in the Christmas spirit and I'm starting to think Las Vegas isn't that horrible of a holiday place after all.

On Saturday Scott had his work party for the kids. The company provided TWO Santa's for the kiddies, along with lunch, cupcakes, a movie and a little game. Tayden was pumped to see Santa and sit on his lap. However, when it was showtime, he was a little hesitant. Beckett on the other hand went right to him and sat with him for a few minutes. The company usually takes pictures, so we didn't worry about taking our camera. But wouldn't you know it, this year they didn't take pictures. We snuck in a quick picture from Scotts phone and called it good. 

After the work party, we headed off to our ward party. Tayden was so excited to see all his friends, as were his mom and dad. The evening was filled with great conversation, delicious food and zero pictures. But, one cute story. As the primary kids were getting on stage to sing their songs, I noticed a particular little blonde boy in a striped blue shirt sneaking his way up on stage too. I tried to grab him in time, but the Primary leaders assured me he was fine. So I let him go. Seeing him up there with all the big kids stung my heart a bit. He'll be 3 next month and up on that stage, legitimately, very soon. It was fun seeing him up there smiling and waving and trying to sing the songs with the big kids. Childhood just goes too quickly.

We left the Christmas party and headed down the road to a live nativity the Church puts on every year. It was fantastic. The weather was a little chilly and Beckett got a little restless, but it was worth it. It was an amazing way to remember the true meaning of Christmas. It filled my soul with love and appreciation for the Savior. We weren't allowed to take any flash photography, so I stole a few pictures from the local newspaper.

This evening we headed out with some good friends, Adam and Melissa Turney, for more Christmas fun. We stopped at the Bellagio first to see the Christmas Gardens. They were AMAZING! Everything is made from organic things such as flowers or twigs. It is inspiring what people can do with nature. The pictures without people are pictures I took from the internet. My pictures simply did not do it justice.

 This is Taydens friend Hannah. He loves her!

After a quick stop at McDonalds we finished the night up at Ethels Chocolate Factory. They have a cactus patch that they decorate with Christmas lights. It was spectacular. And sticking with the theme, here are more pictures stolen from the internet.

It was a great weekend/evening. It reminded me Christmas really is just around the corner...sometimes you just have look a little! 

Packard Family Photos

While we were in Idaho over Thanksgiving, the Packard's had family pictures. It was a pretty chilly day (especially for us that are used to Vegas weather) and Tayden kept asking to put his coat on. Despite the wind, and my dumb dog rolling in horse poo, I think they turned out fabulous.

Love this family!

Sissy Visits!

My sister came to visit for a few days. She flew in late Sunday evening a left this morning. One of the first things I told her was to remind me to take pictures. I am horrible at taking pictures when guests come, so I told her she had to tell me everyday to take at least three pictures. She never told me. I have ZERO pictures to show for her trip. What a disappointment. However, the visit was super successful and ultra fun.

Monday consisted of a trip to Costco, a 2 1/2 nap and dinner at Sweet Tomatoes. Yummers.

Tuesday we went to the Bellagio to check out the gardens and see the fountain show. Which turned out to be bust because they don't start until 3:00 and we were there at 1:00. Darn. We also headed to the Disney store where my sister spoiled the boys for Christmas. They are so lucky to have an aunt like her around.

Wednesday was our lazy day. We hung around in our PJ's and watched Polar Express. Then, JoDell and I went to see the Lion King at Mandalay Bay. It was amazing. The costumes were outrages. I loved every minute of it.

Even though her trip was short and we don't have any pictures, it was such a good time. It was the first time we have ever had 4 days to the just hang out as sisters. It was great to have her in our home. The boys loved having her here, probably as much as I did. 

It came and went too fast, but I am grateful she made the trip. Even if it was really just to see the Lion King! 

Love you, sis! 

Playing Eat Dinner

The other morning Tayden and Beckett were playing 'eat dinner'. 

(Yes, Beckett got in the chair by himself. That is his favorite place in T's room.)

 After I snapped a quick picture from my phone, it soon became photo shoot time. Tayden loves me to take pictures of him with my phone so he can look at them later.

Mostly, I just love watching my boys play together.

Being their mom is fun!