Eleven Years

Kevin and I left the kids with my parents and celebrated our Eleventh anniversary with dinner at The Copper Onion and shopping. Nothing crazy but we haven't been going out much lately so it doesn't take much to make us happy these days.

Hussey Family Pictures

Wheeler Farm
Photos taken by Stacey Peterson

I love these pictures! Added bonus, they are a good reminder for me to buck up. I feel cold in Vegas far too often.

Elizabeth's 4th Birthday

The Vernon crew headed up to Snowbasin on Elizabeth's birthday and John and Elizabeth got to going skiing for the first time.

The kids were able to borrow all their ski gear from Chris and Mel and they, along with my dad, volunteered to teach the kids while Kevin and I got to hang in the nice, warm lodge with Victoria and my mom. It was a pretty great set up.

John was able to use old skis and boots but Elizabeth had to use Paislee's. Paislee was so good to share and hang out with us while Elizabeth skied.

These two!

This was right before an epic ski lift fail.

Both kids did really well and had a really good time. The compliments and encouragement he got may have gone to John's head. After one run John asked Kevin, "Am I an expert?"

Notice John is shoeless and that is Victoria's snowsuit hanging from Elizabeth's head. Kevin took a load to the Tahoe before we left which included John's shoes and Elizabeth's coat.

We ended the night with pizza and cake.

Kaysville and Cousins

We drove to Kaysville the day after Christmas.

We were hoping John would get a visit from Santa and the Tooth Fairy on the same day but his tooth came out one day too late.

We were all able to get together for dinner and fun on Sunday.

Outtakes

I really wanted to get a picture of all three kids in front of the tree. Surprise, surprise, the kids (but mostly John) were not interested. While I didn't find it comical at the time it is pretty funny to see the attempts.

Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent getting some last minute gifts (thank you Target employees), chilling, eating gourmet mac and cheese at a friend's, and opening sibling gifts.

Victoria was not going to be left out.

Christmas day was filled with opening presents, playing with presents, and lounging.

John's excitement rated an 8 on the Richter scale. I wish I could say it was contagious but I was not feeling well so I didn't handle it well, I've vowed to do better next year and enjoy his excitement while it lasts.

I finally made everyone get out of their pajamas for dinner.

We had crab legs for our Christmas dinner last year and John loved them. He has been saying they were his favorite food ever since so we decided to make it a tradition. John took one bite and decided he doesn't like crab legs anymore. His eating preferences are so infuriatingly fickle.

Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden

A little outing with friends to help pass the time before Christmas. Always fun to have John with us on a weekday outing.

Bekah, Jude, Otto, Noel, John, Elizabeth, Me, Victoria
Vanessa, Everett

Otto, Noel, and Elizabeth

John, Everett, Otto, Noel, Jude, Elizabeth

Victoria at 7 Months

Almost every time she tries a new food she acts like she'll die if she swallows it. Everything except bananas has grown on her though.

She makes a cute ah/uh noise to say hello or when she is excited about something. She has also started to say mamamamama.

Her two bottom, front teeth came up. She's definitely a little more needy than usual and her sleep hasn't been great but overall she's handled teething pretty well.

She is a very proficient crawler. This house full of legos is keeping me on my toes. She is also pulling herself up on things.

She stopped taking a binkie. There are times I wish she would take it but then I think about taking it away from her as a toddler and it makes me happy she doesn't want it anymore.

I love when people comment on the red in her hair. Sometimes it looks like it's lightening up so it makes me happy when other people see it.