The Drano Test

At our family Christmas party, my cousin Ruth insisted that we needed to do the Drano test to find out the gender of our baby. Our ultrasound to find out wasn't until January 4 and we were dying to know. As Ruth described just how the Drano test worked, I was a bit skeptical especially as she described the possible explosion that might take place (and of course that this test was a bunch of crock).

We had already done the "ring test" and determined we were having a boy. Shae, my brother and the doctor in the family, would have no part of our "hogwash" as we were dangling the ring over my belly (thanks to Beth, Shae's wife, for getting us going on this test). Well, after Ruth described the Drano test, Dave was all  aboard and reading more about it on the internet...where all scientific research should take place. My mom immediately jumped on the bandwagon too. We picked up a can of Drano crystals (it must be crystals) at Walmart and went home to do the test.

So this is how it works: Mix the crystals with urine and wait until it changes colors. If it changes to brown, it's a boy. If it turns a shade of green, it's a girl. Scientific, right? Ruth told me that I was supposed to pee directly on the crystals for this to work right, but after hearing about fumes and explosions, I wouldn't get near the stuff. So I went in a cup and Dave took it outside and poured the urine into the jar and shut the door. Sure enough, fumes and vapors started. Oh, and Dave wanted to participate too. He claimed he was going to be the "control" of this experiment. That's why there are two jars.

Before

 Our results:

After: Hmmm...both are brown

Well, I wish I could say our experiment stopped there, but Dave wanted to do it in the morning too because everything he read said you were supposed to do it in the morning. This time my Mom also participated...maybe she was hoping the test would tell her she was pregnant too? I think my Dad just thought we were all nuts! And we are.

Here we are with our samples.

Checking out the crystals

Mine is the middle one. Again, all are brown.

So now it has been confirmed twice by the Drano crystals and once by the ring test...we are for sure having a boy...and so are Dave and my Mom!

Pulley Christmas Party

Each year during the holidays, my mom's side of the family tries to get together for a little family gathering. This year it was at my parents' house. Of course the weather had to be a blizzard and the roads icy, but everyone made it safely! It was great to see everyone. We had our traditional white elephant exchange...and I think a few of those returning next year.

My mom, Ethan, Holly and Chris Garrido and some of their children.

My cousin Margaret, her husband Scott holding their daughter Sophia, Aunt LaNan, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Robin

My cousin Ruth and her daughter Eden, Uncle Brent, Aunt Johna, Uncle Marley, and my Dad

Ruth and Dave holding up their matching potpourri burners they got.

Someone is 60....

On December 28, 2010, Dave's Dad, Bruce turned a ripe ol' 60 years old! He had to work all day, but we had a little party for him when he got home. The house was decorated with black balloons and yellow caution tape. He was a good sport as he got several gag gifts to remind him of his age: a bag of marbles (losing his marbles) and a cane with a golf putter at one end and a horn at the other. We had some "Over the Hill" cake to celebrate this special milestone with him. Happy Birthday! We love you!

The cake

 

Emil helping Grandpa blow out the candles.

Checking out his new putter/cane.

Other Holiday Happenings

Utah got hit with lots of snow over the holidays, so we headed up the canyon for a little sledding adventure with my family. We found a few great hills...nothing too steep for the kiddos...and they had a blast. Brooklyn was a bit apprehensive at first, but finally went down the hill with Daddy. Aiden, on the other hand, was quite the daredevil and loved racing down the hill against Dave. I sat it out and took pictures while Mom went back and forth to the car to check on Caitlin. We all had a great time!

Mom, Brooklyn, Beth, and Shae hiking up the hill

Brooklyn and Daddy racing down the hill.

Dad at the top of the hill manning all the equipment.

 

Aiden would race down the hill and back up the hill as fast as he could so he could race down again!

Dave at the end of his run.

Me and Beth watching all the action.

We went with Dave's family to the Festival of Lights in Spanish Fork. I had never been, so it was neat to see all of the different displays lit up. I wouldn't want to be the one putting those lights up nor taking them down.

Other fun photos from our holiday trip....

Brooklyn's crazy hair

Grandpa and Grandma treated us to McDonalds...Aiden and Brooklyn's favorite!

Grandma and Grandpa making Caitlin laugh.

Sisters...

I can't get enough of this lil' piglet! She is such a happy baby!

Avery full of smiles.

Jakob playing with Uncle Dave.

 

This lil' guy is such a good baby!

Jenny laughing at something...

Me making a face

Christmas Day 2010

ChRisTmAs DaY with the NieLSenS

After spending Christmas morning and having a little breakfast with my family, we drove down to Spanish Fork to spend the rest of the day with Dave's family. We ate more breakfast - waffles with strawberries, a Nielsen family tradition. We lounged around in our pjs all day while waiting for the rest of the family to arrive. Terry and Tara and crew were driving from Colorado and were going to come a couple days earlier, but that darn snow prevented them driving over until Christmas Day. Once everyone arrived, it was a free for all with gifts. There were so many! Again, Santa really spoiled us...thank you Santa!

Bruce chillin' in his recliner.

 

Stockings stuffed with goodies

Dave snoozing away before the festivities

The Nielsens made gingerbread houses on Christmas Eve. Beth and Jenny were finishing up their masterpieces that morning. Here are the finished products.

Beth and her gingerbread house

 

Check out that roof

Jenny's gingerbread cottage

Emil and Uncle Dave

The unwrapping frenzy has just begun!

Emil and his superhero cape we gave him.

Jakob unwrapping a toy.

Santa gave Dave a Garmin for backpacking...hopefully it will come in handy this summer on all of his summer Scouting trips.

Janis holding the angel we gave her.

Brian, Chelsie, and Avery checking out their goods.

Jenny got a Garmin for running...I was jealous!

Unwrapping the Pandoro that Dave gave me. Pandoro is a traditional cake that Italians eat at Christmas. I love it! Thanks honey!

Grandma reading Emil a story.

It was a wonderful Christmas Day full of relaxation, delicious food, and family.