SNOW + SLEDS + FAMILY = FUN!

The stars aligned and we got SNOW... AFTER we got snow clothes and sleds for Christmas... on a SATURDAY... (so we could actually enjoy it!) Actually, we haven't had hardly any snow since the first weekend we moved here at the beginning of November. Supposedly it's been the driest winter on record here in Utah.And we were kind of hoping we wouldn't get snow until  after Christmas when the girls would receive snow gear including sleds. This morning, I opened the door to go out for a run and there was SNOW! I'm pretty much out of it when it comes to weather forecasts or the news, so it was a sweet surprise. I turned around changed my running shows for snow boots and hustled everyone into their new snow clothes to go play. Coby wasn't sure there would be enough snow to sled in, but I figured this was our chance so it was at least worth a try! Ohhhh there was enough snow! We had such a fun time. Off we trekked sleds in hand to the great park with a bowl shaped field just a couple blocks down the street. Those hills worked perfectly! The girls were awesome - I thought we might fight some nerves from the little ones since this was their first time, but they loved it. We sledded single, double, even all three girls at once. Forward, backward, on our bums, on our knees. Coby and I had just as much fun as the kids, I think! Next time it snows... on a Saturday (keep your fingers crossed), we'll hit the bigger hills at Sage's school playground field just up the street the other direction! After sledding and throwing a few snowballs, we walked home and warmed up with some hot chocolate made in our new Cocoa-Latte hot chocolate maker (a Coby find at Costco) - makes the perfect cocoa every time! What a perfect morning - I love enjoying fun activities with my family.

 

Sage, Reese, and Mira in front of our house, anxious to walk down to the park.

(Reese is taller than Mira, but not THAT much taller.)

 

 Coby and Mira at the top of the hill ready for a ride.

Videos below: Coby, Sage, Reese and Mira.

AT THE SAME PARK EARLIER THIS WEEK...

Sage showing off her tricks.

 Reese (above) and Mira (below) trying out their new climbing skills. Much improved over ladder climbing this summer! So cute!

Christmas in Utah

Yes, we moved to Utah in November. We are happy to be here in South Jordan and feel blessed to have moved to such a beautiful area (albeit different than Northwest beautiful) . It's wonderful to be close to some of Coby's family, have the Oquirrh Mountain Temple practically around the corner, and Coby's new office just a few miles down the street. Sage loves her new school, Daybreak Elementary, and her new teacher, and seems to be adjusting wonderfully. Mira thinks we can just "buy a new Stacy" or "drive to the airport and catch-up on an airplane" to see Grandma and Grandpa Tippetts.Reese just sings her way all around our new house without a care in the world.

As we looked forward to being in Utah for Christmas, we anticipated seeing the lights at Temple Square, and a white Christmas. 

 I don't know if there will be snow for Christmas, but we know it WILL come. We've had a few white days already. One morning, I woke up to this on my shower door. Sage was pretty excited about the white stuff that had fallen in the night.

 The lights at Temple Square were beautiful, and it was fun to be able to enjoy those with the family that live here in Utah. Even Uncle Aaron fllew up from Phoenix to see the lights with us.

Mira LOVES uncle Aaron, so she was happy whether we saw the lights or not!

The girls visited with Santa.

And wore their new Christmas dresses from Grandma Tippetts to church. Check out those cute socks and red SHOES! (Yes, Mira idolizes Sage.)

We look forward to the coming week when we can continue to invite Christ in to our lives more fully and feel the spirit of CHRISTmas.

Halloween 2011

Sage as a Pioneer Girl - ready to make the trek to Utah!

Mira as Sleeping Beauty

Reese as Ariel

Sisters, Twins, Princesses

Pirates Coby and Shalyce at the Burton's FABULOUS Halloween party

Neighborhood Haunts

Stacy

Linda the Good Witch and Joe the Wicked Witch

Happy 3rd Birthday, Reese and Mira!

Mira and Reese enjoyed celebrating their third birthday at the zoo. Grandma Tippetts met us there, and Heather, Rachel and Brett joined in the fun, too! Later that afternoon, Dad played outside with the girls, and then we "partied" after dinner.

Mira and Reese showing off their new three-year-old fingers.

Mira looking too cute for the Black Bears.

Rachel, Brett, Reese and Mira

Mira and Grandma - the buddy system

Shalyce, Reese, Mira, Grandma

Reese and Mira - PBJ's - YUM!

Mira and Reese - Laptops at three? Maybe they can help mom work!

Reese loving her birthday balloon from Kelly-girl.

Mira blowing out candles AGAIN, just for the camera.

Reese wishing she was already eating the yummy oreo rice krispie treats Stacy made for the occasion.

Reese and Mira ready for summer fun in new shades, swimsuits and cover-ups.

Sage's Baptism

Blessing Day - May 2003

Baptism Day - May 2011

How she has grown! We are so proud of our sweet Sage. She has been a sunshine in our lives for eight years already. (I can't believe it.) Her testimony of Christ is strong, and she is a light to those around her. Sage has a wise, caring, compassionate spirit.

Coby and Sage

Sage asked her dad to baptize her as well as confirm her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Grandpa Tippetts, Grandpa Allen, Uncle Eric Sork, Uncle Micah Johns, Larry Bird, our home teacher Matt Thornbrue, and Bishop Melanson particpated in the priesthood circle for the confirmation. Steve Ussery and Uncle Micah acted as witnesses to the baptism. Grandma Tash spoke about baptism and following Christ during the program. Grandma Tippetts made the beautiful white dress. Many dear friends and family joined Sage for this special event helping her to feel supported and loved. Those who couldn't join us in person sent words of love and encouragement through emails, letters, packages, and phone and video calls.