SLC Fun

A few more random things we did while we were in Utah. Al took Alex sledding for his first time.  Alex doesn't own any winter clothes so we bought him a coat and he's wearing sweats over his jeans, California boy.

Alex loved it

until the snow plowed into their faces.

I think he was a little surprised.

and then he was mad and really cold, so we left.  It was a fun 15 minutes.

Thank goodness no one else got the flu.  It was so awful and proves that flu shots are a scam, but maybe not since Al, Alex, and Cole had them and didn't get it??

My mom and I went to the new Harmons across from City Creek and had some of their complimentary waters with pebble ice and my favorite chocolate covered cinnamon bears.

It's the one of the nicest grocery stores I've ever seen.

The last night we were there we took Alex to see the lights at Temple Square while my mom watched Cole for us.

We finally convinced Alex to wear a hat so he didn't freeze to death.  It turned out to be a blizzard which makes Temple Square even more beautiful.

We went into the Joseph Smith building and lost Alex for about 30 seconds which almost gave me a heart attack and then we ran into our friends that used to live by us in LA.  It's a small Mormon world we live in.

Our annual Temple Square picture minus Cole.

I don't really understand why someone would cut off the top of the temple when taking our picture especially when it's obvious we want that in our picture?  

It was a successful trip to Utah and good news we fit everything in our bags minus the kitchen and jeep, but hopefully we will get them soon.  We flew 2 days after Christmas and the airport and flight were empty which was awesome.  Alex ended up getting his own seat next to Al.  He drank juice with his wings, ate cookies, and watched cartoons.  It was a perfect ending to our trip and so nice to be back home in our own beds.  Thank you to everyone for all their help and gifts.  We miss you all.  

Christmas Day 2012

Christmas Day was exhausting. We started out at my mom's house at 8am

Alex cleaned up.  

My mom got him a Mickey Mouse doll that does the Hot Dog Dance.  He wouldn't stop hugging it.

A picture of me that I asked Al to take, so we know I exist:)

Mickey Mouse pajamas that he was trying to put on over his clothes.

We went to Al's parents at 9:30am to have breakfast and open presents.

All the siblings and spouses exchange gifts with each other.  Trevor had Al and this was his wrapping job.

at 1pm we went to my Aunt Mary's for dinner.  This is my Uncle Rolf and Uncle Andrew.  Andrew and his wife had a baby a month before Cole was born.

My mom and Baby Opal.

Mary's house is kid heaven with animals, 4 wheelers, toys, and a playground.  Here she is with her baby horse.  The mother passed away just after she was born.

Alex riding the goat and eating the apple we brought out for the horses.

8 year old Blake driving Al and Alex around on a sled.

So many cute presents for Alex and Cole.  My Aunt Sarah made these awesome cars.

The big party.

Baby Opal and Cole, 1 month apart.  

At 4pm we went to Al's Grandparents.  Here is Cole meeting his Great Great Grandma Morgan.  She is 96, love her.

Watching Grandpa and Grandma White open presents.

One of the craziest shirts ever.  You can play the guitar on it and the sound comes out a little amp you wear on your pants.

Alex's favorite Christmas present was his Jeep from Great Aunt Liz. The best thing is it has a remote so you can drive for them.  If you are driving to California anytime soon will you bring it back for us?

Cole's Blessing Day

On Sunday December 23rd Cole received a name and a blessing by his father.  We debated about what state we should do it and went with Utah since we wanted our families to be there.

 Al gave him a wonderful blessing.  I always wish I could remember every word.

We had a lunch afterwards at Al's Grandparents.

Jess, Dr Jessop, and Ryan

Megan, Me, her son Porter, and you gotta love the Bubble necklaces :)

My 2 sweet boys.  This is Alex's squinty smile he does when he's embarrassed or doesn't like what you're doing.

Aunt Niki, she's the baby whisperer.

Uncle Andrew and Aunt Janae even though they feel more like cousins since we are all the same age.

Alex found one of Niki's kids puffs and helped himself.

The Al's and Cole

Another attempt at a family picture.  

and sweet little Cole.  I'm in love with his blessing outfit and the cute booties his Great Grandma Ranes made him. Al told me to bless him in Alex's which is a short sleeve shirt and shorts, guys don't get it.  Hopefully someday he has a son born in the winter that can use the outfit again.

It was a great day that we will always remember.

Christmas Vacation

Our vacation started out a little rough with me getting the flu the first day we were in Utah.  Horrible chills, aches, and vomiting, Merry Christmas to me.  Traveling with kids is no joke.  2 car seats, 3 suit cases, the Bjorn, a backpack, my purse, and a stroller.  I don't know if I will ever do it by myself.

We got to hang out in the new Long Beach airport which is amazing and actually has good food to eat now.  Alex entertaining himself.Here we are leaving sunny California for cold and snowy Salt Lake.  Alex and Cole did great on the flight.  Somehow I got stuck with Alex at a window seat.  He must have opened and shut the window 20 times, spilled animal cookies and ice all over me, and drank most of my Diet Coke all while Al was passed out next to me with Cole.  

Al's Grandparents have all their grand children's baby pictures and birth date in a Christmas ornament on their tree.  I spotted Al's and think Cole looks like him.

Alex found this mini Dyson at his Grandparents and couldn't stop vacuuming.  It seriously entertained him for 30 minutes.  If it really vacuumed it would be perfect.

How great is it that Chambray shirts are back in style.  I have a school picture from 4th or 5th grade where I'm wearing one too.  

The first night we were there Grandma Ranes gave Alex and Cole Christmas pajamas, so cute.

Grandma holding baby Cole.  She watched him for us a couple nights so we could go to dinner.

The 3rd day we were there I was feeling better with my new 5 year old bangs so we went to sushi.  

Uncle Ryan feeding Cole a bottle.  Cole started sleeping 5-6 hours at at timein Utah, but I couldn't enjoy it because the first 2 nights I had the flu and Alex was sleeping in our room.  We had a futon on the ground for him to sleep on, but somehow Al or I ended up sleeping on it while Alex was laying horizontal in the bed.  He would also wake up around 2 or 3am every morning and not go back to sleep for an hour or so.  Needless to say it was a long 8 nights and it was so nice when we got home and he had his bedroom back. Oh and Cole is back to sleeping 3-4 hours at a time.  I've tried putting him back in his Christmas pajamas, making it cold and dark in his room.  I have to figure out what it was!!

After our Friday night date my mom had to pick up a present from City Creek so Al watched the kids while we went on a quick trip downtown.  City Creek amazes me every time I go, so beautiful.

Watching t.v. with Dad.  It's rare that he will sit still for more than 30 seconds.

Helping Grandma wrap presents and unwinding all the ribbon.

Sweet little angel Cole. If only they stayed like this forever.

Cole meeting his once removed cousin Jess

Alex's first drive thru car wash.  He loved it.