Closing out 2012

After our vacation in Utah we had Christmas again. Alex must be wondering why he hasn't had any presents to open lately. 

Alex got a plastic set of golf clubs which I ended up hiding since he was hitting everything in our house with them.  I was worried he Cole would be next.  

We also got him a Strider balance bike that we are trying to teach him how to use.  Right now he just walks on it, but he doesn't want to get off and thankfully he loves wearing his Mickey Mouse helmet.

Stopping for a swig of milk, he kills me.

Cole loving his Tummy Tub.  It's supposed to make them feel like they are in the womb, he loves it.

For New Years Eve we knew we wanted to go to dinner, but my brain still must be pregnant because around 5pm it dawned on me that we probably needed a reservation if we wanted to go somewhere nice.  We lucked out and walked into a wannabe Benihanas.  This picture gave us all red eyes, but I love that Alex is looking and smiling at the camera.

NYE family picture.

I didn't make it to midnight, but 2012 was a great year.   I'm thankful for my health, friends, family, 2 healthy children, and my wonderful Ironman husband. Here is to a great 2013

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.