Christmas Day

Santa brought us all new p.j.'s on Christmas Eve so we had to model them in our family picture
Kaitlyn in her new Christmas outfit. We went to Aunt Kelli's house Christmas night for dinner and open more presents!

Kaitlyn was able to open her presents a little easier this year than last. She was starting to grasp the concept of unwrapping

She got a new camera so she can take pictures like her mom!!

She got way to many clothes but it's hard to resist such cute things hanging on the racks.

Tearing into it!! Once she got a few new toys opened she lost interest in unwrapping anything else. And like most kids could have cared less about the clothes.

Ooohhh a new purse. Mom tried to find one for her with a smiley face on it but was unsuccessful

Just woke up and she looks a little overwhelmed by all the presents waiting for her. It only took us a little over an hour to open everything, much faster than what I thought it would take!

Christmas Morning waiting to Kaitlyn to wake up!

Playing in Dad's new "hut"

Temple Square

We made our first trek to Temple Square with Kaitlyn this year. She was such a good trooper, only fussing when she was tired of sitting in her stroller. She kept oooing and pointing at all the lights. Considering it was the Friday before Christmas we were pleasantly suprised at how few people there were and we couldn't have asked for much better weather and temps then what we had. I took a lot of pics and had a tough time deciding which ones to post so there are several to look at.
Grandpa and Grandma were kind enough to accompany us and be our chauffer for the evening. Thanks for a fun evening mom and dad!

The big red tree on the east side of the temple. We were curious just how may strands of lights go on that tree? And how they keep them all working!! All I can think is lots of prayers!

Kaitlyn and dad looking at all the pretty lights!!

Trying different shots with the camera. Looking for that perfect pic!

The trees around the Assembly Hall looked beautiful. I remember one year they were all done in bright pink lights. they looked like they were draped in cotton candy.

This is the nativity they put in the reflection pond. I thought this one turned out really pretty

The temple reflecting in the pond. We had a lot of fun tonight and can't wait to do it again next year!!

Let it snow, Let it snow!!

I couldn't help but take advantage of new fallen snow. So I dressed Kaitlyn in her snow pants and boots, hat and gloves and went out into the Winter Wonderland. Ed & I said she looked like a "pink nightmare" minus the rabbit ears!! It really was like getting ready for "extended deep sea diving" but she could still put her arms down.


She didn't seem to mind the cold and plodded along quite well through the snow despite the clunky snow boots adorning her small feet. She looked so cute!!

Ed drug out his ice fishing sled and loaded her up for a sleigh ride through the back yard. The moments leading up to this photo however weren't quite as happy. While Ed was getting the sled, Kaitlyn tried to bend over and pick up some snow. Being a little on the bulky side and top heavy she managed to do a face plant right into the snow. I tried to get her up as quick as I could but was laughing so hard it took me a minute. By the time I got her stood up and cleaned off she was in a full fledged scream. Good job mom!! Kinda reminds me of when my sisters and I were smaller and got thrown from a donkey I remember my mom standing over us laughing. Kind of the same situation. I can now see the humor of this past memory!

She finally calmed down and we walked up to the front of the yard. I think she liked the fact she could fit under the cover for the nativity. She kept looking at all the pieces probably thinking they were just her size. It cracked me up how she kept petting the sheep like they were the cats.

I had to take a picture of our christmas lights. Not as many as in years past but at least we have some up this year. I always think christmas lights looks so much more friendly with a blanket of snow on them.

Santa's Hat

We have a couple of old Santa hats lying around so we have tried to get some pics with Kaitlyn wearing them. Unfortunately by the time I get the camera ready she has already ripped it off. So the only time I have been able to get a halfway decent picture is when she is asleep.
Look, it's Santa Claws!! Even the cat posed longer then Kaitlyn would

A letter from Santa

Kaitlyn's official letter from Santa Claus came today. I'm sure I was far more excited for it then she was but she did humor me for a few minutes before she lost her patience.
It came with a letter from Santa, Santa's picture, a sticker that says she's on Santa's Good List, a personalized ornament and a North Pole T-shirt.

Loosing patience!!

She's already tried eating the ornament off the tree!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I know, I know....

But I just can't help it! It's that time of year again. Time to clear away all the clutter to make room for the Christmas decor. Time to clean the house from top to bottom because in the words of my mom " Santa Clause doesn't come to a dirty house!" Time to stock the fridge with eggnog and all the other holiday goodies. Time to get out the Christmas lights and see what works and what doesn't and unravel all the knots. And best of all it's time to listen to all the great Christmas tunes!! So, I'm following in the steps of my sister and from now until at least Christmas you will hear nothing but non stop Christmas music on my blog. I hope you all enjoy and don't worry there will be plenty of pictures posted during this most joyous holiday season!!

Trick or Treat, Smell my feet

We started our Halloween festivities with Trunk or Treat at grandma and grandpa's. Everyone was dressed in their Halloween finest. Grandpa came riding his pet ostrich, several of us let our true witchy selves show, Darth Vader traded his light saber for a goodie bag for the night, a small lady bug flew in for the occasion, a stray pumpkin rolled out of the patch and one good little witch finished off our group.

Kaitlyn walked for the first 30 seconds and was carried the rest of the way. Thank goodness I had a few helpers to help pack her around.

Grandpa and Grandma both have the same dentist. Hopefully he gives them a discount since they seem to have so few teeth to take care of. Years of eating all the left over Halloween candy has reeked havoc on their smiles.

I think Kaitlyn has a pretty good idea of what to do with all the candy in her bag.
I better be careful so her teeth don't end up like grandma and grandpa's

Aahh.... The Loot!! A little for her, a lot for me!!

I'm I mean old witch with a hat!

And I ride on my broom with my cat! Okay not really but tonight... was Witches Night Out at Gardner Village. So my mom, Kaitlyn and I all dressed up in our Halloween finest to cast some spells and stir up some spooky potions
Grandma Warts and Kaitlyn.

Bubble, Bubble Toil and Trouble. We certainly look like some trouble.

I think what was funnier was stopping at IKEA before and going in dressed like this... Needless to say we got a few stares!! I don't know why, I thought we looked perfectly normal.

I did take pictures but unfortunately they didn't turn out so well. Lets just say it was a sea of black and witch hats, with plenty of lines for anything and everything you wanted to do. But it was fun to see everyone dressed up for the event. What do you say?? Are we on for next year?

Happy Halloween!!

It's official, Kaitlyn walks!!

This started last night. Kaitlyn was talking small steps around the couch. I finally had had enough I took her and moved about 6 ft from the couch. She walked from me to Ed with out any hesitation.

I slowly widened the gap and within 10 minutes she was walking from one end of the living room to the other without any assistance.

Within 20 minutes she would walk from the couch into the bathroom again without any help. I think she thought it was a game. When she got where she was going she would turn around, smile and head back the other direction.


Today took a little more coaxing but again by the end of the night, we were playing the game again. She now walks around without hesitation and hardly even wobbles. I can't believe how fast she picked it up.

All I can say is the cats are in trouble for sure now. She has already started chasing after them.