Backgrounds

While updating tonight I realized the site where I have been getting backgrounds was not working properly. I have found another cute blog that has some adorable backgrounds! Go check them out! http://www.simplychicblogs.blogspot.com/

My Baby Girl

Can I even express how much I love this little angel? What a sweetie!!

December catch-up

We had so much fun this Christmas! We started off the Christmas holiday with a trip to Brown County. It was absolutely enchanting while we were there. Being the weekend after Thanksgiving, there were Christmas festivities all over the town. We took a Christmas train ride in the dark, saw Santa Claus, and did a little shopping. However, I forgot my camera in the room the day we did all the fun stuff (leave it to me). Lexi did get a couple of snapshots on our way out of town though. She LOVES taking pictures.

And of course we had such a great time at Nana and Pappy's for Christmas. I don't think there are too many things that can beat going to Nana and Pappy's. That night we went to their ward Christmas fireside and had such an amazing experience. Everyone was dressed in clothing from the time of Christ. We were read at the beginning of the devotional the decree to go to our home land and pay a tax. One by one, each family left the chapel and went to the cultural hall which was decorated with booths that represented shops in Bethlehem. We paid our taxes (non-perishable items that were given to a local food pantry) and were able to purchase items from the booths...bread, olives and cheese, fruit, drinks, etc. We then were told the story of the birth of Christ which was acted out by certain members. There were white lights on the ceiling that looked like stars. It was such a beautiful experience. Here is a quick pic of my mom and Lexi at their booth. And of course my sweet niece Lily.

Later that week, Lexi and I tackled some yummy Christmas cookies. Lexi began frosting and I quickly realized that she was eating more of the frosting than was making it to the cookies. She then became my sprinkler. She liked that job a little better. I think her favorite job though was licking the icing beaters. Too cute!






Lexi enjoyed all of her gifts Christmas morning, but I think she was the most excited about having us open our presents. She was able to get us presents at her school. She even got 'peanut' a present. A bib that says "All American Baby" on it. It was the tackiest but sweetest thing. Ryan got a Dad mug and keychain and I got a porcelain kitty and a heart necklace with a red stone in it. She is so sweet.

She also received a visit from Santa on Christmas Day! Her Uncle Chris was as excited about it as she was I think. She came so close to figuring it out though. We had to make up some pretty crazy things to get her to believe. She is so smart!

We had a great holiday season and can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for us!

My amazing 3D artist!

So, have I mentioned how incredibly proud I am of my amazing hubby? He has worked so hard this semester compiling one of his best animations yet! He began putting this together as an idea for his capstone project which he is no longer using. However, he happened upon this idea while thinking about his childhood. He had a dear friend who struggled with cancer for many years. Throughout all of his trials, he remained incredibly positive, accomplishing many things that are still helping other children. Shortly after he was diagnosed, he became very sore and weak, requiring crutches and a wheelchair. Ryan so vividly remembers the time they spent at a local golf course and the fun times they had. Keeping this in mind...watch Ryan's demo and listen to the words in the song. It is amazing the emotion you can feel while you watch this beautiful animation. Way to go honey!!!!

http://inspiralmedia.com/clips/golf.html

Cat Numero 5'o!

Helmont helped us rescue our feral friend #5 recently. "Squeaky" or "Princess Sophia" or "Harvey" is doing well. She loves Tiger and is finally warming up to people ... finally. She's a Tortise Shell Calico - very energetic (most especially at 3am!).

Lexi in JibJab!

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Wish We Were Still Here

We had an absolutely amazing time on vacation this year. Was it the octupus, the crabs, the sea turtles, the diving, the amazing food, or the best virgin pina coladas ever? No....it was 9 whole days kid-free!! It was our first vacation together without Lexi and we had a marvelous time. However by the end of the week we were beginning to miss her terribly. It is probably a good thing she didn't come with us though; we probably wouldn't have come home! There isn't a lot of pictures, but we spent so much time under the water. Next time, we need an underwater camera!

This is the view from our room...can't you just see yourself sitting on the beach drinking a virgin pina colada?

Sunset on the beaches of Grand Cayman. You can't see in the picture but it is raining out on the horizon.

Ry-love getting ready for a dive.

Are we loving the pink yet? (My fins and mask are pink too!)

And we're off!!

The Boys

David, Ryan, Chris, and Steve

Our last night in Cayman. (You can't see it in the picture, but we are really crying;)

Can't wait until next year!!!

After finding claw marks on the counches, Stumpy climbing up the curtains, Stumpy climbing up Ryan's back, and Stumpy clawing Tiger in the face we decided it was necessary to declaw her. Is this not the most pitiful thing ever? She has gotten royal treatment the past couple of days and is loving every second of it. Lexi and I of course loved the hot pink bandages she had.

Happy Easter!

I was truly impressed by Lexi this weekend. With all the fuss we make about candy and the Easter Bunny this time of year, I am happy to say that the Easter Bunny was not even mentioned in our home until Saturday afternoon when I finally brought it up to Lexi. She has been going on about how Easter is about Jesus. I noticed today at church that many of the preschool age children were talking about Easter being about Jesus not the Easter Bunny. I am very impressed with our little guys at church. They are completely innocent and pure in heart. No one on this earth reminds me more of the Savior than these little ones. Their example and influence are inspiring.

The Toothfairy to Visit Tonight!

After long weeks of wiggling and wiggling, the unthinkable happened today. Lexi, while playing with the broomstick, lost her first tooth. After the initial shock that it was finally out, the next thing she said of course was..."Will the tooth fairy come tonight?"