V-Day

Valentines day we have usually tried to do something special. This year the Hubby had to work so we went out a few days before and had a nice family dinner.

I was spoiled by beautiful tulips that I love and the movie Juno. Who, as a character I am sure I would have hung out with in high school.

Little guy felt the love by receiving a fishing pole kit. Complete with pole, tackle box, backpack and of course sunglasses. We call them his "Hollywood"

And is he ever Mr. Hollywood! He loves to where them inside or out. It makes no difference.

the "fissing pole" isn't to shabby either and he carried it all over the apartment before a mean Mama took it away for safe keeping. We are hoping to let him break it in this summer in the "proper" way.

Our Daddy got just what he asked for. Yet another writing book for his endless flow of creative genius.

These are all funny little pictures but we enjoy them so we assume everyone else will too.

Christmas! Christmas!

Here are some pictures of our Christmas. We opened presents as a little family before we headed to the Hubby's Families home.

Little Guy saw Mama open a present with keys and so he of course had to try it out for himself.

Oh yes it is a big wheel! He was so excited he could hardly wait for Daddy to put it together.

He tried to get his hands on every little piece he could. Yeah, Mama and Daddy now know to have these big items put together before the child opens it.

The box might be just as fun!!

I think he likes it!!

Daddy's favorite thing!

Yes Little Guy received a personal visit from Santa. He wasn't quite sure what to think at first but he warmed up quickly. You know Santa is always a familiar face.



A little snow bonding with his new best pal.

Do you think he is enjoying himself? Just a natural little snow bunny.

A little more gift opening. Thomas the train slippers. He loves them and doesn't want to take them off when we are headed outside. Thomas was a big thing this year. He also got little trains that he has to take everywhere as well. Spoiled little stink. Oh well, he is worth it.

Santa makes his official visit. That stocking is a first attempt by the Mama. Don't look to closely the seams are scary. But the overall product was pleasing.

More spoilage by an Aunt and Uncle. This would be distorting pictures of themselves on the computer. Similar to that of a fun house. (You know the mirrors.) Little guy loved it and was thoroughly entertained. The other two looked like they were having a pretty good time as well.

Next the Mama's family's house and more presents. Man we are so spoiled but nothing has changed there.

The more the merrier.

Mama screamed with excitement when she got this shirt. Try to read it and tell us what you think?

Our Christmas was wonderful and full of those we love. More than unwrapping gifts we loved celebrating the birth of our Savior. We pray that you all had a marvelous Christmas and that you too feel the love of your Savior and the power of this season.

Two and Loven It!

For our little guy's 2nd birthday we decided to use the Grand Canyon Railway passes that the birthday boy won a few months before with his amazing depiction of a Lumber Jack. (see previous posting) We were concerned that the day trip would be too long for a new 2 year old boy. However we were pleasantly surprised that his love of trains over took that of the 2 hour train each way and the four wait at the Grand Canyon. We all had a great time. On the ride over, entertainment was provided in the form of cowboy singers and the sheriff monitoring all the cars. Our car supervisor also went above and beyond with a detailed history of the land and local legend.

This is our group picture that was taken on the train. I shouldn't admit this but I took a picture of their copy because I didn't want to pay $25.00 for it. Obviously not the best decision. I won't do it ever again. Promise!

We came up with a little entertainment ourselves. The joy of childhood!

Daddy and little guy on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

Just checking out the view. Not too shabby.

Mama with the birthday boy who is about to blow out his birthday sandwich candles. (we had a picnic lunch on the south rim.

The whole family on the observation deck at the Kolb Studio.

Daddy and little guy just rock'en out on El Tovar Hotel's front porch.

The birthday boy received a special visit from the conductor of the train. (Daddy can talk people into more than donating money.)

All aboard!! Lets go! It was a great day and the birthday boy held up really well. He fell asleep about 30 minutes before the train returned to its origin. He missed the robbers ridding up on their horses, stopping the train and "robbing" everyone but perhaps that is a good reason to revisit the Grand Canyon Railway.

Birthday dinner! You can't beat ''Pitha, Pitha, Pitha!!"

Doesn't everyone want one of these?

What could it be?


Everyone needs one of these. He loves it and still can't put his bat down. The Birthday boy was sufficiently spoiled by both sets of grandparents. So much that the Daddy and Mama now know they don't need to go overboard. They will let the grandparents do that. In the end it was a wonderful birthday. Even if Little guy won't remember. We have the proof. Who said Two was Terrible??!!

Halloween SWEETness!

Halloween is on the top of our list of best holidays ever. We had to be creative this year as far as costumes were concerned but nothing is new there. We have always tried to come up with unique and inexpensive characters who we could mold ourselves into.

Here we are just enjoying the preseason festivities. Nana keeps us fully stocked with great holiday gear.


It just wouldn't be Halloween without the pumpkin. Mama cleaned out the guts and Daddy took care of the carving. What a great family activity. Little Guy loved it. He wanted to carry the pumpkin all over the apartment. We had already lost one to a messy fate so his little heart had to be broken, just a little

Here we all are at our ward Halloween Party. The only picture with all of us. The Hubby had to leave on business over the actual holiday. We survived but he was sorely missed.

On Halloween night the Little guy and the Mama went to an on campus festivity. It focused on the younger children and was perfect for our purposes. Much more interesting than going from house to house, or in our case apartment to apartment. He is two after all.

Face painting. That is an axe on his cheek if you can't tell. This plus fishing for treats, coloring, pluck the duck and many more activities kept him happy and sent him home with a bag full of goodies.

So we two lumberjacks had a great Halloween. We hope you all did as well.

baseball star!

For our little one's birthday he got a baseball T. He loves it and we think he is quite the little hitter. Let us know what you think?

Sweet Joy

How would it be to have a child that liked to do the dishes? Well I might have one if I handle it just right. Cross your fingers for me.


Training up a good man.