Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. This has been the first time in the past 4 years where Dave did not have to work Christmas Eve. We started our morning by visiting Santa and then picking up a few more items we needed for Christmas dinner.

Then later that evening we headed over to friends for a turkey dinner. The food was great and we enjoyed some time out by the bonfire until it was time for Nathan to go to bed.

I got up early Christmas morning so I could start the sour cream twist/ cinnamon rolls that we would be having for breakfast. I was a little disappointed this year because they never really did raise, but some how they still tasted good.

Christmas morning is so much fun now that Nathan is old enough to understand that there are toys wrapped up for him. He kept asking for more presents to open and really loved all his cars.

Later that evening we had friends over for pizza and dessert. I loved having such a low stress Christmas dinner. I think we will make it a tradition for the years we are away from family.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Morning

Mom here are some videos of our Christmas morning.

Santa

It is Christmas Eve and  we finally had the chance to take Nathan to see Santa. They had a Santa at our local theater for a couple hours today. I wasn't sure what kind of Santa was going to be there, but I was happy to find out that he was a really great Santa. Not only did he look great but he was great with the kids. Nathan had no fear and went straight over to Santa and gave him a high five. He was more then happy to sit on Santa's lap, but then got really shy when the photographer went to take his picture. So Santa just tickled Nathan a little to get a really great smile.

The most wonderful time of year

A couple weeks ago I found myself completely over whelmed by Christmas. I hadn't done any shopping and was feeling the pending need to get packages out in the mail. It really felt as if time was moving much too fast and I was still moving in slow motion. I tried doing Christmas shopping at several stores and always seemed to leave empty handed. We have been so busy the last few weeks that I have been feeling as if I have been neglecting Nathan and maybe that is why he has been throwing so many tantrums. I really wish I had been able to plan out a daily advent calender like my sister and do a Christmas activity every day with him. Maybe next year.
I was happy when a friend invited us over to decorate sugar cookies and jumped on the opportunity not only to let Nathan play with some of his best friends but also to do something for Christmas. The kids sure had fun playing  and I had a good time just talking with friends.

Let the season begin

Wow it sure has been a while since i have posted anything. We have had a busy few weeks.Thanksgiving was great this year. Dave's cousin was getting married down in Utah Saturday after thanksgiving so Dave's parents and sister come a few days early to our place to join us for thanksgiving. We also had some friends over and I must say the food all turned out wonderful. I was a little nervous because I have only cooked a turkey once before but I was happy it turned out great and the dark meat was so good!
That night my SIL, MIL, and I decided to do a little black friday shopping and so we headed over to walmart around 10 and it was a complete madhouse. They had most of the side isles blocked off so everyone in town was trying to walk down the same main isle. We were able to push our selves through to find most of the items we had headed there for. Then we got in line to check out which ended up going around most of the building. Brianna and Brenda were nice enough to send me home so I could get some sleep since I knew Nathan would be up early. They stayed in line for another 45min and bought all of our stuff. I have never done that kind of black friday shopping before and I must admit the crowds were a bit overwhelming. I think I may try again next year but I plan to be a little more prepared about what I want to get everyone for Christmas so I can be a little more prepared to take advantage of all the awesome deals.
Friday morning I spent a little more time out shopping with Brenda and Brianna while Nathan stayed with Grandpa and watched Cars 2. He really loves that movie and pretty much anything to do with cars. Recently he has been asking to go to bed with a handful of his favorite car toys. After lunch Dave's family headed down to Utah. Dave got home around 5 from delivering and so we headed down for the wedding. We had a great time staying with my grandparents in Provo. Saturday morning we left Nathan with my grandparents while we were at the Provo temple for the wedding. Nathan really took a liking to both of them. After the wedding we headed up to Sandy to meet Jeremy, Cameo, and Logan in Sandy to visit the aquarium. Nathan just loved running from fish tank to fish tank. I was glad we were able to spend some time with Jeremy and family even if it was only for a couple hours. We then headed back to Orem to go to the wedding reception where Nathan had a blast running around and dancing. He even pulled me to the dance floor once so that I would dance with him. Sometimes it seems like the kid has an endless source of energy. He never acts tired even though he had been running at full speed all night. Finally at 9 we headed back to my grandparents and the moment we got in the house Nathan was ready for bed. He actually wanted to get his jammies on and then wanted to give grandma and grandpa a kiss and then asked to go to bed. Sunday morning we headed home and relaxed for a few hours that evening  before the craziness of the month of December started.
I really do like Christmas but because Dave's job gets crazy the month of December can be a bit long and stressful. He was so busy this thursday that he made me drive to Wyoming and help him. Can't say that is a job I ever want to have.
I did manage to get the inside of the house decorate for Christmas this week and even went into town and bought a Christmas tree one of the nights that Dave was out late. Now all we need to go is put up the outside lights and we are ready for the Season. Nathan has already figures out how to turn on the tree lights and will turn them on anytime he finds them off. He also is completely obsessed with the ornaments and we have had a few tantrums because I won't let him play with the horses on the tree.

This is how I plan to spend the month of December. Enjoying the glow of the festive lights and the warmth of a glowing fire.

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween weekend. We started out Saturday by going to Boo at the Zoo. Every year the Zoo decorates for Halloween then opens up for trick-or-treating. At first when I tried to get Nathan in his costume he had a complete tantrum and even tried to rip off his chaps while I was putting them on. Some how I managed to force him into the rest of the outfit and once he realized he was being given candy he was much happier about the whole thing. It is always great going to the zoo for this because of the cooler weather the animals are a lot more active. Nathan really enjoyed the Lion as she was pacing and growling. Of course half way to the zoo I realized I forgot my camera, so all I have are some fuzzy shots with my phone.

Sunday Evening we finally got around to carving our pumpkins. Nathan was very interested in helping out, but no matter what I said he was not willing to actually stick his arm down inside and scoop out some of the guts.

Friday night we headed over to the Salem area Trunk-or-Treat. Luckily I was able to leave work early so we could actually make it there when it started at 5:30. When I got home I told Nathan we were going trick-or-treating and he quickly handed me his costume because he knew that he needed to wear the costume to get treats. What a difference from Saturday.

 After the Trunk-or-Treat we headed to Fatcats(the local theater) for some more trick-or-treating. They have local business set up inside to hand out candy to the kids.

 My friend's kids were thing one and thing two. She made the costumes herself and they turned out awesome!
                                               Thing 2 fast asleep.

                                       Thing 1 and Nathan waiting their turn for some candy.

When we got home we finally had the chance to get Chief all dressed up as Nathan's horse. We got to the Trunk or treat a little to late to be able to take the time to get everything on just right. Really Chief is such a great patient dog. He wasn't happy about the whole thing but just sat there through it all. Nathan on the other hand thought it was great and once Chief decided to lay down he really wanted to get on the saddle, silly boy!

Dave and I spent the rest of the evening laughing about this picture. Seriously his face expresses it all.

Quick update

 I recently was able to get some pictures that a friend took of Nathan at the State Fair. I had forgotten to put the charged battery back into my camera. We went to the Fair labor day weekend and had a great time enjoying fair food, checking out the animals, and exploring the barns. Before we left we decided to let Nathan ride one of the carnival rides. This boat ride was the only one I could find that would allow a child his size to go on by himself. He had a great time!

A few weekend ago we were able to go with some friends to a cabin in Lava Hot springs and we had a great time soaking in the hot pools.

A few months ago a group of friends decided to start a once weekly "joyschool" so we have been enjoying  going to school and learning about the alphabet. Last week was the letter F and the mom in charge planned a visit to the local fire station. It was kind of a rough day for me because Nathan was overly tired from fighting naps and bed timed for 3 days that he was having melt downs about everything. He did really love being inside of the fire truck though and was all smiles until he had to come out.

 Here the Kids are suppose to be practicing Stop, Drop, and Roll, and of course Nathan kept insisting that I get on the ground like everyone else and then proceeded to climb on me. He thought it was time to wrestle with mom.