surprise!

My mom turned 60 this past weekend. It's kind of a big deal. So her sister's planned a surprise birthday party for her and I decided to surprise her and fly to MN for her party. She was so surprised... she didn't even realize that it was her birthday.




Happy 60th mom!

its magic

We went to the Magic House with our friends last week. It was sure fun. Dennis LOVES that place no matter how many times he goes.

We will definitely be renewing our membership.

close call

Have you ever had one of those moments where your life flashes before your eyes and you think... Wow that was a close call. I have lots of times. This did not happen yesterday. I thought it was a close call for a quick second before I realized that I had actually stabbed myself in the hand.

We got home from school and Dennis decided that he wanted a snack. The quickest and tastiest snack available was leftover brownies from Sunday. They were a little old and chewy... but still delicious. However, they were stuck in the pan and my brilliant self decided that prying them out with a sharp knife was a good idea. It slipped and I stabbed myself in my right palm.

My dear friend saved me and took me to urgent care while Dennis stayed with her kids and husband. I got 3 stitches. Starting out the day with falling down the steps, I should have stayed in bed.

Dennis keeps reminding me that I fell down the steps... and since the very few moments I was with him yesterday were me getting hurt -he woke up in the middle of the night wanting to make sure that I was alright. Sweet boy.

snow day

nothing works better than a cardboard box for cheap sledding. Often times, they work better than real sleds! I think our neighbors felt sorry for us so he gave us their old blue sled. :) I like free.
Dennis could have stayed out there forever! I had to bribe him with hot chocolate to get him inside.
During nap time, I am going to make him some real mittens so that he doesn't have to wear those huge bright pink ones that don't even keep your hands warm.

a very fun afternoon

Dennis LOVES to color... especially with markers! We spent 2 hours coloring the entire alphabet.
...and then he just wanted TRAINS.... and more trains. I was impressed with his concentration for such a long period of time.
Then we did some yoga and Dennis loved to join in. He especially liked the downward dog... even after we were done and stretching.
One of our new year's resolutions is to work out every day... so far it has been our P90X workout videos. Dennis enjoys those too and he lifts his weights (two black flashlights) with us. So much fun.

kaysville party

Christmas morning, we all waited downstairs until we heard that the coast was clear and that Santa was officially gone. While we were hanging out and waiting, we texted Taylor and Katrina to see if they were already on the road (cause their plan was to drive Christmas day to Utah). They said that they had just left at 7:00 and were on their way. Soon after we heard a wierd noise coming from upstairs and just thought Santa was having a hard time getting through the chimney. Then the doorbell rang. That's odd. Who would be coming over on Christmas morning? Santa must be trying to bring that Rhinosorous through the front door but it's locked. We hear voices and run upstairs... it was Taylor and Katrina! They left at 7:00pm and surprised us by driving all night! That was the coolest thing ever! I was so happy. So, after presents, we went and jumped on the trampoline.... all in our matching pjs by family. It was so funny. Kristen shared her frosty with Dennis one day and Dennis was in heaven. Then throughout the week, if Kristen had something of the ice cream type, Dennis would bring a chair to the counter to get a spoon and head on over as if it was an open invitation. Luckily, Kristen didn't mind... I don't think.(notice Dennis is the one holding the cup)
Once again, we got 3 boys in a tub. It was so fun to watch them play. I could never get all 3 boys looking at once. I should photo shop the next 3 pictures together.


Dennis LOVES choo choo trains & stories from Nonnie.
Later that day it snowed! Good thing we didn't pack the snow gear in vain.

The 3 boys loved playing this matching game. Its pretty remarkable to me that Dennis can actually play organized games... as simple as it was.
The boys LOVE their Aunt Kristen!
We all helped put the tree away and Dennis was especially helpful. He wrapped the lights around his arm so tight that we had to unwrap them to get them off. Once again I ask the question, "what color are those eyes?"

The wii is always a big part of our vacations. This year instead of Mariokart and smashbrothers we played wii dance and super mario brothers 3 (we started and beat the game all in the week).
This was so funny- Dennis wanted Nonnie to read his favorite book but Benson was already reading a book with Nonnie. Dennis could hardly wait that he started to open the book right on top of Benson's book.
Eventually, Nonnie got done with Benson's book and it was Dennis' turn.

What a fabulous week. Thank you Nonnie and Papa!
Thank you, Kristen and Thomas!
We miss you.

christmas

Maree always does such a nice job decorating the tree and Dennis loved the train that circles it.

Every Christmas eve we exchange our homemade gifts to each other. This year Thomas made Dennis some bean bags and a perfect goal thing to throw them at. He was so proud of his personally thought up design. It is awesome and compacts down to fit into a small bag.

Ryan made Camille this beautiful apron. He really did a great job and did all of the sewing.
I painted Buzz a picture.
Camille made me a framed picture of "The Living Christ" with pictures of Jesus on the mat. I love it and know exactly where I am going to put it already.
Kristen made Ryan a book holder to attach to his stationary bike that he would get the next morning.
Then we opened a package from Nonnie with matching pajamas inside! Don't we look cute!
Dennis' loot.
It was an awesome day.