Hogle Zoo Lights

We had such a fun night as a family. My mom came up for a visit and we were lucky to have my brother Cameron come along too. We started the night with a fresh and tasty meal at Buca di Beppo's. Love that place. If you haven't been you should go. We then ventured the Hogle Zoo for some lights. Fortunately for us, it wasn't too cold outside and we walked around looking at all the lights. Aiden loved it, which was the most important thing. I enjoyed him and spending time with my family.

Getting Ready For Christmas!

I apologize that it has taken so long for an updated post, however, as always the month of December has been crazy busy. Here are some pics of Aiden helping out with decorating the tree. Even though he doesn't quit understand the concept of Christmas yet, he still loved it- and we enjoyed it too.

Me and my crazy projects!

I have been looking/wanting an advent calendar for a long time. I was looking on-line and couldn't find one that I really liked but I did find some ideas and decided to just make one myself. It took me about two days to make but I absolutely love it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great and happy Thanksgiving. We spent the day at Barb's and enjoyed family and some really good food.

I believe the term is "Twi-Hard"

I was getting my hair cut las Friday and my hairdresser tells me that she went to see the new addition to the Twilight saga "New Moon" last night. That seems normal considering that a lot of people did go and see it the night before...however, we are talking about the movie and the girl next to us says that she went and saw the movie twice (yes...two times) last night. My hairdresser proceeds to tell her that she was sooooo lucky to see it twice and then looks at me and says "she is a die hard." I then said, "I believe the term is "Twi-Hard." I can't say much about it considering I have been a little obssessed since seeing the movie then reading all four books in a period of about three weeks and then purchasing tickets for New Moon about three months in advance. I did go and see the movie on Friday and grinned and beared the crowds. In the end of it all I thought it was worth it and worth the wait.

Ode to my Brother Blake

While in Florida and shopping in a supermarket called publix, I came across a bottle of shiraz called the Tall Horse that was from South Africa. Without hesitation I bought the bottle thinking of only one person....my brother Blake. Jesse and I finished the bottle last night and it was good. I only wished that my brother were around to share it with us, however, he is doing great things in the land of Africa. My ode is nothing great....I am no Edgar Allan Poe by any means.

He hasn't been home since last Christmas
By now I am really missing him.

He lives in Port Elizabeth
but travels the whole continent.

He is working really hard in school
learning to save the world in crisis.

I hope he knows how much I love him
and how proud I am to call him my brother.

Flori-duh!

Sunset in Islamarada

Dinner at Marker 88

Sunny Florida

Everglades National Park

Aiden at the beach- and loving every minute!

Loving the water and waves.

So...I was contemplating the story of our trip and I really don't know where to start. There was so much going on all at once that it is hard to begin, but I guess starting at the beginning is the best so here goes. We woke up in the morning with enough time to get to the airport. Aiden was a little cranky but that is usual for him these days. We parked and waited for the shuttle. Aiden was doing okay at this point, however, the minute we got on the shuttle he freaked out. Screamed and kicked and sprawled himself on the ground. Going through security wasn't any easier. He didn't want to do it and made himself known. By the time we got the gate I needed a drink...and I am not talking soda. The plane ride started off okay but Aiden showed his true colors and got antsy about 15 minutes into the flight. On the seat, off the seat...on the seat, off the seat. It took a lot of energy trying to keep him entertained. He did not want to be in the seat belt and fortunately most of the flights the attendants were okay with that. On the flight from Atlanta to West Palm Beach there was a little girl sitting behind us that was learning to talk but she definately knew the word Florida except she said it like Flori-duh. And...she said it about thirty times before we got off the plane. Exhausted, we found the shuttle to the rental car place, somehow fit into the too small Saturn Vue and found our way to the hotel. The following day we drove around looking for Jesse's old house and elementary school. We also stopped at the beach and had a great time. Aiden loved it! He didn't have a swimming suit on but that didn't stop him. He went all in and couldn't get enough. That night we had Charlie's famous spaghetti and meatballs at Barb's sister's house. On the third day we took Aiden back to the beach but took him in his swimming suit. It was a little cold and windy so we didn't stay long. We had dinner at Outback with Barb's family....by this time I am feeling exhausted. We stayed in a suit that had two bedrooms but the bed wasn't big enough for Jesse, myself and Aiden so Aiden and I slept in the bed and Jesse slept on the hide-a-bed in the living room. Now...I don't know about you...but there is reason the we do not let Aiden sleep in our bed. He is a wild sleeper. He was kicking me, punching me, rolling over me and pretty much just trying to sleep in the same space that I was. We drove down to the Everglades National Park...got out...saw an alligator...got back in the car and drove back to our hotel. Oh wait, we did stop and get a cuban sandwich- yummm. We also took a drive to the Keys and had the wonderful opportunity to see the sun set during dinner. It was amazingly beautiful. By the time we headed home we were ready. Except for maybe Ben...He and Jesse went fishing out of Key Largo and he wanted to stay an extra day to go again. After a long two plane rides back home, we made it. Tired and exhausted but thankful that we had the opportunity to go.

For the Love of Fall

I was out raking leaves and cleaning up for the winter when a great photo opportunity arose. Aiden was playing around and was in a good mood so I took advantage of the moment and here is how it turned out.

Halloween Party

This picture is about as good as it gets. Too many little
ones wanting their moms. Aiden sure is hammin' it
up though.


Finished pumpkins


Roger, Analise, and Kayla

Ben, Hannah, and Rayna

Every year we have friends and family over for Halloween. This year wasn't any different other than the kids are getting older...and louder. We tried getting all of them together for a picture and that did not work out. I did get some though. We had a good night of fun, trick-or-treating, and some good food. Thanks to all our friends for coming!

The Costume

So last year was a struggle getting Aiden to wear his halloween costume but he finally gave in and wore it. NOT this year. I was working up a sweat just getting the thing on and once I did get it on he screamed and cried and screamed some more. Instead of being upset about it, I just took it for what it was and captured the moment. Jesse actually got some video of it. We were outside and some of our neighbors were coming outside to see if everything was okay. He's still cute, isn't he? Maybe next year we will have success...

Pumpkins

On Friday we carved some pumpkins. We contemplated putting Aiden to bed before we started, not knowing how he would act. He is two and curious about everything. As you can see, we decided to include him in the holiday tradition and he loved it. We had a really good time and I am glad it was something we could do as a family.

Haunted Hallow

The last time I ventured into a haunted house of any sorts I was in high school. Knowing that, you can imagine that experience was not the best one for me. I was with two of my friends and we screamed so much and so loud that my throat hurt for a week. I was seriously traumatized. When my teammates suggested we all go to the haunted hallow I was not thrilled but I thought that maybe since it's been 12 years later I might be able to handle it. I actually did okay. There were some parts that made me jump but I mostly laughed and had a really good time. The margaritas before might have helped a little and the fact that Natalie let me hold onto her arm the whole time might have had something to do with it as well. Maybe I will go next year.

Wellness Festival, Jackson Hole, WY.

The trip was suppose to include my grandma, however, due to a family emergency, she was not able to make it. My mom decided she still wanted to go and I was happy for it. I desperately needed some time away and I was excited to spend some time with my mom. The trip up was good. We did run into some snow and it actually snowed most of the time we were there but fortunately we were inside most of the time. The wellness festival was awesome and I learned a lot. I think my mom did too. I felt like they presenters were talking directly to her. We had dinner at a couple of nice restaurants and had breakfast at the Bunnery the morning that we left. Yummmmm. It was a great time.

Snowbird

So....my mom calls me on Tuesday and says, "what are you doing on friday?" It just so happens that I wasn't doing anything so I said "nothing, why?" She asks me if Aiden and I would like to for a hike? Well, yeah, that sounds like fun. What do you have in mind, mom? She then proceeds to tell me that she wants to take the Tram to the top of Snowbird and hike back down. Ummmm.....hmmmm.....let me think about this one. Just me and mom that sounds do-able. With a two year old....I am not so sure. I agree to it anyway. She really wants to go (and smell the roses) and says that if he is cranky we will just take the tram back down. So we meet up, take the drive up the canyon to Snowbird, buy our tram tickets and take the nine minute ride up snowbird mountain. By now, you are all thinking that we should have gotten back on the tram and taken the ride back down the mountain, but alas, we did not. We started to descend at about 11:15 am. Aiden started out walking and grandma gave him some dried fruit to eat on the way down, trying to keep him occupied. Now, you wouldn't think much of this except that everytime Aiden ate a piece of the fruit he had to sit down to do it. Great! We will make it down the mountain just in time for dinner. We finally make it down a couple of switchbacks and decided to stop to eat some lunch. On we went, tried a couple of things. Make shifting a hammock for Aiden to sit in (where at one point he catapulted him out of it and face first into the dirt) carrying him on the hip and finally on top of our shoulders- which ended up working the best. Half way down there was a thunder storm and some rain, which is exactly where you want to be when that comes around. I told my mom to tell me if my hair starts to stand up and whatever we do, do not stand under a tree. We took a wrong turn twice, maybe three times but finally made it down the mountain. By the time we got down the mountain and back to the lodge I felt like I was going to just kill over. My toes hurt, I have a huge blister, and every muscle in my body aches....BUT....I loved it. I loved spending the time with my mom and with Aiden.

Marshmallow

While visiting Granpa Ellis and Grandma Cindi, Aiden got to roast marshmallows and try out the smore's. As you can see, he really enjoyed it. He was reluctant with the fire at first but got use to it eventually. He also found that the dogs enjoyed the marshmallows too and loved sneaking a few to them. Thanks bud for being so generous!

Aqua Baby

The Aquatic Center in Clearfield is absolutely amazing for kids. It's like a playground in water and Aiden loved it. We were only there for about an hour but he had a blast and wasn't afraid to try anything.