Christmas 2013

I'm almost two months late in posting these and Christmas already feels forever ago, but I think I can speak for both Josh and I and say that it was our best Christmas yet.  Maddie is at such a fun age and was so excited about everything.  She actually asked me the other day if we could get another Christmas tree.  I think both of our babes were a little overwhelmed by the end of Christmas night - lots of presents, lots of sugar, and not enough sleeping - all signs of a successful Christmas day.  Having little ones in our house for the Christmas season makes things even more magical and really magnifies the spirit of Christmas. 

Maddie was thrilled to get her beloved Elsa doll

Becks wasn't quite sure what was going on but, as always, was so happy to be a part of things

Christmas Sunday

The only decent picture I got from Maddie's first dance recital.  I was laughing so hard that they all turned out blurry.  Thank heavens we have it all on video because it truly was one of the highlights of our parenting career thus far.

And I just had to throw this one in here because - look at those perfect faces! Am I lucky or what?

Halloween 2013

Halloween this year was my favorite so far.  Every morning for the past 3 or 4 weeks the first thing Maddie would say to me in the morning was "Well Happy Halloween Mom!" and then she would quickly add, "Let's go trick-or-treating!"  So needless to say, Halloween was kind of like Christmas morning around here (I can't wait to see what the real Christmas will bring).

Maddie switched off from wanting to be a witch, to a spider, to a pumpkin, to a ghost… etc - anything Halloween-related, so naturally we went with Rapunzel (maybe because we already had it, and it's pretty dang cute).  Beckham was a cowboy and was as happy as can be to be a part of things like usual, sweet boy.

This last picture might be my favorite.  Trying to get a photo of all four grandkids turned out to be a huge joke.

Christmas catch up

And straight on till morning

I think it would be safe to say that this year's Halloween would be in the top of my books.  Josh has never been a big fan of dressing up (or Halloween in general) which is why I was so surprised/shocked this year when he willing agreed to being Peter Pan like it was no big deal.  He wore leggings and even tried on tights but nixed that idea pretty quickly when he realized just how thin they really are. 

Madds loved her costume (as long as it wasn't on) and quickly forgot its annoyances when she realized what trick-or-treating was all about.  She also was in heaven with hanging out with her cousin Seb... probably one of her favorite people ever.

We had so much fun, and it's safe to say that we are loving Holidays with an almost 2 year old.

Our Easter

Easter Sunday around these parts was wonderful and low-key.  Maddie was thrilled to find a basket of treats and toys.  She especially loves kissing her new baby (that she helped the Easter bunny pick out), and I've found her multiple times today pointing to her little basket that's sitting on the shelf.  

Josh and I taught our little 4 year olds in primary yesterday.  What a cute and smart group of kids.  It was fun to hear them talk about what Easter is all about.

And on a totally different note... check out this crazy Easter egg hunt we went to Saturday.  This is real - all for an Easter Egg hunt! We were a little blown away and ended up watching from the sidelines.  Next year I think we'll set up our own.

Holidays.

We were lucky enough to spend almost 3 weeks in Bountiful over Christmas break.  Bountiful will always feel like home to us (and with as much time as we spend there, it might as well be).  After going through my (lack of) pictures from the break and trying to decide what to post, I've decided to add one more new year's resolution to my already mile long list... take more pictures.  Especially of Josh and I - we are seriously lacking on photos of the two of us together.

Maddie dreaming about what she might be getting for Christmas

Hanging out at Kingsbury Hall during the Jon Schmidt Christmas concert

Maddie in her Christmas dress I made for her - still trying to get the hang of this whole sewing thing

The BHS alumni bball tournament... my Josh knows how to play.

Little new year's eve date at CPK - don't think I could ever get sick of this place or my cute man

This might be an indication of why we don't have many pictures together - this was attempt #4 I think - not the greatest picture of us, but Josh was done trying.

We had such a great Christmas break filled with family, no school, eating, baby staying up past 11, more food, birthday celebrations, naps, date night for Josh and I, FIFA, realizing that if I thought I was in okay shape - I was wrong (thank you GPP Fitness), and being totally spoiled in every way.  Josh and I are truly blessed to have such amazing families that live so close.

Halloween 2011

I'm a little late with posting this, but Halloween was so fun this year.  Having a baby definitely makes Halloween so much more fun.  Lucky little Maddie had two costumes this year, starting off the first half of night as the cutest little BYU cheerleader and finishing off the night as a cute duck (thanks to Uncle James).  

We trick-or-treated a bit, with Seb and his crutch.  Madds didn't get any candy, but loved being out late and seeing everyone in costumes.  Josh and I had so much fun with her and can't wait for next year when she'll know (kind of) what's going on.

Finishing off with a few pictures of Maddie at the park with her cute friend Wyatt.

4th of July in Jersey!

Josh had to work on the 4th but got off early, making it our first evening together (minus Sundays) that we've had all summer.  Maddie and I loved every minute of it.  We spent the day swimming and avoiding the Oceanfest crowds.  I read that ever year hundreds of thousands of people come to this event that is held literally right outside our window.  And let me tell you - I don't think they were exaggerating.  That night we ate apples from Rocky Mountain chocolate factory (mostly me on this one) and watched the fireworks that were lit off
 from the beach.  The firework show was amazing and Maddie loved it.
(excuse the random lady in the last picture.. for some reason it's the only picture I took of the fireworks - and do you even see any fireworks?). 

First Father's Day!!

Happy first Father's Day Josh! This little Maddie girl could not be any luckier to have you.  And it is reaffirmed every day that she is 100% a daddy's girl.  I'd say I hated it but I'd be lying. They are just too cute together.