Christmas 2011

This year we made new stockings, bough a fake flocked tree, and went to the festival of the trees where we purchased a gingerbread house.

Made a card holder wreath, attended the Allphin's annual gingerbread house making party, rode four wheelers with Poppy, and got a new bike from Santa!

Acted out the nativity story.  It was pretty awesome.  Miles-a cow, Van-a sheep, Sarah-as Mary, and Jack-a camel.

Here is the cast.  Jake-as Joseph,  and Alicia-a donkey.  Poor Jake, he did warm up to playing Joseph.

Some wise men and shepherds.  Jack later realized the wise men should have ridden on his back.

opening up Christmas Eve pajamas, and getting Santa treats all set up.  (Alicia wrote a cute note)

puff-eyed, and excited to see what Santa brought.

Jack woke up saying "I need to get Hiro and Spencer!"  sure enough, Santa pulled through.  and Van just couldn't get any cuter.

we went on a sleigh ride again and had a blast.  The kiddos loooooved it!

Miles didn't care that snow was creeping up his sleeve or soaking through his pants.  Jack however was very careful not to let the wet touch any skin.  They both loved playing in the snow.  come on Utah!

aaaaand Christmas mustaches.  need I say more?

Giving Thanks...

In San Antonio!

This year we had the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with my parents in Texas.  It was awesome.  There was lots to do, see and eat!  The riverwalk was amazing!  really.  I am such a fan of San Antonio, and highly recommend it for vacation.

airplane rides, there and back.  The first flight was rooouuugghh, but the second was a dream.

The river walk.  rad right?!  I. love. it.   We were able to walk right to it from our hotel.

The day after Thanksgiving is the lighting of the river walk and a Christmas parade.  There were around 25 boats/floats that were all gussied up.  This parade was the highlight of the trip.  Jack & Jack Jr. waving.  so cute.

The Alamo.  This was so cool too, and it is located in the midst of downtown and the river walk.

Had to hit up a mall.  one of the best ones I have ever been to!  Jack got a monkey at build a bear.  He is in love.  literally this kid hasn't put it down.  and he named him Jack Jr.

A little down time during Miles' naps.  

did I mention we had a blast?
thanks ma and pa!

Lately

This Fall season has flown by and there are a couple of things I've been wanting to document for the books.  You know, the books that have never actually been printed.  It will happen though.  It will!

My Jack started pre-school.  I teach with a group of moms and it has been great.  Jack loves school, his friends and teachers. 

He is so excited.  Love him.

ummm, Disneyland! We Carters love that place.  love it I tell ya

proof that Disneyland rocks.

Jack's beloved P-51 Mustang airplane and Miles' first pair of ears!

One of my besties--Amy and I ran our first (and possibly only) marathon this October.  It was the St. George marathon and it was hot.  Apparently it was a record high at the starting line, not a good sign people.  So pretty much the fast runners beat the heat while us slow pokes sizzled.  Done and done though! This was the last thing on my 5 year goal list that I created with Brent when we were newlyweds.

pretty sure we suffered from mild heat exhaustion.  not even kidding. 

We drove the Alpine Loop and it was beautiful.  One of the few Fall-ish activities that we did do.  We did have dinner in a pumpkin, we did visit a pumpkin patch, we did go to cornbelly's, and we did make caramel corn and wassail!  We didn't go to Thriller, didn't watch any scary movies, didn't carve pumpkins, or bake and frost any cookies.

seven years

11.11.04/10.14.11

 

 

"Always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name."

                                           --The Avett Brothers

Halloween.2011

at our Halloween party.  Tiger Lilly, Peter Pan, Mr. Smee, and Captain Hook!  some good friends also dressed up as Wendy, Tinkerbell (so cute) and John.

Halloween party.  I'm so sad I forgot to get permission to post everyone's pictures, (there were some good ones!)  and that Alicia was too good for my camera:) yep no picture of Blaine as the Charlie Brown ghost.

getting ready to go trick-or-treating

oooohhh, peeta!

walkin' the hood

what a stache.  I can't believe I forgot to put it on for the party.

more trick-or-treating at Grandma Molly's with Jakey buddy.  (The cutest vampire I've ever seen)

and sweet Sarah.  The cutest bumblebee.

First birthday

Miles' birthday is October 13th but we celebrated it on Saturday.

We had a blast giving Miles his due attention and having family over for the fun.

Miles is so fun to have around and has me wrapped around his finger.

Lets just say the kid is cool.

smash cake, ghost suckers, balloons, cake pops.  thanks Pinterest:)

Beach Ho 2011

I had to keep up the tradition of last year's beach post.

This year we went to Oceanside in September and loved it!  Though I have to admit I had minor season confusion.  I was ready to switch into Fall mode but we still had the beach house to look forward to.  Obviously I got over it.  (I'm sure you all feel bad for me)  We enjoyed our last bit of Summer and I am no longer cheating on my favorite season.  Jen and Alicia also blogged about this vacation and I may or may not have stolen some photos from them:)  

He wrote this all by himself.  proud? nah!

This kid had lots to do--eat sand, find rocks, crawl to the waves, etc.

poppy and Jack made sand go go cars.  along with Disneyland.  ummm where are those pictures?

cutest kids ever!

My boys.

great bunch.