Fun weekend with cousins!

We were so excited this year to have Dan's family come to Lehi for Thanksgiving weekend!

Afton loved spending time with her cousins and Melis and I were able to visit with Dan and Rachel!

We spent the day after Thanksgiving at the Dinosaur Museum. The kids (and adults) loved this first room so much we were there for a really long time.

Once we began to wander the kids had so much fun playing in the sand, checking out the shark and goofing off with each other.

Later that night we met at Temple Square which was unbelievably crowded.

Once we finally found each other we attempted to watch the outdoor nativity show. It was so crowded and the kids weren't interested after having looked so we headed in to see the statue of Jesus. This building was even more crowded and once we made it upstairs the kids all went straight to the railing so we grabbed them and quickly left.

By then we were all tired and burned out trying to keep track of the kids so we decided to leave.

Once we made that decision and started walking everything seemed more peaceful and fun. We had a few minutes without the crowd and enjoyed our way to the car.

We headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's for hot chocolate and home made pie Dan and the kids had prepared at some point between the Dino Museum and the Temple! Delicious!

Happy Thanksgiving

First Dance Performance

I can't believe my little girl is old enough to be on stage, dancing and waving and blowing kisses!

I was barely able to take pictures because my eyes kept tearing up. Of course it was one of those happy, sad cries. I was so proud and felt so much love along with some disbelief. Is that my little girl?

I was a nervous wreck all week wondering how I would get Afton to eat, get her hair curled, get her makeup on (wasn't excited about that and didn't really do it, she's 3!!!), and get to the South Towne Expo Center on time.

She did eat a good lunch and I bribed her to get her hair done and as I said I wasn't to keen on the idea of makeup so I skimped on that a little and did get to the Expo Center on time but was shocked at how busy it was. Apparently that Christmas Show is very popular. It took forever to park and somehow Brett and I showed up at the same time (he was at our niece's baptism which I was sad to miss) and we ended up following each other across the street to the parking lot by the Mayan and walked in together.

Once in, Afton was of course drawn to the Christmas chaos. We managed to get her to the stage where we sat with some girls in her class and they proceeded to play for 45 minutes while we waited for the show to start.

Once the show started Afton was enamored. She sat on Brett's lap watching and clapping and commenting now and then on costumes or hair.

Just before Afton's turn some older girls came to gather up her little class and took them backstage for a minute. Afton watched these older girls carefully and listened to every word.

Once all of the girls were ready they held hands and walked up the stairs and onto the stage together. Once Afton hit the stage she let go of the girl's hand and just took it all in!

She was adorable and sweet and perfect and I can't believe I stayed as composed as I did!

A quiet moment before leaving for the show.

My little sweetie and her funny (leave me alone) smiles.

Sitting for a moment before the show.

On Brett's lap watching the performance.

Backstage with the older girls!

Walking to the stage.

My little cutie!

Happy to see Dad when it was all over!

Family Photos

This year Tiff and I decided to take each others family photos. We each had other things in mind but decided to meet last minute before the weather turned.

We went to Wheeler Farm and we were hoping to have the place to ourselves. We didn't. It was packed. There was a farmer's market, a bike race, Halloween activities and a lot of people.

We decided to try anyway because we were there, it was beautiful outside and our husbands (brothers) were content to just hang out.

My little family got there first so Brett and I worked on pictures of each of us with Afton and when Tiff came she did the family shots!

I love these pictures and I think we'll do this every year!

Happy #8!

8 YEARS!!!!!

Brett and I have been married for 8 years and here are 8 things I love about Brett and our marriage!

1. I love that Brett opens my car door when we go out on a date.
2. I love when Brett wants me to give him knuckles (even though I do roll my eyes sometimes)
3. I love Brett's green thumb. He is so talented and we enjoy our yard every day!
4. I love that Brett works so hard every day so I can stay home with Afton.
5. I love that even though we have a different money situation than when we both worked he wants me to have nice things and tries to talk me out of buying something cheaper (because sometimes it's just cheap).
6. I love how Brett can always stay so calm.
7. I am grateful that Brett never complains about what I make for dinner.
8. I love watching Brett and Afton. He is an amazing father!

We have been trying to sneak away for a night since our Anniversary on August 21st but something always came up.
We finally planned a getaway to the Cliff Lodge up Little Cottonwood Canyon. We dropped Afton at Grandma Karen's and were on our way.

We started the night by eating a yummy dinner at Red Lobster. After that we headed up the canyon. Once there we decided to head to the pool. It was definitely a little chilly but a great night to sit in the hot tub and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The moon was out and the air was so fresh.

I called to talk to Afton at some point. Her cousins were with her at Grandma's for a while and she wouldn't even get on the phone. Wahhh

The next morning we were up bright and early (really????) and headed to Cecret Lake for a hike. It was beautiful. We were surprised how many people were out that early on a Sunday.

Once we finished our hike we headed down the canyon, enjoying the colors and stopping for hot cocoa on our way to get Afton.

School Picture

Is this my 3 year old?

Grandma Karen asked if I wanted to bring Afton to school to get her picture taken. Last year I went and Afton wasn't very happy. She wanted to play and cried a little when I sat her on the stool. I thought the girl was taking pictures but she wasn't.

This year Afton was so excited to go to Grandma's school. She chose cute clothes to wear, let me brush her hair and couldn't wait to smile for the camera!

Homemade applesauce

I didn't take a picture but this recipe I got from my mom is delicious! I even used apples from my parents apple tree. Yummy!

Ingredients

4 apples - peeled, cored, and chopped

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until apples are soft. Allow to cool then blend in the blender.