Tayson's baptism

12.28.2011

My nephew tayson got baptized over the holiday break.

We were so glad that they decided to postpone the special occasion and do it in Idaho with all of us.

It was so neat to witness Tayson...he was acting so grown up and so proud about his decision.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints got an amazing addition that wednesday night.

(the kid is a total nephi) :)

Sure proud of you Buddy.

8 years.

{WARNING::this may get mushy}

Oh my goodness! I have been dying to do this post!

Sometimes I just get so excited to relive an experience thru this blog

and this is definitely one of those times.

December 27, 2011

Sonny and I celebrated 8 years of marriage!

I know. Holy Crud!!

We had such a ball, but I swear you're not going to know it looking at these pictures! Ha!

We did though.

It was perfect.

A little ghetto.

But perfect.

And it all started early December when my mom offered to watch the babies for 2 whole nights (2 whole nights!) while we enjoyed some time together.

Well of course we jumped at the opportunity, but we knew that we needed to keep it all under budget with the holidays.

(side note: If you ever have a daughter who thinks that it is a great idea to get married 2 days after Christmas tell her "Heck to the No!")

Well, we started shopping around hotels in Pocatello, Idaho

(which has the highest star rating of 2 1/2. suuuuuweeeet.)

but everything was over $100!?

One Sunday afternoon, I got a little antsy and decided to priceline a hotel for $49 just to see what we would get 

(thinking no way will anything accept)

Well.....I was wrong....

I think the popcorn ceiling in the pic below can do the explaining for me.

Yep people, that is the Clarion Hotel.

One of Poky's finest 30 year old establishments.

This place is complete with paper thin walls, dirty baseboards, and drive up to the door parking.

It also has cold hot tubs and broken boards in the sauna.

But, and I am not kidding when I say this,

We had the greatest time together!

The next 2 days we slept a lot and ran around to all my favorite places 

like The Works (best BBQ sandwhich in the nation) and Mongolian BBQ 

(the same little old lady runs the place who did back in my HHS days when I would drag Mitch Murdock and Kevin Weston there for lunches.).

We hit up the $2 theatre for Money Ball (so good!) and Real Steel (even better!).

We shopped at antique stores and my favorite thrift shops.

We ate Oreo Mcflurry's at 1 in the morning.

Jamba juice and pumpkin muffins for brunch.

And we watched the entire first season of Parenthood.

(love that show)

It was so nice to have nothing to do, but just date and hang out.

No expectations to ruin anything.

Sonny surprised me with a sweet card (mushy just the way I like em)

and he squeezed into his skinny jeans...cause he knows I melt when he wears them.

Gosh. I felt loved.

This is right outside the movie theatre.

Enjoying some Mongolian Barbecue.

I am honestly shocked that this hole in the wall (located behind a gas station) is still operating.

It really is such a dive and the salad bar is always luke warm at best,

but I am telling you the noodles, veggies, meat, and sauces all stirfried together by a 4 foot 10

sweet asian lady....mmmmhhhh....it's magic.

The next day, (our actual anniversary) was really similar to the first.

movies. sleep. books. eat. parenthood. lots and lots of parenthood.

That night, we ate at Cafe Rio for Taco Tuesday

(tacos for only $1.50!)

and we ran into a family who I used to babysit for.

And get this, the little tiny "baby" who I used to change diapers for is 18!!!!!

What the!?

It was so fun to catch up, but I kept staring at him and remembering when I would run into some "old" mom telling me she could remember when I was just wee big and not potty trained.

Freak. I swear I can't be that old. It was crazy.

Sonny and I sat for over an hour tanking on the hibiscus lemonade (I swear we got a little tipsy with it) and laughing at ourselves for having our anniversary dinner at cafe rio for taco tuesday.

So funny what 8 years will do to you,

but I think it is for the better.

We're best of friends and anywhere feels 5 star with him

(hey, it's my anniversary post. I can be as corny as I want to)

Oh and we bought a fan from an antique store.

It was only $7 and I don't know, we fell in love.

(blame it on all the episodes of American Pickers we watch?)

We swear it was the deal of the century and it works like a champ.

This made us decide on a new tradition of antiquing wherever we are on our anniversary.

It was just fun wandering around the shops and seeing what we could find.

So that is it.

Our 8 year celebration in a nut shell.

And since I am always slacking in the card giving department...

Sonny,

Thank you::

 For always having a good time no matter what.

For loving me so completely I would have never known it was possible had I not experienced it.

For thinking I'm a "hottie"

For endless hugs.

For being the softest place to fall.

For always being on my side.

For believing in me.

For supporting me.

For making me a mother and trusting that I'll do a good job.

and more than anything, for just being exactly who you are.

I love your guts!

So glad I had the 20 year old sense to say yes 8 years ago.

Happy Forever!

*okay, you can all stop throwing up in your mouths now.

I'm done :)

Christmas

Christmas morning was full of joy.

Every one got just what they asked for.

Lulu::Kit, The American Doll

Rocks::a basket ball and a note from Santa that something big was waiting for him at home (Hoop)

Gigi::A baby doll

Afterwards, we all got ready to head to sacrament meeting.

I just LOVE when Christmas is on a Sunday...just feels right.

If you are ever looking for a baby doll to give your yougen,

I HIGHLY recommend Baby Alive All Gone

Of course, Santa got this one for her, but I hear it's only $15 ;)

worth every single penny and more.

talking to Uncle Derrick and cousin Talen on skype.

Sorry. Just couldn't choose between the two family pics.

I am seriously so lucky to have these 4 in my life.

The Rockstar's gift to me. Cutie Pie.

My parent's looking thru their gift from us.

Always a book of our family's last reunion.

So glad they loved it.

I love how excited she can get. This reaction?

Realizing that the cute jammies came with a matching one for her AG doll.

And little man loved everything.

Such a sweetie.

Lulu surprised us all with gifts that she had boughten at a fund raiser at school.

Our gifts::

Me:: a little glass rose in a jar (think sleeping beauty) sadly it broke in the package :( so sweet of her though.

Gi::a bouncy ball and a slinky.

Rocks:: A "BIU" (BYU) cup

Daddy:: ha. well look for yourself.

I would have to agree, He really is the 

WORLD'S BEST DAD.

Such a perfect day.

One filled with my great little family, some gifts, a lot of love,

and remembrance of the Savior.

I really am so grateful for all that I have in my life.

Happy CHRISTmas!!!