Happy Holidays & Picture Overload

So I am alive!

I warned of a long absence - however, it was made much longer because I left my camera cable (among a few other things) in Omaha, so I had no way to upload photos. And as my sister tells me, she never reads what I write - just looks at the photos (thank you very much, Katelin).

Annnnyway- here's a not-so-brief recap of what we have been up to the past few weeks.

The Drive

So the drive out to Omaha was not too bad - we left at 7:00 pm, with kids bathed and in their pajamas. The plan was for them to sleep the whole way. Davis cooperated nicely, however it freaked Addie out that we did the whole night-time routine and then got her in the car. She kept saying "Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!" then it turned into, "Wanna go house!" Luckily, about FOUR hours into the ride she fell asleep. The roads were dry, which was a luxury I don't think we will have driving home. We didn't even have to break out the DVD player, arrived in one piece and all still talking to one another. I consider that a success.

Thanksgiving & Friends

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with the Hartley's this year - our family alone took up the whole basement! It was nice to have lots of room to spread out. We spent time visiting, eating, playing games, etc. I once again forgot to take photos, so I stole this from my sister-in-law's blog. We even had a fun FHE where we played games - we played one from the college days called "fruit basket". I will just say the Hartleys are a competitive bunch and both my HUSBAND and brother-in-law nearly took me out almost every round. Good times.

Addie & Aunt Britt

Davis & Uncle Chad
Davis & Aunt Aubrey (Tyler halfway in photo to the right. He's got some sharp elbows...)

Addison has been able to hang out with buddy almost every single day. They picked up right where they left off - fighting like siblings. We know they secretly love each other.

Davis & Paiton

Here is a cute video of a game the girls were playing. They were sitting on the mantle and counting to three and jumping off onto the dog's bed! I'm such a good parent, take notes. Ha ha. It was fun to watch and there is nothing better than the sound of little girls giggling.

Wedding Prep
We have been busy getting everything ready for my little sister's wedding this weekend in SLC. She had a couple of showers, one here and one in Utah. She came home last weekend to go through the temple and I was so glad to be here for that. My older brother flew in from Orange County, CA and it was the first time in many years it was just the original five! We went to dinner, just the five of us, and all went to the temple. Very cool to be there with my whole family, although we really missed Emily and Jeremy.

We made the favors for the reception, too. Lots of raffia and candy and vellum goodness.

Christmas is Coming

My dad and I took Addie to a live nativity last week. She loved the singing of the angels and watching the baby Jesus.




kShe was not, however, a fan of Clyde the camel.

It snowed this week in Boise, which it rarely does. Which gave me an excuse to give Addie one of her Christmas presents early. Check out the boots!
She hated it when snow when get on the boots. "Off!" she'd scream.

Here we are before church last week. I love Davis' little sweater vest.

Random Fun
Davis has cut another tooth while we were here and hit his 9-month growth spurt, so he's waking to eat a lot. WE MISS YOU, JEREMY!

But how can you stay mad at a face like that?

Lastly, I have to post this because I find it hilarious. Addie has started trying to "feed" (ahem) her baby doll. She grabs my nursing pillow and.....assumes the position. It's so funny. At least she covers herself with a blanket, right???

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We miss all of friends we made in Omaha. Addie asks about "house", "Dillon", "Lauren", and "Bentley" a lot. Mostly asks about daddy, though. Being apart has made us really appreciate the help and motivation we give each other. Jeremy is taking his final on Friday then flying to Salt Lake for the wedding that is Saturday. We can't wait to see him! He can't wait to be done with his first semester of school!

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Hope everybody's having a great holiday season.