Feliz Navidad

This was the first Christmas since we've been married that we spent as just our immediate family at home together. Even though we missed being with our extended family, I can honestly say it was so very special spending Christmas Eve and Christmas morning together with Brad and the kids.

Johnny and Bela were so excited to see the presents under the tree when they woke up. I'd wanted to wait until after breakfast to open gifts, but I was outvoted.

Johnny was very excited it was finally time to unwrap the packages and was thrilled with all of his presents.

I was honestly shocked by how into the whole present-opening experience Bela was considering she didn't have much interest when we celebrated her birthday in September. She didn't want any help opening her gifts and squealed with delight when she saw what was inside. I laughed so hard because she'd pick each one up after she'd unwrapped them and walk around hugging her present.

Unfortunately we couldn't find our regular camera in all of the excitement Christmas morning, so I just have these few shots from my phone, but we did get some pretty cute home video so I feel a little better about it. I also wanted to give a special thanks again to Brad for the wonderful waffle iron he got me. I love waffles, and it's already been put to good use several times.

The week between Christmas and New Year's we spent visiting my grandma in Colorado, which was of course filled with family and good food. I really wish we'd brought back those delicious tamales with us. It was so wonderful being able to spend a week together as a family where Brad didn't have any school or work responsibilities. We also miraculously did not get sick at all on our vacation, and no luggage was lost, which was a vast improvement from last year.

Celebration

Brad had an EXTREMELY busy schedule this last semester. I admire him for all of his hard work, but towards the end I was really missing my man. He would leave early in the morning, come home for dinner, and head back out after we put the kids to bed almost every day for the last month of the semester. We definitely needed some family time together, so Brad took us out for a fun dinner at a Japanese steakhouse to celebrate once his semester was finally over.

The only time Johnny was ever facing forward. For whatever reason he was deathly terrified of the flames and the grill this time, even though he loved it the last time we came. It did make eating his dinner difficult since he would only face backwards, but he was going to stay as far away from that grill as possible.

I love this picture the most because all 3 of my sweethearts are totally looking any direction but mine. I think they get a little tired of me pulling out the camera. Despite Johnny's slight terror, we had a great night and are so happy to have Brad home more now!

Gingerbread House

I bought a gingerbread house last year after Christmas for 90% off, figuring this year Johnny and Bela would love to put it together. I think I definitely underestimated the amount of excitement so much frosting and candy can have on these little kids.

I handled the frosting for about a minute before I let Brad take over.

Bela was not going to miss out on any of the action

Probably the best shot I got before Johnny started trying to eat all the candy before he'd even finished decorating it. We kept it on display (someplace high) for about a week before I tossed it when the kids weren't looking. Johnny still asks me where his gingerbread house went, and if we can make another one.

Ice Cream Cone

I've been promising Johnny that we'd get an ice cream cone all week long. Today was finally the day, and we headed on down to Macey's for a little ice cream delight. No we did not order the King Kong cone.

Johnny and Bela split the small cone, yes that is really the "small" cone, and of course made a glorious mess.

Don't they look so happy together?

I ordered a chocolate-dipped cone, had about 3 bites, and gave it to Brad. It was not as good as the usual twist cone I like, but Brad took one for the team and finished it off. I sure do love that guy.

Johnny

Today this kid didn't want to take a nap, he just wanted to stay up and play. He crashed while he was in the high chair for a time-out around 3:15 this afternoon. He's still asleep 3 hours later. I'm very nervous for bed time tonight.

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving down in Mesquite this year. So much of Brad's family was able to be there, so Johnny got in lots of cousin playing time.

Jasper and Cooper taught him how to wrestle

They played games down in the basement

Bela made sure she held onto panda

After Thanksgiving we had a little early Christmas celebration together

Bela resting on her daddy

Johnny opening some presents

Pa watching a movie with Johnny

When Brooks came over Johnny was ecstatic. He loved playing with his cousin Brooks, and was sad whenever he left to go back to his own house.

Tired from all of the fun

Bela and Johnny dressed in their game-day jerseys

We had so much fun and are so happy we got to see everyone that was able to be there!

I Love Her

This little girl is so much fun. I can't believe she's already 14 months old. She has about a 10-word vocabulary, her favorites after "dada" and "mama," are: "panda", "costco", and cheese." She's her brother's shadow and best friend, and we love her more every day.

Fireman Johnny

We picked up this beauty during a little Halloween clearance shopping. Johnny tried it out for us last night.

He was excited to dress up like Fireman Sam

He tried it out backwards

Then pretended he was done taking pictures

Oh wait, he still had another big smile left in him, and started purposely closing his eyes during the pictures. Funny kid. After we put him to bed I realized he turned exactly two and a half that day. I cannot believe how fast he is growing up. We love you Johnny John!

My Brother Says. . .

One of my all-time favorite shows is the Cosby show. These are a few of the many reasons why I love it, and could watch it over and over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkpBNIgQHFg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crnPfls0fHw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYRaGrs5iPg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oadAZiZFJbs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ws3TBqkh6Y

When Brad and I were dating I made him watch the episode about Theo's shirt. I think he was a little disturbed by how hard I laughed.

A Fun Friday Night

Friday night the kids and I were getting antsy and needed to get out of the house. We drove down to Provo to see what fun we could find at the mall. My sister coincidentally ended up being in Provo that night, so she met up with us too.

The kids had so much fun playing together, my sister and I got to visit, and we also managed to find some new shoes for sister.

Win win win.

What's Cookin'?

Johnny and Bela LOVE playing in the kitchen. Well, playing/destroying, whatever you want to call it. This morning while we were making breakfast, I heard Sister start squawking in distress. When I looked over, this is what I saw:

Of course Johnny thought it was hilarious.

I Love Him

Sometimes this little guy is a lot to handle. He loves to dump out cereal, make messes, cracks eggs all over the kitchen, takes off to play in sprinklers, and get into all kinds of fun. But then there are times like these, when I walk into my room and Johnny is ready for bed and wanting to snuggle, where he is the world's most perfect kid.

He's all ready to read his Amelia Bedelia book

After reading we always sing songs together

Tonight was I Love to See the Temple

Story Time

The Provo library puts on a fabulous story time 3 days a week. Seriously, these people should win some kind of award for their dedication. Johnny and Bela are always in awe at the songs, stories, and puppets, it's very entertaining. We got there right when it started, so it was already packed and we ended up sitting further back than normal. I'll have to bring my camera again when we have better seats. We learned about the letter "J" today, which was so fun for Johnny, and we read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, one of his favorites.

Bela always starts dancing during the songs

There's a puppet show after the story that incorporates the letter the kids are learning about that day.

Johnny was waving to the jumping frog.

It is really so much fun, and something we look forward to every week!

More Mischief

The other morning Johnny decided he and Bela needed popsicles. Lots of them, apparently. Once I grabbed the box and started putting them back, Johnny took one and ran off. He came back empty-handed. When I asked him where the popsicle was, he just looked at me with that sweet face and said, "I put it away Mommy."

Of course he wouldn't give up his hiding place, and I didn't find it until the next day when I was putting him down for a nap. It was in his bed under the pillow. Thank GOODNESS he can't open them on his own and that nothing leaked out!

Cute Hats

We ventured out tonight to run a few errands.

Bela wore her pink hat

Johnny insisted on a baseball hat to keep him warm. I think he just wanted to be like his daddy.

On the way home this little one fell asleep. Brad brought her in and set her down on the couch, and she stayed asleep while the rest of us ate dinner. Such a cute little sweetheart.

Cuddling and Mischief

Johnny really loves being with his sister. Lately all I hear is "Come here Bela," as he's waving her towards him, or "Come play in the living room with me!" It's pretty cute. Yesterday after church Johnny wanted Bela to come sit with him while watching a movie on Dad's computer.

They were holding hands, well Johnny kept trying to anyway

Bela doesn't have as much interest in sitting still and watching something like her brother so she didn't last too long

This picture was taken this morning. I couldn't find Johnny for a while. When I found him he was in my room showing off his display of stickers. Apparently he has expensive taste.

We Couldn't Resist

I know Christmas is still over a month and a half away, but we really wanted to get our Christmas tree and ornaments out.

Johnny was very pleased he got to decide where to place his ornaments.

Sister was grateful Dad helped her so she wasn't left out of the action

Johnny wanted Bela in her high chair so they could get a picture together. Don't be worried she's in Johnny's old jammies, we still remember she's a girl.

Johnny is even more excited about the holidays this year than last, and it's been fun talking to him about Thanksgiving and Christmas. We're blessed to be able to see so much family in these next two months, and can't wait for some good food and fun!