merry Christmas!

While tucking M in bed, I asked if he had had a good Christmas. His reply? 

"Yes mom, I've had a jolly Christmas!"

We all did. Santa was good to us. 

How thankful I am for the true meaning of Christmas--the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

He truly is the gift!

Feeling so very thankful for the day we had.

Merry Christmas!

cousin time!

So clear back in August, my sister and I took the kids to Thanksgiving Point. We had a FABULOUS day with them! We went to the Dinosaur Museum and the Museum of Natural Curiosity. In between those, we went and did a little bit of shopping. We had a blast!

I must say, we were completely AMAZED and IMPRESSED with the Museum of Natural Curiosity. By far, the BEST kids' museum I have been to. It is worth every penny you pay to get in. M was ecstatic the entire time we were in there. He just couldn't stop laughing and smiling!

Here are some pictures from the Dinosaur Museum:

After the Dinosaur Museum and a little bit of shopping, we headed over to the Museum of Curiosity.

one year older

For my birthday, Jake surprised me by taking off a few days of work. It was so nice to have him home with us! We had to stay somewhat close to home because we had a few previous commitments, but we still had a lot of fun! He took me back to the church history museum, which I talked about here. (Seriously, I can't get over how beautiful the paintings were.) M was able to explore the children's exhibit on the Book of Mormon, which he thoroughly enjoyed!

On his second day home, Jake scrubbed the kitchen floors for me. Best birthday gift, EVER! Those floors may, or may not, have been scrubbed since before June was born. He was so sweet to do that for me! After that, we went and did a small hike/walk.  

On Sunday, my parents came over for dinner. We loved having them! Instead of cake, Jake made me these key lime pies--which were delicious! I must say, he designed and decorated the numbers all by himself. I was pretty impressed.

It was a wonderful few days. It was so nice to have Jake home to celebrate with.

Here is to being "one year older and wiser, too!"

nature

One of the things I appreciate about Jake is his love for nature. He helps me to "stop and smell the roses," if you will. 

Last week, thanks to Jake, we made a quick trip up to the Uintas. The weather was PERFECT! We hiked up to Wall Lake, which was only about a mile each way--which was just right with little kids. It was so beautiful. It is amazing what being out in nature can do for one's mind.

 Little J fed and ready to start the hike!

Walking stick #1

Walking stick #2

 

Jake taking in some sun while M played. 

 

M couldn't wait (fell in the water) to put on his swim suit! 

M yelling, "CHEESE!" 

Walking stick #4 or so... 

Jake and the kids. Baby J did so well! She slept most of the time cuddled up to Jake.

We made it back!!! 

It was so nice to be in the great outdoors together. We live in a beautiful world. 

And, of course, we had to stop at Dairy Keen on the way home. It was a great way to end the day!