Festival of Trees

We had a great time (as always) at the Festival of Trees. It is such an amazing fundraiser. It makes me happy to see all the hard work, the gorgeous donations, the thousands of volunteers, and the talent.....and 100% of it goes to Primary Children's. Even though there are sad stories that drive a lot of what goes on there it is a powerful feeling to see all those involved and affected take their challenges and struggles and use them as motivators. I hope to be able to donate a tree next year and participate even further in this event.
Here are some of our favorites this year: (the "Up" tree and gingerbread house and the "Tangled" gingerbread house were definitely the most fantastic)









Sam was our train spotter. He would scan each tree for one and then run there. James was content to enjoy the whole experience. Chloe was walking all over the place enjoying being free. She was dazzled by all the "pretty" trees and had a bard time not experiencing all the shiny things they had to offer! :)

Game On

Sam finally did it. He is now moved on from just working with his dad on the ice to being in the beginner's class. He is doing great. He went for the first time two weeks ago and did great. He has great coaches who work well with him. He is still adjusting to figure out who to watch and listen to and the fact that he has to stay out there the whole time and not come rest.
He is so proud of himself and we are so proud of him too.
(He's the one in blue, #10)


Scoring a Goal

Learning to Skate Backwards

Skating Drill

James of course isn't even a half a step behind. He is doing great and loving the time he gets with Dad all to himself.
(James is in orange, #8)

A Change of Plans

We were in the car on our way to something when our plans suddenly changed. I felt bad that we were out and ready and excited so I asked the kids what they would want to do instead. They came up with going to the Dinosaur Museum. I thankfully had the stroller in the car so we turned around and headed there.
It was a great day. The Museum was virtually empty which made for a fun visit at our own pace. The kids had a great time exploring and trying things out. The thing I love most about it is how with how many times we have gone we always seem to discover something new.
I just had to get some shots of them. These shots capture their personalities....Chloe pretending she's on the phone chatting away to somebody, James having a snack, and Sam engrossed in a documentary. I love their little personalities and all the fun they bring to make up our family.



The best days seem to be those that you don't try to plan out. They just happen as you try to have fun and spend time together.

Temple Square Lights

We went early to Temple Square this year and I am glad we did. It was great weather and the lights were amazing (as always).
The nativity is so beautiful and peaceful. It was great to watch with my kids and talk to them about it all while the story was being told. Chloe was so into it. She loved the sheep. All we heard all night was "BAAA BAAA." It was so cute.
The beauty of the light in the trees with the temple, the leaves, the dark sky, the water in the reflecting pool.....you just can't describe it. This is one of those times when the quote, "A picture is worth 1,000 words." It's awe inspiring.

Black Friday Madness is Goodness

We are hard core Black Friday lovers. The made rush of it all just has a way of rushing through your blood and makes you want to buy anything and everything you can get your hands on.
We started our hunt at Wal-Mart. I had stopped by there earlier to scout out the place. No one was really there yet, so I headed home to wait. I went back a little before 9 (the sale started at 10) and the place was a mad house! I really wanted to get the new cricut imagine that was an amazing deal but found out there was an average of 6 at each store! What?! Who advertises to thousands and only has 6 of something?! I was so sad. I called Seth and he said that he and his sister would head to another one to try their luck. In the mean time I had my list of goodies I had to fight for so I settled in until go time.
I called Seth back a little later, since I hadn't heard from him. He said that there were only 4 there and they were already spoken for, so we decided just to stay at the stores we were at, get what we could and meet up later.
Needless to say I was amazing. I grabbed everything in record time, without a cart of course, never use a cart, you won't get anywhere.
I was out and in my car by 10:01 and on my way to Target.
I met up with Seth and Jaime and we decided to transfer goods to the right cars, so I walked around to her trunk and BAM! there it was! Seth did it. My knight in shining armour came through for me. I just started screaming and hugging it and him. I was so excited.
Story: He got there, there were 10 and he was number 9. He were already 8 and a ninth came right after. He had to work it with them and gain their trust to help get a strategy so they could all make sure they got theirs when the plastic wrap was cut open. Apparently when I called all these women were listening and giggling thinking he was so cute for surprising me with it. It was pretty funny.
So off we went to Target to wait in line and do it all again. Got home about 2 and back out at 6 for the morning stores. So fun. We love it!

A Day to Give Thanks

We had a great big family Thanksgiving and it was great.
We started the day by all going to a morning movie, the Muppets. I grew up watching the Muppets, so I was so stoked about it. We went with Seth's sister, Jamie and her family, Seth's hockey buddy Jae, and my brother Matt and his family. It was fun to have my brother there. His little girl just could not stop giggling anytime you said, "Manamanot" to her. It was so cute. A true Muppet fan already.



Then back to the real work...Mom M helped me get the meal together. It was fun to be working side by side in the kitchen together trying to figure everything out. It was my first time hosting and I was excited and nervous all at the same time. Thank goodness we always bless our food! :)
After a few hours of prep, and everyone playing and watching football we sat down to a lovely meal. I had so much fun setting the table and decorating. It's fun for me to use the china, goblets, and nice serving bowls that gather dust most of the year. It just makes everything so calm, peaceful, and beautiful.










Everything was so good I just had to stop in the middle of eating and take a picture. I don't want to pat myself on the back, but I guess I'm going to anyway....everything was delicious (mostly thanks to my sister, Joy who I was on the phone with all week to go over and over recipes and shopping lists with). I am so thankful for the means we have to enjoy such a wonderful life. We are so blessed and it was fun to stop and reflect on how much we have to give thanks for.


(Jamie, caught ya! :) Nothing like a good Thanksgiving Day nap!)

Chloe is Verbal

It is so fun to be at this age! Chloe has really grown into her won little person. It is so fun to watch. She is indeed our little princess.
She loves to be upstairs with me when I get ready for the day so she can hold all my make-up and wear all my jewelry. How do they know already as such a young age?! :)


She is now starting to say her first real words. She's had Da-Dad and Mum down as well as Ba for bath, ball, book. She now says beebee for her baby, Hello for answering the phone, peas for please, dee-due for thank you and her cutest....peek boo! :) It's the best when they start saying things!

I thought of you today, Dad

I just had to get these yesterday...and your voice echoed through my head. These are some of the best "hubcaps" I've gotten yet.

James Has a New Favorite

James has discovered the comfort of a warm cup of hot coco. (Think he could get a bigger mug?!) :)

Season's First Snow (that stuck)

Sam has been dying to have some snow to play in since we have had a few little blurries here and there, but nothing that has stuck. Well, today his dreams came true and we of course were out there before 8:00 a.m. I was glad to see that shortly after we got some company. It's always more comforting when you see another mom have to stand out in the cold wearing her jammies and showing off her tired eyes! :)