Oh what to do in the winter time...

Wow how the dreariness of January has set in. Cohen says it all in his face...he wants to be playing outside, he wants to drive in the Barbie jeep but just cant seem to muster up a smile amidst the eversion plagueing Utah....

...at least there are places to get our energy out, like the kangaroo zoo. A fun children's play center full of bouncy houses and slides. Here are a few of Cohen's buddies; Broody and Preslee I think he is happy. I was also very impressed with Halle who is normally really timid and shy when it comes to activities like these. I hardly saw her for the two hours we were there. She was having the time of her life and went on every slide there which were pretty big. Then there is Rock band to kill time, especially when it gets dark at 5! Don't ask about the onesie pajamas...I have no idea
Cohen's new favorite thing, saying "cheese" for pictures.

California!

We spent the holidays in sunny California visiting Chad's family. We had a wonderful time...and I must admit that is was especially nice the have so many people interested in entertaining our kids. I sort of had a nice little vaca, sleeping in, taking long naps, jogging and shopping free of children. Thanks so much grandma and grandpa! Halle and Cohen had a blast and were able to hang out with their other cousins for a change.

Grandpa was at little princess Halle's beckon call which can be quite tiresome as she is very demanding. Here grandpa is giving halle a personal manicure.

Hot tubing every night!
Halle's cousin Olivia

Christmas Eve with uncle Tim's fabulous salad

Christmas morning...toys toys toys. Never knew it could take 2 hours to open all the gifts. Thanks everyone.

Night out with all the siblings and no children.

Chad's favorite pass time...shuffle board.

Merry Christmas everyone! We have had a wonderful Christmas season thus far, (which started for me the day after Halloween). My children have really brought the spirit of Christmas into our home this year. Here is a little glimpse of what we have been up to.

Our ward party This is only about 1/10th of the kids in our ward singing Christmas carols with the talented Kelly Beck. Their Christmas songs brought in a special visitor...Santa Clause! However, Cohen didn't take it too well.

Cohen with his buddy Mitch

I traded in my stethoscope and scrubs for a hair net and an extra 10 lbs. I have been working with some neighbor girls at V Chocolates. My friend Summer's mom is one of the owners and so we would work late into the night boxing, bagging, and decorating chocolate. Girls, good conversation and chocolate suites me we

One of our great accomplishments. 4,000 boxes for Costco!

Halle's Dance Recital Halle has been taking tap and ballet from Ms Katie since September and finally she was able to show daddy that all his money spent is worth it

Neighborhood Christmas Party

Cousins and PJs...what could be better

Our Sub for Santa wrapping party.

And finally the ugly Christmas sweater bowling night my spazzy friend Crystal wanted desperately to wear an ugly Christmas sweater this year, so we made a white trash party out of it and went bowling with our families. Our husbands decided to bowl on a different lane and were probably really embarrassed of us, but we had a blast. And the winner of ugliest sweater outfit goes to Danielle who even sported the spandex, Christmas socks and matching jewelry. We are headed out of the snow to California for Christmas so we hope you have a great holiday season....XOXO

fun in the rain

I just have to say that I love my kids so much, and I LOVE being a mom. Motherhood gets better and better as my kids get older and become my little buddies. The other day we were loading up to get in the car and Cohen ran right out into the rain and just laughed and laughed, so Halle and I joined him. I haven't enjoyed the rain so much since I was a kid. Children remind you to enjoy the little things along the way. Love them!

Disney on Ice

We are a little behind on blogging, but I had to quickly post how fun it was to take Halle to Disney on Ice. She dressed up like a princess with her cousins and had the time of her life. She has decided that she is too old for tinkerbell and just wants to be snow white now. Cohen also loved the show. I was a little worried about taking him, but his eyes were glued to the show and he clapped the whole time.

15 years ago...

15 years ago I went to my first concert with some neighborhood girls and my mother (who wore ear plugs the whole time). Yes, New Kids on the Block were my passion. I had all the paraphernalia, sleeping bags, posters, music videos, etc. Then about 10 years ago, when I was in high school my friends and I brought New Kids back to our basements and we secretly became fans again memorizing their music videos and blasting the music while we dragged State street. Well last night we revisited the passion yet again at the NKOTB concert. The music was great and we had a ton of fun pretending we were young again, but I have to admit that the kids on the block are a little old...and with the exception of Joey...a little beyond their time...but I think once you are a new kids fan, there is no turning back. Thanks Melissa! So fun!
My BFFs