Happy Birthday Marme!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Grandmother! This is one of my favorite pictures of her and Par, all dressed up for Bella's first birthday costume party. What great sports they are! These are a few more of my favorite recent photos of her.
With June when she was born.

With Bella.

At June's blessing, isn't this picture priceless! I had a great time visiting with Marme and Par this afternoon. It brought back so many wonderful memories of just spending time with Marme. She always knew how to do everything, where to find just the right outfit and the perfect finishing touch for any party. I loved sleeping over at her house the night before Thanksgiving to help her set the tables and make the chocolate turkeys. My cousins and I would spend the night and she was up right along with us until all hours of the morning. She has been such a wonderful example of compassion, service and love.
I love you Marme, Happy Birthday!

The Busiest Day Ever!

Some days we try to do it all and January 3rd was no exception. We started the morning with a ton of fresh snow, perfect for a day of sledding with my family.

We packed up the girls and headed to my mom's house. June didn't get to really sled this year, but I couldn't resist the chance to bundle her up, every baby should have a bunting of suede and pink fur!

Bella went down the hill a few times before thinking about snow angels.

Sam was the real pro. I think sticking out your tongue makes you go faster!
Bella was happy just to be outside and hanging out with Sam.

Could the mountains be any more beautiful?

After sledding we headed over to Melia's Golden Birthday. She was a wonderful birthday princess. Aunt Lauren had a great treasure hunt for the girls with golden bags of treasure! This is my favorite picture, there is just something about birthday candles!

After that, it was up to Ogden for a long overdue visit with Bret's Grandparents. It was good to visit with them a little. Grandpa pulled out some pictures to show us, including a picture of his grandmother who lived to be 103!

And finally we went to Grandpa DeYoung to celebrate his 85th birthday. (This picture obviously is not from that night, somehow we didn't get one.) It was great to have a chance to really visit with him without all the people that are usually around. Bella loves looking around his house and is very fascinated with his Christmas Tree. He showed me some wonderful pictures of Grandma June, our Junie's namesake and some great stories of his family coming to America.

All in all, it was a lot to do in a day, but ended up being a great one!

I Have It!

Bret and I were having a conversation about visiting Texas and Bella overheard Bret say "I wish I had more money so I could visit Texas all the time." She ran to her room and started shaking her piggy bank. I asked her what she was doing and she replied "Dad said he didn't have any money, but I do so I am getting it for him." How sweet is my little darling!

Happy New Year!

We spent New Year's Eve hanging out with Bret's Family. (Things sure change once you have kids.) We made it until 10:00 and then it was decided the kids were done and it was time for the fireworks. (Bella and I hung out inside of course.) Here are a few of the highlights:

Uncle Chris always knows how to make any game much more exciting and Don't Wake Daddy was no exception!

June and Cooper just hung out. June seems to be happiest naked these days. She has discovered her feet and legs and loves to show them off!

Later, Aunt Candice was able to get June really giggling over and over. It was so cute and has not been repeated. I guess Bret and I are just not funny enough!

Best wishes to everyone and hopes for a great year!

Disneyland!

This counts for the present I was most excited about for the girls, but received the least response. We gave the girls a trip to Disneyland for later next year. I had them open up costumes with an invitation to Disneyland from Mickey Mouse. Belle either did not get it or it is too far away. I had them try on their costumes and I can't wait. Don't you just love my little Minnie Mouse and Mulan!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! For once, Bret and I were in bed early, but we didn't get to sleep in. Bret woke up early because we had no power from the wind and the snow and it was starting to get cold in our house. We turned on the fireplace, but I was nervous about the kids. We waited until about 7:00 and then woke up Bella. We explained what was going on and gave her a lantern. The little trooper just got her own Tinkerbell lantern and was just as excited. She went through her stocking (I wonder how many years it will be before she is not excited about the toothbrush!) and we decided that we needed to head someplace else. She helped me sort out the presents for herself and sister and then we headed out. It was a very scary drive, there were times with white out conditions and I was pretty nervous, but eventually we made it to Bret's parent's home and everything was okay. We were able to share Christmas Morning with Grandma and Grandpa as well as Matt, Natalie and Boston. (Thanks for letting us crash!)
Bella was very excited that Santa pulled through with Mermaid Falls!

June was just excited to see the ribbons on the packages. (And snuggling with Grandma!)

These are pictures of one of my favorite traditions. Each year, Bret picks out a book and writes a special note in it. Then her reads it to the girls. (I usually keep these books separate from their regular library so they are special. ) This year, Bella received The Queen of Style.

June's book is Little Kitten's First Full Moon.

After we finished with the presents, Bella tried out the mermaids in Grandma's tub and even let June join in on the action.

Later, we were joined by Melia, Cooper and their parents. The girls loved opening even more presents, and were very impressed with the remote control Tinkerbell's from Grandpa Clyde. These are the cute little hats Aunt Janine knitted for the babies. Don't they look adorable!

After a trip home to drop off a full carload, we head over to my parent's house. (I don't know how I didn't get any pictures, but please send me some if you have them!) We relaxed and opened more and more gifts. Bella was very excited to have a new stroller for Princess. Bret and I were pretty exhausted when we headed home, but luckily the kids both fell asleep in the car. So at about 9:00, we finally got around to opening our presents for each other. All in all, it was a great Christmas, definitely one I will always remember!

Christmas Jammies

I love picking out new Christmas Jammies for everyone each year. I tried to have us all carry out a theme one year, but Bret objected to gingerbread jammies. I love that I have two girls that I can at least have matching! (Just a note, yes Junie's are too small and this was after I had exchanged them for a bigger size!) Dad even picked these ones out this year!