Christmas in Idaho...

We finally made it to Idaho! It was an extra 75 miles (around Pocatello way since the main roads were closed) and an extra 3 hours, but what the heck. It was an experience. When we first got there, everyone was eating dinner, so we just joined in. It was just nice to visit with everyone. The next morning we all went and saw Beverly Hills Chua... however you spell it. The movie was actually really good!! After that it was shopping in the twin falls mall and some more visiting. We were able to get together to play games Saturday night as we watched it snow... and snow... and snow... wondering if we were going to be able to make it back home. Kinda funny, while we were sitting there playing games, Denise's phone rang... they were calling church off for a snow day! Wowza... I've never seen that in West Valley... but then I was reminded that a lot of people drive a lot farther in the rural parts of Idaho. So after a short-after christmas weekend in idaho, it's back to Salt lake and back to work tomorrow. And although sad, but funny, this is the only picture I took in Idaho. (Charley will probably kill me when he sees this! LOL).

More Christmas!

We have so many fun pictures from Christmas that it's hard to decide what to highlight. So here's a few more from Christmas with the Jamison's. This is for the family that couldn't be there, and for those in Idaho. Enjoy!

Christmas Aftermath...

Even though this has been one of the busiest Christmas's, it has been one of the most exciting. This is our first christmas as a combined family. I will admit it's challenging to shuffle the kids around on parent time, and I was nervous about how it would turn out, but everything turned out perfect and it's worth seeing the smiles on their faces.

Nate woke early as usual to find that Santa had brought him a set of golf clubs. He's been golfing with Charley several times, and has become quite fond of it. He also got a stocking full of bakugons & a few other small things. Then it was off to unwrapping.... some legos a DS game, a telescope... you know, the usual boy stuff. After that, I went back to bed to take nap! (I know... I know... but we had been up all night wrapping and such. One of these years i'm going to get to bed at a decent hour on Christmas eve).
Charley's normal parent time on Christmas this year began at 1 pm. The girls called at 11 and said they were going to close the roads down in their neighborhood and asked if we could come get them earlier. Looking out our windows, the snow was barely covering the grounds. So we got ready and headed out... The farther south we drove, the worse the snow got! Out at their place, there was sooo much snow you could barely drive though it. It was amazing the contrast from their area to the rest of the valley! So we took them to my parents to open their gifts. L got mostly clothes, a nightmare before christmas fleece blanket, pajamas, DS games, and cash for a shopping spree. For H it was a shopping spree, clothes, books, DS game, pretty much the opposite of Nate's boy stuff!

Then it was off to my parents. The kids mostly got gift cards (for the girls) and cash (for nate).

There was so much snow in Heber that my sister Erin couldn't make it, but it was still nice to be with family. After that it was dropping the girls home, and nate to his dad's. Christmas evening was sure quiet. Not the same without kids around. Charley and I were going to head to Idaho, but with all the snow, the roads were closed at the Idaho border... so despite the bad weather, we decided to go to a movie and head to idaho in the morning.

A Letter to Santa...

In All the rush, Nate never made it to see Santa. I am hoping the spirit just stays. I always tell him that if you believe, then you receive. Nate hears a lot from the kids at school, but I think i've convinced i'm not nice enough to leave him toys. Hmmm. Well anyway, here's his letter to Santa. I took a pic because I thought it was so cute. And in case you're wondering, yes, that's OJ and popcorn that he left him. We're very untraditional over here at our place!

Disney Fever...

I can't help it. At least it's a fun, healthy addiction. (only if it were cheaper). Besides, the weather is lots nicer there. Anyway, here are some of my favorite pics from our latest trip to Disney. Everyone always asks why I don't get tired of the place? I actually don't know. It's just a fun place to escape to... even just for a couple days. I'm so glad that Charley's family feels the same way because they sure are fun to travel with. I already want to start planning the next trip! Hopefully sometime in the spring!

Happy 9th!

I'm not old enough to have a 9 year old. Well, ok, I guess i am... since Nate turned 9 yesterday. Everyone says I look young, but when I have Nate with me, it gives away my age! LOL.

Anyway, I just want to tell Nate happy birthday. He's such a blessing in my life, and I'm proud to be his mom! He's such a good kid, and so smart! I'm amazed every day with how fast he's growing up!

Some of his favorite things right now are:

Tv Show: Sponge Bob

Toys: Bakogons, Legos

Color: Yellow

Foods: Lasagna, Pasta

Hobbies: Playing PS2, DS, WII

Pretty much boy stuff. He also loves to read, ask questions, and figure things out on his own.

We surprised him with a trip to Disneyland for his birthday, so here's a pic of him in the famous "Disney Birthday Hat." (You can tell he's not amused!).

Happy Birthday Nate!! Mom loves you!

Thanksgiving Weekend

I think Grandma J. needs a bigger couch...

Grandma Blackwood needs a bigger couch too!

Thanksgiving day was a quiet thanksgiving dinner... Just Charley, Nate, the girls and I with my mom and dad and Kathie Jo for the Jamison's. Friday & Saturday it was headed to the Blackwoods for a bigger, more crowded feast in Idaho. Then, sunday the J's all got together for Chris's Christmas. Since he's leaving to go to the MTC next week, we all got together to celebrate him. It was a wonderful four day weekend of family togetherness.... (both sides). Rare, but memorable.