29th Birthday

Well it seems to be the year of 9's for me... I turned 29, it is my 9 year anniversary, all in 2009.

Anywhooo, I had a fantastic birthday yesterday!  Thanks for all the LOVE from everyone.

I had a surprise lunch date with three great ladies... LAURIE, KIM, ANGIE,  I love ya!

Many beautiful flowers, and as you can see some FUN kid chaos having pizza and decorating CUPCAKES.

THANK YOU SPENCER TOO FOR THE CAKE , DINNER DATE, & PRESENTS!

RiNgInG in 2oo9 with MOM, MISSY, & PASTY

Missy, my sister who lives in England, flew all the way to Colorado Springs to see ME & Pasty (her best friend).  And my MOM joined us from Utah.  We had a week to  SHOP, TALK, and bring in the NEW YEAR together.  

I love my MOM, she loves to take TONS of pictures... but then she is never in any of them.  New years Eve we got our NAILS done and then went to TWILIGHT together.  

It was a great way to bring in 2009!

Utah Highlights

Due to my niece's wedding our family left from home the 18th of December and had a week and a half to make some great memories in Utah. (Sorry no Christmas cards this year).

Here are some of the highlights from the trip...

Everything was beautiful about Stefanie's wedding, which happened to be on Spencer's 31st birthday.  I thought was a great way to celebrate.

This picture of Karla and I represents the day we went SnowbOarDinG at BRIGHTON with our husbands,  can't even express how much fun it was.  I LOVE Utah snow!  And Karla!

After spending MANY hours looking for boots to fit Kayla, it payed off ...watching her and Avery have such a ball with Kortney & Kate sledding and playing in the snow. (Karla's girls)

After sledding we had girl time at Candi's house, thank you Candi!  The kids had a lot of fun playing too.  It was fun to see all our kids interact with each other.

One of the BEST things about going to Utah for Christmas is catching up with old friends, getting to go to all the family parties and participate in the family traditions.  Oh, and not paying for a babysitter... Thank you Lyle & Linda and Mom & Dad.

Trip to DURANGO for the POLAR EXPRESS

Our ride on the Polar Express...

I FORGOT MY CAMERA FOR THE RIDE AND HAD TO STEAL THIS ONE OFF ANGIE'S BLOG, THANK YOU ANGIE!

 

After weeks of anticipation... trying REALLY hard to keep it a secret from the kids... we took a trip to Durango Colorado to go on the POLAR EXPRESS with the Morrill and Nalder families.  The kids were wild and crazy and loved every minute of it! 

We had a great time wearing out the kids swimming both nights.

This year all the kids got their Christmas PJ's early and looked darling wearing them for the train ride and hanging out after.

   

The ride home was long and pretty scary at times but we got home safe and sound.  And now need to get ready to leave on Thursday for another adventure.  How can you not love WINTER.

MY HAPPY BOY

A GOOD PLACE TO PLAY & A GOOD PLACE FOR A NAP

I left Evan in his room for a few minutes and when I came back he was under his crib.  He thought is was pretty fun... every time I talked to him he would laugh.  It was great entertainment for him.  These days he finds the most random things to play with.  You would think he would love his toys that blink or make noise, oh no, he love things like a box or being under his crib.  Silly boy!

At the time Evan was playing under his crib I found Avery in the front room like this.  For the past two days she has made herself a little bed in front of the fireplace to get warm and a short time later I find her asleep.  I am excited she is getting a nap, most days she refuses to take one.

THANKSGIVING 2008

After six years we finally had Thanksgiving with the Elmore side of the family!  Our trips to Utah always go fast, but this one was WAY to quick.... good thing we will be back for our niece Stefanie's wedding in a few weeks!!!  YEAH STEF!

One of my favorite things of being a parent is watching my kids go through all the little milestones.  Kayla lost her front tooth the night of Thanksgiving.  She will soon enter into the FLK (funny looking kid) stage,  when her tooth starts to grow in.  And if she has genes from me in that department it might be one BIG tooth, but nevertheless she will always be a sweetie and that is what matters, right? heee heee

Now that I know my time is limited in Colorado, I have found myself really taking in all the things I will miss here.  On the drive back from Utah there was a gorgeous sunset with the scenery of fresh snow, pine trees, and mountains.  I took a million pictures but they really never give the moment justice.