I'm so happy....

I'm in the middle of watching this....

and I am thoroughly enjoying it!  

Little shout out to my Bannockburn American Idol posse:

I miss you!  

Idol won't be the same without you! 

Maybe winter isn't so bad

So, I've never liked winter. I don't like being cold, I hate driving in the snow, I hate that it lasts for what seems like forever, everything is dead...I could go on but I'll spare you the pessimism. 

For some reason I've actually enjoyed winter this year. I think it's because after being in Chicago for three years, the temperatures out here feel like a heat wave.  

It's been such a joy to go running with this friend, this friend or on my own without having chunks of ice stuck to my eyelashes, and 5 different layers on just to stay warm. 

I've also loved seeing the mountains covered in snow. 

I can't believe I forgot how beautiful they were. 

And I've tried something new this year. I can't believe I didn't try this earlier.  

Cross- Country Skiing.  

Lame I know, because I grew up in Utah, where the greatest snow on earth is. 

But now that I tried it. I think I'm hooked. 

 

Mike and I braved the cold (once again nothing compared to Chicago) Saturday night and went cross-country skiing. We had a great time. I can't wait to go again.

The best present ever

(Taken Christmas morning. Please don't mind the hair and lack of makeup.)

Much to my surprise Mike actually had Christmas day off.  He had me believing for almost a month that he was working all day Christmas day. I was trying not to be bummed about it, but I was having a hard time being excited for Christmas knowing I wouldn't see Mike all day.  When he finally told me on Christmas Eve that he was actually going to be home ALL DAY for Christmas, tears were shed. Cheesy I know, but is it so bad to just want to hang out with your hubby on Christmas?  Seriously it was the best present I ever received. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

From our ugly sweaters to yours.....

Merry Christmas! 

We sincerely hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, presents, delicious food, tacky jewelery and ugly sweaters! 

For more pictures of our fabulous ugly sweater party hosted by the Littles click here and here!  (Go ahead and look. Trust me, it is so worth it! )

Mandy came to visit

A few weekends ago these two lovelies came to visit us in Utah...

It was such a treat to have Mandy and Everett come visit. No one in the family knew they were coming except for me. It was the best surprising the family when we walked into Katherine's place. Tears were shed, jaws were dropped, hugs were given. You get the idea.

We spent a lot of time just hanging out. Even though we did nothing super spectacular, mostly just sitting around talking and laughing, the weekend very memorable.

Everett is Mandy's youngest and was born in CT. We don't feel like we know him, like we know Posey and Ian. It was fun to have Everett all to ourselves to get to know him a little bit better. I know I'm a biased aunt but I think he is so darling.
Mike seriously has this magical way with children. Everett loved him from the start.

We loved seeing Everett and Grace together. They loved running around and screaming at the top of their lungs together.
I was lucky enough to have Mandy stay at my house while visiting. She had never played Rockband so of course we had to play.  We were one rockin band. 
All the music and singing led to some serious dancing by Everett. For a little white boy he sure has some great skills!  

                                                 

While Mandy was here we got to spend some time with my cousins and grandparents. Love the cousins.
Louisa May Alcott said it best when she wrote, "I could never love anyone as I love my sisters."
I don't know what I would do without my sisters. I'm so glad we have technology which allows me to talk to my sisters whenever I want/need to. Spending the weekend all together was the best. Love you girls...

FINALLY!! TRADITIONS

I'm sure most of you feel the same way as I do that time is passing too quickly. I can't believe Christmas is a week and a half away. Needless to say I've gotten a bit behind in my blogging. So the next few posts will be an attempt at getting back on track.

Rewind to almost 3 weeks ago to Thanksgiving weekend...

First off I must say it was a fabulous weekend. Mike actually had Thanksgiving off! Wahoo! 

TRADITIONS:

#1 Turkey Trot
The annual must run Turkey Trot. This year Mike didn't join me in running the Turkey Trot, but I was joined by two of my favorite running buddies, Lindsey and Lauren. Even though Mike didn't run the race he still came to cheer us on at the finish line. He's the best. The race was fun and made the food taste oh so much better later that day.

BEFORE                                        DURING                                   AFTER

#2 BINGO at Grandma Wynn's House

The day after Thanksgiving we always go to my Grandma's house for Prime Rib and Bingo. Seriously what could be better? We've had to miss this tradition the last few years since being in Chicago, so we were so glad to be back in the festivities this year.  It's great to be with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Bingo gets pretty intense, it gets competitive with all of the cousins but this year Mike and I came out big with excellent prizes. 

Our winning game boards        Anxiously awaiting the      Enjoying our time together

 right number to be called

#3 BOWLING with the Walkers

The Walker family has a tradition of going Bowling Thanksgiving weekend. It's a big deal. Teams are created, scores are kept and prizes are awarded.  We had all of the family together. It was awesome. I was so pleased to get over 100 the first round of bowling. Pathetic I know. 

Mike with his sister Stephanie         Excellent release By Mike       Loving our time together

              

#4 A new tradition....ROCKBAND with the family

What is a holiday without a little Rockband? The Erickson's (Mike's sister's family) had never played Rockband before and I must say they were naturals!  There was singing, dancing and excellent playing.  Good times. 

                                                                                                 

That's it for our Thanksgiving weekend. Look forward to the next post coming in the next few days....A surprise visit from Amanda! 

Day Off

After having an extremely busy week at school...I decided to take Friday off.
I couldn't wait any longer to see this sweet baby boy.

His name is Will.
He is my sister Katherine's baby.
He is so darling. It's amazing how much you can love someone so quickly.
He had a very difficult time getting here, you can read all about it here.
We are so happy he is here and doing well after such a rough ride.

Will is such a long baby. 23 inches long, uh that's almost 2 feet!
Might I add that Mike looks so attractive holding him? I think so.

Although Will still hasn't come home to his family, we know he will soon.
He is a strong baby and making good progress.
We love you so much Wallin family!