Christmas

This year we decided to stay home until Christmas Day afternoon, then we would drive up to Caliente. This is the first time in 6 years that we have done this and I loved it! It was so much less chaotic and we didn't have to pack nearly as many things or try and divide our time evenly with both of our families. This was the first year that Reagan has really been into the whole Santa thing, so it was fun to start some traditions with her. Christmas Eve was perfect and relaxed. We made Santa cookies and also food for the reindeers. This was such a fun idea! You make reindeer food with oatmeal and mix in glitter or sprinkles to make it special. We let her go and dump it in the front yard and then after she went in, we put out chocolate covered peanuts to look like deer poo so that she knew they had come! She was so excited Christmas morning to wake up and look to see if they ate her food, then it was real proof that they had when she saw the poo!! :) We also read about the Savior's birth and some other stories and opened a present and had yummy dinner. Then Christmas morning we opened presents (Reagan slept in till 9! Nick kept wanting to wake her up!) and she couldn't believe that Santa would leave her presents, she didn't even need to unwrap the ones from us. We had a great breakfast and packed up and had a fun relaxing weekend in Caliente. Overall, a fabulous holiday and I'm not ready for life to start again!! I hope all of you had a great time as well and some days off to chill!

Fun Times!

So last weekend we were able to see the beautiful lights at the Bellagio with my sister and brother-in-law. We have never been before, so it was great to see what everyone talks about. Then we went and saw their chocolate fountain. Supposedly, it's the biggest in the nation. It was pretty big! There's also this awesome neighborhood that always goes all out with the decorations so we drove through it again this year. I didn't get too many pictures of it though because I was so busy looking in awe!! What good husbands they all must have! :) We also got tickets to go to the BYU vs. Arizona Bowl Game. It was really fun and REALLY cold!! BYU lost, which was okay since we aren't crazy stalker devoted like most people, but it was still fun to go with all our cousins! Thanks for the hook-up Drew and Loke!!!!!

Can you believe it??!!!

So, the other day was perfect! Me and Reag were at home making cookies and it was snowing! Yes, I said snowing...in Las Vegas!! It was wonderful. At first, I couldn't believe it, I took a few pictures, impressed that it snowed, but knew it wasn't sticking so it wouldn't last. But then!!! It came down much harder and stuck!!! So much fun, we even had enough to build a snowman (thank goodness for Nick!)!! It was really bad that night going to Enrichment. I wasn't really nervous for me since I've driven in it lots and I have 4x4, but the people around me were scary! Sadly, it melted the next day and is now pretty much gone. Reag's nervous now about how Santa will come with no snow, but at least we got it for a day!! Life is good!

More Pics

More Pics

Disneyland, California Adventure, & the Beach

Thanks to my dad, we got an early Christmas present this year. We went to Disneyland, California Adventure, and the beach for a long weekend. It was SO NICE to get out of town for a few days and just relax. We didn't set the alarm and didn't rush whatsoever. No plans and it was wonderful!! We left late Thursday, slept in Friday and then played at California Adventure all that day. Reagan is at a perfect age right now that she can go and not be honory, but when she gets pooped, she's still content to sleep in the stroller for a little bit and get rejuvenated. We loved that park! All the 3-D shows were great and Reagan just kept reaching out trying to grab stuff. Too cute! We also had fun at the Disney Live show. She rode all the rides and even the roller coasters she was big enough for (at Disney too)! She kept saying I want to go faster! So Nick took her on Space Mountain and the Mattehorn and she loved them. I couldn't go on any, so it was nice that Nick had a little buddy. She also loved seeing all the characters and some of her faves during the Pixar parade. It was lots of fun and so pretty. Everything was decked our for the holidays. Tons of ornaments and trees and songs and trully beautiful. It even "snowed" after the fireworks at the night parade. P.S. Yea again that Reagan is at a great age. We slept in and she was so good that we stayed at Disney till they closed at Midnight! I never thought we would be diehards, but she was good and there weren't too many crowds or lines, so why not?! We stopped and played on the beach on the way home. Too cold, so we didn't stay long, but still fun to play in the sand. Overall, a wonderful, much-needed weekend!!! I'm gonna post lots of pics (sorry), but there are so many fun ones! Surprisingly, Reag acutally smiled for most of them, which is trully shocking!!! Maybe she's figured out that it will be over quicker if she just hurries and smile! :)

NFR

Last week was pretty fun for us! Nick's cousin Melissa was able to get us tickets for the the NFR!! We love going, but it's so hard to get tickets unless you know someone. We were lucky enough last year to have front row seats, this year, not so much. It doesn't matter though!! It's always so fun just being there. So thanks to the Fosters and Thompsons for the hook-up, we had a blast!!!!!

Santa

While we were home for Thanksgiving, we went to the town lighting and Santa was there. It was great because he knew our names and that was super cool to Reagan! However, our camera is still blurry and our new one is still on backorder (ANNOYING), so no pictures. We went to Nick and Reag's favorite store with our friends and got a pic with her and Santa and no lines! It was perfect!! Merry Christmas!!!!

Funny Story

So I had to laugh the other day. Reagan is so thoughtful and innocent in her questions that I can't help it! Two quick stories. The first is great because she's finally getting the concept of Santa and Christmas. I was explaining that Santa will come if she's good and bring her toys. R-How will he come? M-Santa has reindeer that pull his sleigh and they fly! R- Mom, deer don't fly. M-These are reindeer and they are special. R-Good, because dad would shoot the deer! :) M-I laugh and say, Don't worry, Dad won't shoot these. Santa makes them fly and they are special and Santa is magic! R-Does Santa have a wand? M-No, he's so cool, he doesn't need a wand! Then, she moved on and I died laughing! 2nd Story- Reagan was jumping on my lap and belly and I said she had to be careful not to hurt my belly and the baby. R-What's the baby doing in there? M-He's just chillin, growing big and big until Jesus says he's ready to come out. (I think end of story. After pondering for a minute...)R-Is it snowing in there? M-(laughing) No, it's really warm and comfy for the baby. (Again Reag ponders for a minute) R-Oh, does he have a chair? :) I guess that would make sense to be comfy!! I love the way she thinks and I know it's those things that are usually only funny to the parents, but it's still fun!

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving with lots of family. We went to Caliente for the long weekend and it was so nice to get away! Everyone was home this year, so dinner was packed! There were about 60 of us and Nick's aunts house. It was a blast! I grew up with this family and just love them and Reag loves having a million other kids around since she's usually by herself. At this time of year, especially this year, I am so thankful. I have a great family who loves me and makes me laugh and they are people I can always count on. I have a sweet, patient husband. I have a fireball, wonderful daughter who is hilarious, crazy, and innocent all at the same time. I have a nice home that keeps me safe and warm, food on the table, bills are paid, a good job, running vehicles, and most importantly, the Gospel. And I'm actually thankful right now to have a big belly!! :) Life is good and it's great to be able to say that, especially with all of the craziness surrounding us. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had a chance to slow down for just a minute to reflect. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

100 Things

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis---No way!
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping--Don't Ask!
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community--Nick has!
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant-my dad has with me with him, half counts??
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Book of Mormon or Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating-with Nick and I'm counting it!
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

I saw this on my friends blog and thought it looked fun! The things I've done are in red. I need to do more and really need to travel!!!!!!!

So True!!

I saw this on a friends blog and thought is was great and explains things nicely, especially the "takes 45 minutes when it should take 15" part.

Day of Fun

So, we had a Day of Fun last weekend. Moreso for Nick, but I enjoyed a it too. He got to do all of his favorite things in one day. He woke up early and went riding (I slept in), then we went to Aviation Nation. We love going to this!! The airshows are always great and the planes are amazing, especially the old tank ones. It makes you think, how in the world did those get in the air?! The Thunderbirds are always great. And we love it! We got home in the early evening and Nick went calling. Reag had no nap, so she went to bed early and got to read and watch movies and have quiet time. 3 of his favorite things in one day! And 3 of my favorite things in one day!! Good times had by all!!!

Happy Birthday Nick!!!

Nick's birthday was Friday and he is 28!!! He can't believe he's already that old and is pushing 30. I think he's hotter than ever though, so it works!! He had to work, but me and Reag surprised him with his favorite things when he got home. We had balloons and streamers and we made a sign (with Reag's help) and his fave things: jerkey, dozen krispy kreme doughnuts (my fave too!), white choc covered pretzels, cream soda in the bottles, and his fave cookies that I never make because they aren't my fave. He gifted himself with a new scope and me and Reag got him a satchel/seat that goes on the back of the 4-wheeler. Reag was so excited and couldn't wait to show him his "party". Then we went to Claim Jumpers and had yummy food and of course I had them bring out dessert and sing! Too fun and a great day. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Boy Holt

So I know this is updates overload, but I went and had another ultrasound today and wanted to post the pictures. I've had lots of ultrasounds this go around, which has been pricey, but so fun too!! :) Everything's great; I'm 22 weeks and he's 15 ounces. He moves likes crazy (for about a month now) and the tech had a hard time getting everything because he wouldn't hold still. Is that any indication of things to come?! Oh well, I'll take it!! The first one: profile with partial hand in his mouth and fingers out (kinda looks like he's giving the peace sign!); 2nd & 3rd are profile; and the 4th shows he is a definite boy!! Legs open and arrow pointing to evidence. This was actually the first picture we saw when she started!! Covered his face, but not his downstairs! What does that mean?!

Sand Dunes

We went to the sand dunes the other day and met some people from our ward. Super windy, so not too many pictures, but a few from the ride there. Two things I learned: 1.) My daughter is all grown up, and yes she is listening to my IPOD!!! and 2.) We have to get a bigger truck!! (As soon as this baby's out...hopefully!)