Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a different experience for me this year, a lot of firsts. I am proud to say that I made my first Thanksgiving turkey and am quite proud with how it turned out. Some of Brian's family was able to be here for the holiday, which always makes holidays better. Unfortunately, Brian's mom was sick the whole day and didn't even venture out of her room, I felt so bad for her! Hence, that is why I was flying solo with making a turkey. I have to say, without the help of my sisters-in-law, the meal wouldn't have come off as well as it did. There was a slight mishap with the oven not being turned on when we thought it was for a couple of hours while the turkey was supposed to be cooking, but all that did was set meal time back a couple of hours...it still turned out OK. We also had a couple of friends over for dinner (thanks again for the yummy food!). Landen did great and let mom get a lot of cooking done. It was nice having the extra hands to help with food and watching Landen.

How Landen felt about the day
Landen's favorite place to sleep

West Yellowstone

We went up to West Yellowstone for a couple of days this week just to hang out. Unfortunately, pretty much everything was closed because it's "off season", but it was still fun to hang out with family and walk around town. It still surprises me how nice it still is out here!

Some of the beautiful scenery on our drive
Watch out for the bear....oh, it's not real

Getting ready to walk around the town, yes, that's Landen bundled up under there with aunt Mamy

Dad and Landen doing what they do best!

Warming up by the fireplace

Landen's blessing

We blessed our little Landen this last weekend. It was great having family come up from Utah to be there for him. Here's some pictures of him in his little outfit.

He'd about had it with the pictures
I was surprised at how well his blessing outfit actually fit him!

I love Landen's face in this picture!

Being cute

Hanging out with Grandpa

4 Years Ago Today...

...I married my best friend. It's been some of the best years of my life! Although the majority of our first year was spent apart while he was in Iraq, it proved to become a blessing in our lives as our struggles and separation actually made us stronger and closer as a couple. We've celebrated our anniversary in more extravagant ways in the past (cruise, themed hotel), but this year we're looking forward to just having a quiet evening together alone and to talk about other things than our sweet Landen. It will be nice to be able to walk hand and hand again without carrying a car seat. So, here we come sushi, and to my wonderful husband, I love you and look forward to eternity with you! Oh, and a shout out to Mamy, Ashley and Genae for watching our little squeaker for us so we could go out!

My poor boy

This has been Landen's day...poor guy! That's right, it was time for his 2 month old shots. I felt so bad for him when they attacked from both sides at the same time. I don't think I've ever seen such big tears come out of his big eyes!

My Heros

As I see all the American flags lining the streets this Veteran's Day, I'm reminded of a couple of my heroes!

First, my brother Ryan (not sure why this picture is so small), who's Marine platoon was the first to enter Baghdad. He saw a lot and did a lot that he's had to overcome since coming home. I'm very proud of him!

And of course there's my awesome husband, who also served over in Iraq with the Marines.

I'm very proud of both of my heroes, and am grateful to them and so many others who have and continually serve their country to protect the freedoms they are so willing to die for. Thank you veterans!

Landen's first sick days

Poor guy hasn't been feeling well the past couple of days. What first set us off was him being more calm and wanting to sleep more (especially after 2 weeks of grumpiness). All things considered, he's being quite the trooper!

Whoopie (sarcasm)

Ya know, I used to love snow, when I lived in Kansas, and it was such a novelty to actually get some, let alone have a nice white Christmas. But, since living in Rexburg for the last 3 years, I have come to dread days like today...the first snow, because it indicates another 6 months of snow...too much snow. I would love if it would stick around until after the holidays, then go away! Many others around here I'm sure would disagree with me, because they love the winter sports, but where we don't have the toys or the money to participate in such events, I just hike to work in my snow boots until April-June sometime. Yes, the snow really does last that long. It's kind of depressing! I really wish Rexburg had more definitive seasons!

Halloween...a little late

This was his $4 costume we found, that is still too big. It's 0-3 months...yeah, I know, kinda sad. He's currently in between newborn and preemie sizes...awkward!

This shows how he's been the past couple of weeks...grumpy. Yeah for growth spurts!