christmas in idaho

 This is what we call our second Christmas. We were able to stop in Idaho Falls for a little more than a week to see family. My brother and his family visited from California so we got to see them for a few days. We don't get to see them very often so that was as special treat!

Two sweet cousins, Rose and Violet, hugging hello. Rose and Logan soon became good friends and were doing this often each time we would see Rose. 

My sister's family also lives in Idaho Falls so we got to spend a lot of time with them as well as my parents. Here is Angela with her youngest, Rose.

Matthew and Vanessa playing in the playroom together.

One activity my mom planned was to make caramel apples for everyone. I got pictures of most of the kids eating their apples.

David: 

Rose:

Veronica and Hannah (who were more interested in the toppings than the caramel and apples)

Hailey:

Angela:

Logan and Violet:

We were also able to go bowling, make chocolate houses, go shopping, eat lots of yummy food, and spend a lot of time with family. I am so grateful our families live close enough to each other that it isn't a big deal to see both during the holidays. We had such a good time on our Christmas vacation!

christmas in payson

We were able to spend a week in Payson with Darrin's family this year for what we call our first Christmas. The only downer of the trip was when Darrin (and others) got sick with a stomach bug. It was a miserable one. Poor guy had it 2 weeks before too!

Laura, Michelle, and Kayla waiting for the opening of presents to begin on Christmas Eve.

I think Logan was pretty excited to open a present or two also.

Grandpa, Natalie, and Hope.

Kayla (I think she is playing with her brother's present)

That night we watched movies and had a delicious meal made by Melanee.

Christmas morning Logan was able to open his presents from us. He seemed a little more excited to rip open the paper than actually play with his new toys, but whatever makes him happy makes me happy too.

Daddy in the background as Logan searches for more presents to rip open :)

We had a great time in Payson. We are so grateful that even though we don't live that close to them we were still able to go visit. It was a blessing to be able to spend time with family.

thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving this year, my parents and Darrin's family came up to Spokane to visit. Darrin has a step-sister only 40 minutes away so it was a chance for his family to see her and her family at the same time. It was great to have family there! 

For the Thanksgiving feast, I made 3 pies, a couple salads, and the rolls.

My first pie was out of a magazine. It was called Caramel Cream Pumpkin Pie. It turned out really pretty but man was it sweet! That's even coming from the girl who can eat more candy than most.

To brown the meringue top, we used Darrin's kitchen torch.

And a cherry pie (one of my favorites)

The rolls. It was funny how a lot of little boys really liked these rolls. Some of them took a few home with them. :)

And a blackberry pie from the blackberries we picked in Oregon. (definitely not the best looking pie...)

And my mom. I did a better job of documenting the food than the people. Oops. At least there's one picture...Thanks for all your help in the kitchen mom!

more favorites

Here are a couple of Logan's new favorites:

He loves playing with water. He likes it best outside of the bathtub, but he usually likes a good bath splashing too. Here he is playing in the sink with bowls, water, and a spatula.

Shoes! He loves putting on shoes. He especially loves Darrin's shoes, but if mine are the only ones around, those will do.

18 months...almost 2 months ago...

I meant to post these a while ago, but seeing as I haven't posted anything lately I guess now is a good time. Back when Logan turned 18 months (Beg. of Nov) I wanted to make sure and get some pictures of him in good lighting since most of my pictures are indoors with my not-so-great camera.

So I took him outside and made him smile for pictures. 

Here's the best one...too bad the ugly barbeque is in the background.

More interested in the leaves.

Let me inside! It's cold out here!

I don't know when I took these but he sure was enjoying his noodles!