Christmas Vacation

We spent a lot of our weekend relaxing and cuddling in our pjs. In this pic we had been reading stories with Luke before he fell asleep

Everyone left at different times we were last so we drug out the emotions for my mom. She said the day we were leaving that it would have been easier if we would have left the same day we will have to remember that for next time. So Nic & Ky went home on Wed, then Kim & Ez on Thurs, and us on Friday but Thursday after Kim & Ez left we decided to head to the Bellagio and see the tree, flower display, and fountains. This is something that never disappoints...it was beautiful as always

This picture is the epidemy of what Maddi did most of the time we were there and Hallie was happy to sit next to her and do the same thing...pretty cute

The next couple pics are brought to you by Hallie photography

Friday morning we celebrated Gracie's birthday since my parents will be in Vegas. 

She got some darling books and ones like we don't have...surprise. Some boots, bows, and some money for  us to get her something she needs.

Then off to the airport we went..another picture brought to you by Hallie

Because of mandatory staffing at the hospital we got home just in time to get unpacked and head for bed but I felt so bad about the Christmas and the girls toys we decided to set out all their christmas and have a repeat. Hallie was so excited when she got up and found a whole bunch of presents to play with. We had our own little Christmas breakfast and spent the day relaxing, playing with our toys, and napping to recover from our week in Vegas. I was way glad we redid Christmas it made me feel a lot better about the whole situation and I don't think anyone complains about having 2 Christmass'

A Visit to Santa

This past week I took Hallie to see Santa since she had only seen Mrs Claus to this point. We were happy to find that there was no line as Santa rode in on the Mall train...Hallie thought that was really cool. I was pretty disappointed when I was told I could take no pictures due to some stupid copyright on the backdrop and call me cheap but I refuse to pay 20 dollars for one picture with Santa. Hallie walked right up and told him she wanted some barbies, a barbie house, and a barbie car. Santa told her he would see what he could do. Just as she went to get off Hallie said wait my sister Gracie needs to sit on your lap and Ill tell you what she wants. Santa happily agreed and I sat Gracie on his lap along with Hallie. Hallie told Santa that Gracie wanted a dolly and some barbies just like hers. Gracie just sat and smiled while Hallie talked. After she finished they each got a coloring book and a candy cane. After I took a picture of her next to one of Santa's Christmas trees but Gracie wouldn't hold still long enough. Hallie and her cute crooked smile. She was so excited to wear her Rudolf shirt to show Santa her favorite reindeer.

Luke's Blessing

To top off the weekend it ended up working best for both families to bless Luke. So the weekend madness continued. We had the luncheon before so that all those traveling couldn't have plenty of time to get home before it got to late. It worked out great we all had plenty of time to visit, eat, and take pics before we headed to the church.

 The man of the hour...Luke William Irvin

 Grandma & Papa with our girls

 It was a long lack of sleep type of weekend I don't ever remember Hallie sleeping in the car this much ever!

The only thing that made them leaving better is that in less than a week we will be all together again celebrate Christmas. Yeah for another fun filled weekend with family

Temple Square

Saturday after pictures we headed over to Temple Square and City Creek we ate dinner at the Blue Lemon...which left much to be desired. Then we bundled up and headed to see the lights. It was cold so we made a quick trip around and headed for home.

 Gracie really liked watching the nativity she seemed mesmorized

 Hallie's favorite part was the floating lights in the reflection pool although she didn't believe it was Mary, Joseph  & Jesus she thought they looked like rocks. She was pretty upset.

We stopped on the way home for ice cream strangely enough since we had promised Hallie some if she was good for pictures. Once we got home we had pizza, watched a movie, and drank hot cocoa while we all cuddled on the couch..perfect end to a chilly but beautiful night.

Family Pictures

Saturday turned into a lounge around day for most of us. Dad and Kyle went hunting while the rest of us stayed home where it was warm and watch movies and ate Christmas treats. After they got home we all got ready and headed to the Salt Lake Capital to take family pictures. I know it takes a lot of time and patience to get everything put together but Im always so thrilled when we are done and have some great pictures and this time was no exception. The weather was great for what we expected it snowed lightly during most of the pics but nothing that stopped us form taking a few outside. 

My cute little family of four

 Me & the most perfect guy out there for me...oh how I love him!

 Mom & Dad

 Nate & Maddi(I do feel bad for them because they usually get made into the other couple)

 My cute baby

 Yes she is walking and climbing

 The whole fam

 Kyle, Nic, & Rigs

 Ez, Kim, & Luke

 The grandkids...in March Nic will be adding another little girl to the mix

 I love this pic Hallie started to panic a little she was nervous she was going to drop Luke 

 I think my parents like these kids a little bit

 My Dad & his girls...we are all a bit of a daddy's girl

 The girls & my mom

Brit did a great job with these and I know she was super nervous about it. I really think these are my favorite pictures we have had done. Im glad that everyone involved took the time and the effort to take these so we can have them forever.

Kate & Ben's Wedding

This past weekend was one we have been looking forward to for a long time the fun started Friday when the girls and I headed to The Brigham City temple with my family to be part of Kate & Ben's special day. Matt and the other brother in laws had to work so it was us and the kids luckily I have very involved parents and other siblings that made the day go very smoothly and enjoyable. Gracie loves all of them and was thrilled to be packed around all day.

 Here we are waiting for the bride and groom to make their 1st appearance

 Me and my beautiful mom and sisters these girls are all so special to me

 Grandma bough Hallie this barbie she was happy to have something to play with while we were in the temple

 The new bride and groom

 After some quick pictures...it was freezing! We headed over to Maddox for the luncheon. This is Kimber & I's pile of "stuff" we were lucky and got an end table so we had a place for all of it. We were definitely not traveling light for our day out

 Our table for dinner

 Once Gracie woke up she very much enjoyed her 1st meal from Maddox but I think the rolls were her favorite

 The timing of the luncheon couldn't have been better just after settling in to eat the rain/snow mix started coming down and didn't quit until way into the night. Hallie was exhausted she was a sleep before I even got the the freeway(notice she still has that barbie)

We were so excited we  got to share in Kate & Ben's special day. I hope they find marriage as much fun and a blessing as it has been for us. To time and all eternity!