Hardware Ranch & a Visit from Gram gram and papa

While my mom and dad were here we decided to take a day trip up to Logan and to Hardware Ranch. First we stopped for lunch and there aren't many times we get to Logan that we don't eat Chinese at Mardarin Garden because the food is so good. The kids had some time to entertain themselves while we waited for our food.

This is of coarse how it works I get a good picture of Rigs but not Hallie and vice versa

Hallie loved having her grandma around to read and play with....they even nap together

Every time I tried to get a picture of Gracie she cried and we laughed,,,,mean probably but once I stopped trying to take a picture she was fine.

Rigs was more than willing to share some of his many faces for me to take a picture

After our bellies we full we headed up to Hardware Ranch the kids watched a movie to we didn't hear from them very often if at all they were pretty zoned

Once we got there we got everyone dressed warm and went to get in line. 

They were all so fascinated with the horses it was hard to get them to all pay attention for a picture so we got what we could 

Here are the 3 little owls plus Kinley who now has a hat coming her way(grandma is going to make her one)

Our little Family

Papa helped keep track of these 2

Rigs was so funny when we got out in the Elk he was so excited and said hi elk, how ya doing elk, and best of all when he said watch out elk I come shoot you. This kid is a character

Last time we went there were about 200 head of elk and this time there was over 500. They came really close to the sleigh which made it really fun for all of us to see them that close.

After we got off our ride we were able to pet the horses that pull the sleigh and then we stopped to warm up next to the fire before we headed home

It didn't take long for these 3 to be sound asleep on the way home. It had been a long day full of fun and family. It was such a great day we are loving having Matt home and Gram gram and papa here to spend time with us. 

Gracie's 2nd Birthday Party

Although Gracie's birthday isn't until Jan 6th we decided to celebrate early since both sides of the family were here from out of town. On Saturday Matt and I as well as the girls went to Wadman to decorate and set up for the party on Sunday evening. Gracie's is very into Little Einsteins right now so it was an easy choice when trying to decide what to do. The only problem was no one sells Little Einstein themed party stuff. Thank heavens for the internet and a wonderful hubby we were able to print and cut out all of it. We thought it turned out pretty well.

The cake was easier than we anticipated when we found a stuffed rocket....Gracie loved it. We made it tropical punch flavored which made the inside red as well

 Gracie loves sweet pork nachos so we decided to do a nacho bar

And hot chocolate bar...another Gracie favorite

Our Little Family

As you can see she was very excited

While we got everything ready we started a Little Einsteins show and Hallie quickly found her a comfy place to cuddle and watch it...with Uncle Ez and Luke.

Here are some pictures of our party guests!

Gracie loved her Nacho bar! I think the guacamole was her favorite which she ate by the spoonful

Can you see how much she enjoyed her party by the food on her face!?

And then there was singing

And dancing

And then this silly girl found the pockets in her shirt

Then it was time for cake and she seemed to like it

Then she got to open presents and got very spoiled

Nic and my mom both bought her velour sweatsuits when she pulled them out she was so excited and kept saying jammies jammies I guess anything that appears comfy is now jammies 

Lovin her Little Einsteins dvds

Grandma Joy bought her some some clothes as well that included a skirt which she immediately had to put to work twirrling

Matt and I decided to buy her a balance bike she seems to like it but will get a lot more use out of it when the spring comes

Maddi asked if all the sisters could have a picture together so she could show her friends. I was flattered that she would want to show us off so we were happy to help her with that. Love my sisters and the fact that they have all become my best friends over the years is such a blessing not a day goes by that one of them doesn't touch my life in some way.

We had a great day and felt very blessed to be surrounded by the people that love and care about our little Grace and the rest of our family. I really can't believe that it has been 2 years since we welcomed this little ray of sunshine into our lives the time has gone way to fast. We love you Gracie Goo! Happy birthday sweet girl!

Lexi's Baby Blessing

Over Christmas break Corey and Mindi decided to bless Lexi so Sunday morning we woke the girls up to get ready and to Murray by 9am. We surprisingly made it about 10 minutes before church started which doesn't even happen with our church which starts at 1pm. We found our seats and Hallie was thrilled to see Nathan so they visited for a few minutes and then sacrament started. Gracie was so funny in how she sat with her snacks and listened quite well. 

After we headed over to Mindi's parents house for brunch. We had some muffins and fruit and visited for a few minutes before heading for home to get ready for Gracie's party. These 3 guys here are one of the best examples I have ever seen of forever friends these guys grew up together and when we get together they pick up where they left off. Never a dull moment with them. Love them all