Happy Birthday Weekend to Me! 32nd Birthday

Since my birthday was on a Sunday this year we decided to do some celebrating on Saturday. We ran some errands and went to look at bed sets and mattresses. After the errands we grabbed some dinner at Rumbi(one of my favorite places). I don't know how I got so lucky to be blessed with this group of people in my life. They make life enjoyable

Gracie walked around for an entire week with these on singing happy birthday to me...how can you not smile about that

I was initially bummed that my birthday was on a Sunday but it ended up being just what I needed. We got up and went to church. We got home, had some lunch, then naps. Who doesn't love naps?!

Matt made dinner and then we had brownie chocolate chip cheesecake. It was delicious! Happy birthday to me!

Monday I worked and then after we met up with Nick and Brit for dinner at Pizza Pie Cafe. It was yummy. I had a gluten free bbq chicken pizza. Gracie couldn't get enough and had a piece in each hand.

While at work Monday I got a surprise vistior. Matt brought me flowers with a really nice card. It has been fun to start to find our new "normal" as we are mellowing back into our new life. I'm excited for consistent date nights and more time spent as a family making memories.

Home Sweet Home

Although it was nice to see family and meet the new baby I was anxious to get back home to this beautiful place. I knew I would love it here but it has already surpassed my expectations. The peace and slower pace of life is just what I have always dreamed of. The views here are breath taking on a daily basis. No traffic, crazy neighbors, or noise or lights of the city. It is just so peaceful.

 The girls were happy to get home and have their stuff to play with. Their multi layer dressing up is always good for a laugh

 When we got home we finally hooked up the wii and it has been a huge hit. We have been using it as a reward after homework and chores are done. It is even fun for Matt and I and a great way to get exercise this time of year when there is snow everywhere

 Speaking of snow everywhere we finally gave in and bought a snow blower. we spent more than Matt and I had been planning on but after doing our research we decided to make it more of an investment then to buy a new one every couple of years. We bought a smaller 28 inch one with more HP so I can run it but it will handle the snow we get here. Matt is pretty thrilled with it. Im just glad I don't have to shovel our huge driveway anymore

 Another thing I love about here is the small community feel where everyone know everyone. Hallie got invited ot a birthday party and for the first time ever I felt comfortable letting her go. She had a ball. They did sleigh riding and ate doughnuts and hot cocoa. I can't believe she is getting big enough to go by herself but since she will do that whether I like that or not Im glad she is doing it here

To Grandma's House We Go....To Meet Lydi

After Kimber had Lydi we knew that we wanted to visit. It worked out so that Matt could fly to Vegas with us and then caught a connecting flight to go meet clients while we were gone. Our flight ended up being delayed by about an hour but the kids kept themselves busy.

They found a friend to chase around and play simon says with

When we got to grandma's we were able to celebrate a little Christmas and Gracie's birthday. She got a full snow suit that she was thrilled to put to use once we got home

While the girls opened presents Em had breakfast in her new hat

Then we headed over meet Lydi for the first time. Look at that hair!

Kimber and I visited while the kids played. They played Paw Patrol and legos. It was fun to see their imaginations come thru

After we had some cuddle and play time. Papa called and asked us to meet him for lunch. We decided that Zupas sounded good and it was.

The girls spent most of our time in Vegas playing poly pockets

Em was playing and then I guess her neck was tired so she laid down on the soft rug for a few minutes

Uncle Nate was so great about helping to take care of and play with the girls. He made them breakfast and watch cartoons with them every morning

Sleeping was a real struggle while we were there. All of the kids were up multiple times but Em was usually the issue. She would wake up crying and wake up the other girls since they wanted to stay in a room all together. Em seemed to do ok during the day but at night it didn't take long until everyone was exhausted and in tears.

Tuesday morning Kimber had to take the baby to the doctor so we took the kids to the park. They had some really cool chip looking play areas the kids really liked

This cute girl has now mastered sitting

By the time Wed morning came we were ready to go home. With the stress of my parents selling their house we spent very little time with them while we were there. They received multiple offers while we were there and offered on the house they wanted. Even when they were around they were occupied and didn't get any of that one on one time we were hoping for. Maybe it will never happen again but I will just keep hoping for that. Em had a runny nose and cough d/t what I believe was teething but it limited our time we spent with Kimber and her family(which is the main reason we went). I miss Kimber. I miss having her around and spending time with her. I hate that she lives so far away. All and all it was just an ok trip and we were ready to go home to our new house and our daddy.

The girls were so excited to get there drink/snacks and a movie on the trip home. It was a good idea to bring the laptop and movies...we will definitely do it again.