Holiday Favorites-Picture Overload

Here are some fun pics from our wonderful holiday. It was so great to be back home at the farm and visiting family in Calgary.

1. Road Trip- My kids are the best travelers. They did great both ways. I love how Abby is in her mimic stage and follows whatever we do. Natalie pretty much slept/ate the whole way. Despite the horrible icy roads it was a fun ride out.
2. The Farm- It was so great to be back at home. Walking to the creek to throw rocks in. Riding the quad. Going to the river. It is more like a stream in this picture with Grandpa. It is amazing how much it has changed.
More farm pics. Abby loved cooking with Grandma and just helping her out in the kitchen. Abby went for a horse ride with her Dad. I have to admit even though I grew up on a farm I don't love riding horses. I left that up to Daddy. Here's a pic of Natalie who has recently discovered her thumb and isn't giving it up easily. Uh Oh.

3. Family- My sister and my niece came for Thanksgiving. It was so great to see both of them and spend some quality time with them
Well after all of these adventures and believe me there was more. A visit to the ER for my Dad, dehorning the cows for Ryan and other great farm adventures. We headed off to Calgary despite tears from Abby "No leave Grandma" She wanted to stay at the farm.

4. Calgary- In Calgary we visited Ryan's brother and his wife. We had a great time eating Mexican food, going to the zoo, and walking in the park. Abby loved playing Rock band and especially going on the teetertotter.
By far my favorite part was going to the Cardston Temple. I love that building and everything about it. I am so grateful to have the gospel as part of my family and life.

Happy Thanksgiving

Since we are going to be gone for Thanksgiving and I won't have internet access for a week I thought I would write a little note about my favorite holiday. Don't get me wrong I am uber excited to be away from technology for awhile. Won't it be nice just to walk to the river or over to snake hill or just listen to the silence or look at the stars without glaring city lights. SOOO excited!!!
I love Thanksgiving because it is usually beautiful outside with the different colored leaves. I love walking along crunching the colorful leaves. I love the crispness in the air. I am so excited to be at the farm for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to show Abby all the fun things to do there.
I am so grateful for so many things in my life. Of course I am grateful for my family this is where our new kitchen window was put in last weekend. Ryan calls it our redneck pictures.I have two wonderful sets of parents who are super supportive and helpful. I have brothers and sisters whom I look up to and though we live far apart I still feel their support and love usually through the lovely genius of the internet.
I have two amazing daughters who teach me something everyday and who love me unconditionally. That is amazing to me as I am still learning the motherhood ropes and often do things that aren't the best.
I have the gospel and know the plan of salvation which gives the faith and perspective to go on each day. I have wonderful friends who love and support me. I am also grateful for the many talents I have been blessed with. I am super excited to go home and play on the piano at my parent's house. I love going back to the piano where I first learned where middle c was. It has some sort of special place for me.
I know I have tons of blessings that I am grateful for and if I had more time I would list everyone but don't have that much time.
I just wanted to end by telling you how grateful I am for this guy. I can't believe I have only known him for just over 4 years and how he is such a part of my life that I can't remember what it was like before. He gives me the motivation to be the best I can be and is always supportive and encouraging. He is pretty much amazing and I am so glad that we are going to be together forever. It is his birthday today and I just wanted to tell everyone out there in cyberworld how amazing he is. We had his birthday celebration yesterday Abby was pretty excited to make her yellow cupcakes for Daddy. Happy Birthday Ryan we love you!!!

2 Months Old

I can't believe how fast time flies. Our little Natalie is already two months old and working on three. She has the greatest smile now and makes all sorts of cute baby noises. She is still sleeping like an angel. I can't even begin to say how grateful I am for that. We got some pics done a while ago by our good friend Ruth. Here are a few of our cutie pie.I love the feet pics she has these crazy long toes but still so cute.It is so amazing to watch little ones grow and develop. She seems to have such a laid back personality and as soon as she gets what she is wanting she is as happy as can be. Let's hope she is a great traveler as we head out to Alberta in less than a week. Can't wait to see the family.