New Years 2009

We decided to slip down to St. George for the holiday in hopes of a little sunshine and warmth. And the weather turned out pretty good. Ben biked a lot, me and the kiddos swam in the hot tub, and the rest of the time was spent going for hikes and playing on the red rock.

As for New Years Eve...we went to bed at 9. Party poopers I know, but midnight has never been my thing.

Faith's 1st Dance Recital

Faith had her first dance recital back in December and it was a hoot! She loved getting dressed and couldn't wait to go on stage. She got a little confused when she got our there, but it was so much fun to watch.

A few pictures before she got her costume on.

Emma Hart, Haven Wright, and Faith. Faith's best friends.

Here is the performance. Horrible filming warning!

Christmas 2009

The Christmas season was filled with gingerbread house making, Christmas parties, sitting on Santa's lap, school Christmas programs, seeing family and friends, skiing, a night in Bethlehem, had 37 people over for a Christmas Eve dinner, reading Christmas stories, PRESENTS, and of course feeling the Spirit of Christ strong.

I tell my kiddos they can ask Santa for one thing that they want the most, and these were the winners this year.

It was a lot of fun, although the slower pace of life in January is refreshing.

Thanksgiving 2009

Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving, like tacos, beach, pool and sun.

We were fortunate enough to go to Mexico with my parents for Thanksgiving. It was a much needed and enjoyable vacation. Got a little sun, a little rest, and a whole lot of play time.

My three favorite boys

Wyguy loved the water and wasn't afraid to scoot right in. Good thing I've got eagle eyes. He even loved the beach more. He loved running his fingers through the sand (perhaps pictures to come, if I can steal of few from my brother).

Faith was a brave jumper.

Jesse is now officially a swimmer. He swam in the pools and in the ocean with no life jacket. He's had the skills for awhile, he just needed some confidence and finally he got it.

Gary's family came too, and Kollin was Jesse's bud the entire time. Faith has a few more boyfriends too.

We had a lot of fun Mom and Dad, Thank you!

New Moon!

Tonight I'm going to a sneek peek of New Moon with my girlfriends. Yes I am excited, but mostly excited for a night out. Especially because Ben is out of town.

We were in Italy this summer when they were shooting New Moon and happened to be in the same small town on the same day. Kind of exciting, but the 3000 oogling Italian 14 year olds made this small town very busy. We saw Alice's man stunt double and the rest of the cast drove by in Mercedes, but I didn't get a great look to be honest, even though I was about 6 inches from the car. Very well tinted windows.

In the square and in front of the church where there should be a few scenes.

This is a fake fountain made just for the movie.

Some Voltri

And a lot of extras.

They were trying to keep all of the girls outside of the city, but they had to let us through because we had reservations at a restaurant. At one point I was walking down the street above with all the extras lined up against the walls (They had had extras lined up like this for a few hours so I didn't think anything of it), all of a sudden it got way quiet, and I saw a mass of Voltri walking up. Out of nowhere guy grabbed me and shoved me into an ally. So look for a blond in bike shorts in any Voltri street scenes:)

Running to the Rock Pile

I think I have finally recovered from the marathon. I can now exercise with no pain in my foot. To celebrate I have been trail running. It's great. The steep hills get a lot of exercise in fast. Plus a dirt single track is far more invigorating than a paved road. The air is fresh, and nothing but nature and it's sounds all around. Who needs an ipod? I love getting out and enjoying the quiet rhythm of running. It's my time to meditate and think about all there is in life to enjoy.

My first time to the rock pile on my feet. Many times to and past on my bike, but never on my feet.

My brother Matt is part of the creation of Rocky Mountain Running due to hit shelves next month. So if your're a runner, you won't want to miss out. The other day he wanted to get a few more pics for the mag so we headed out.

Disneyland

To celebrate our birthdays (Mine, Ben's, Jesse's, Sarah's, Mia's) we headed down to Disneyland! And I have to agree; it is the Happiest Place on earth. We went tue-Thursday the last week of Sept. which was great. Great weather, next to no lines, and all the Halloween decor and themed rides were out. As a gift to myself I booked our hotel at the Grand Californian. Right there in the middle of the California Adventure park. I loved it and I highly recommend it. I had never stayed at a Disney Hotel or been to Disneyland for more than a day at a time, so I fufilled my own dreams. It was so great to stay right there with the little ones. Go take a rest, forgot something, take a swim--it's all right there. And in those three days we did it all and some of two or three times. Jesse was big enough for all the rides and Faith for most so we didn't have to hold back. Here's a few pics of all the fun...

Jesse at the Jedi training. He thinks he's a true Jedi now.

We ate at Ariels Grotto for dinner one night. It's great because all the princess come and see you and there is no waiting in line. You eat and they come see you! Expensive, but worth it. Especially if you have your own princess with you.

Yes Faith wore a different princess dress all day everyday. She had the time of her life! We got to see every princess, and even Aladdin. We went and say the Aladdin musical and afterwards turned up to her dad and said, "That was wonderful! Can we see that again?"

The new Toy Story ride was my favorite. If you haven't gone on it it's a must.

The early entry into fantasyland was awesome. No lines, rode dumbo twice, and Peterpan too!

This is my favorite picture. It captures the sheer joy that was had for three days! Thanks to all you who came to play with us there and to Ben for being such a good sport and letting me plan a trip for myself! Even though it was a gift to myself I think everyone else had a good time too. So much so, I think we'll have to make it a yearly event.