Shane Christmas Party

It's finally Christmas Eve! The Shane's Christmas Party was this afternoon. It was so great to get together with family during the day, but still have all evening to be at home prepping for Santa. Jan made us a delicious lunch and once the tables were cleared away it was time to open presents.

This is always Brayden's favorite part. We'll have a lot of fun with his new toys, especially the Optimus Prime Lego set.

I loved watching Bailey play with the new Disney Princess dresses that I gave her.

Erika found a ball that she pushed up her shirt so she could look like me. If only I could get mine out as easy as she got her's out. Anyway, we had a blast and I can't wait for tomorrow morning!

Pumpkin Carving at the Shane's

Today, Jan invited all of us over to carve pumpkins and have lunch. When we got there, everything was already set up in the backyard. Thankfully the weather cooperated with us. It was a beautiful day!

After carving on our own last night, I wondered if Craig would be a little burnt out. Nope. Again, he cleaned out my pumpkin for me and then chose a rather complex design for his own pumpkin.

Brayden enjoyed playing around in the shade under the tables, helping wherever it was needed.

This is the final result of the afternoon. My pattern was originally a lot more complicated, but rather than carving out Mickey's face, I just gave him a silhouette. I love it! And Craig's mummy was awesome. It took him quite awhile.

The lasagna lunch that Jan had ready for us afterwards was delicious. Holidays really are so much better with family.

Girls' Dinner with Jan

A few months ago, Jan took all of us girls out to Applebee's and we had such a great time talking and laughing that she decided to do it again. Tonight, we all met at Winger's for dinner. Besides Krystal, all of the girls were there. I had so much fun hanging out with my family! I love being apart of this family.

Christmas at Nana and Papa's

Nana isn't a fan of opening presents before Christmas, so we got to take an extra trip over there today. It was great to see family on such a great day!

Nana and Papa got Brayden some adorable clothes and more books. Story time got a lot more varied today. Yay!

Merry Christmas!

Valentine's Dinner



Valentine's Day this year was a little bit different for us than it has been in years past. Today, Craig and I had our little family sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a very interesting experience. Brayden cried through the entire ceremony. The whole situation was quite amusing to me, so I couldn't keep from laughing. The part that I remember the most was when the gentleman that would perform the ceremony mentioned to us that a quick sqeeze when you are holding someone's hand translates into a silent "I love you".

After the ceremony, a lot of friends and family met at my parents' church for dinner. I was impressed by how many people I know that came to support us. Many family members were there and even neighbor's from the first neighborhood that I lived in came.

Craig, Matt, CJ

Courteney, Tori

Paul, Teri

Teri, Kira, Travis

Grandma Larsen, Grandma Furse

Brayden was absolutely adorable. He loved the attention from everyone. Today is definately a day to remember.