2011 in review

The last few days I've had lots of time to blog. My family had a nasty stomach virus. It was one that would stop and than start again for a week. We decided the last few days to stay inside and away from people for fear we would continue to infect people without knowing. It seems to have passed now. Posting pictures to blogger seems to take a long time anymore so I've had time to review all my blog posts in 2011.
At the end of each year, I like to write a post that sums up the year. As I read the end of 2010 post, I realized I may have cursed us (no, I'm not superstitious, but it does make one wonder). I wrote that we had a great 2010 compared to others. Looking back at 2011, I would say it wasn't one of our better years. Sure we had fun and we are a blessed people, but we did have our share of trials and hardships too (who doesn't?).

In March, Brooklyn loved her friend birthday party and turned 5. Marty and I had a blast celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary. Plus we bought a new SUV, which we mostly love. Oh, and Marty celebrated his 2nd year as Bishop.
In April, I was called to serve as Relief Society Instructor.
In May, Brooklyn graduated from preschool. We enjoyed a quick trip to Moab to ride in a bike ride. Brooklyn finished her first year of dance and loved dancing in her dance recital. Marty traveled a lot for his job during the first part of the year. For Mothers Day, I was able to get away with him on one of his work trips.
In June, we attended the Princess Festival. Plus, Marty and I rode 75 miles for MS while my mom toke care of two sick girls in a hot motel room. Brooklyn lost her first tooth and her second one not too long after that. We also took a trip to Lagoon.
In July, we enjoyed summer fun. Events like the Demolition Derby and discovered the Dinosaur Park in Ogden. Just writing this makes me ready for Summer again. Pretty sad, eh?
In August, Brooklyn started Kindergarten! She loves it! I enjoyed my birthday with my family. And we had a blast on our staycation downtown.
In September, we had fun in St. George with our friends. And (somewhat) enjoyed a very wet muddy ward camp out. I also got called as YW camp director.
In October, we took a family trip to Las Vegas and Zions National Park. It was definitely a highlight of our year!
In November, Eliza loved her 3rd birthday!
In December, Marty had a birthday. It wasn't too exciting though because we were all sick. December has been a month of illness for us. We've all had a head cold and a stomach bug. Blah!
We've also had fun celebrating all the holidays this year with our family and friends.

On a not so bright spot, Marty's dad had surgery (Carotid Endarterectomy) in June, after a very long time of trying to determine what was causing his health problems. He had a blocked carotid artery (90% blocked). He has had his ups and downs, but he is feeling better most of the time now.
My dad found out he had prostate cancer. He spent most of his summer going through treatment. Fortunately the treatment worked and his levels continue to drop. He is hoping to turn in his mission papers very soon.

As much as I like to count my blessings, I'm honestly ready to kick 2011 right out the door. Bring on 2012!

Temple Lights

One of our family traditions each year is to go see the Temple lights on Christmas night. This year I was sick so we weren't able to go. Brooklyn was disappointed. I was feeling better on Monday so we decided to go that night.I can see these lights every year and I never get tired of them. Beautiful!
Eliza kept telling us she didn't want to see the lights, but the second she saw them she was ready to see more! Both girls ran and ran! I'm sure they were just excited to be out of the house.
It's fun to take lots and lots of pictures!
Brooklyn and Eliza both loved the water fountains this year. It was the only way to get Eliza to keep to moving. We enticed her with more water fountain possibilities.
The ultimate water spot is the one with the nativity in the middle. Of course, it's the busy spot too.
Eliza was tired and ready for bed by this point and wanted to only be with me.
We had a fun time! It always takes longer than expected by the time you find parking so we were out pretty late. Then we drove up to Kamas to spend some time with Marty's parents. Too bad Marty caught the stomach virus and was sick the whole time we were there.

Christmas

Santa came to our house this year!Unfortunately, I came down with a stomach virus some where in the night. Brooklyn was sick in the night as well. She still managed to wake up at 4 am to let us know Santa had come and that he turned off our Christmas lights. We made sure she went back to bed.
Marty's alarm woke us up so that we could get ready for 9 am church. I chose to stay in bed. When I heard Brooklyn still wasn't feeling well, we decided to stay home while Marty and Eliza went to church.
I managed to get myself out of bed because we promised the girls they could look in their stockings before church. They had to wait to open their presents until after church though.
Eliza had fun sitting on Marty's lap on the stand at church. I was sad to miss the Christmas program. When they got home, we went up stairs to open presents. I sat on the couch and took pictures and tried not to move too much. The girls were ready to open their gifts from Santa.
They each got a princess, a prince and some princess clothes. Brooklyn got Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
Eliza got her favorite, Mulan and Li Shang. They both didn't ask for anything specific this year so they loved them!
Brooklyn (with a little help from her dad) made Eliza this little dollhouse out of a shoebox. It was all her idea. Too cute!
Brooklyn made sure I took a picture with her and every gift she opened.
Eliza wasn't too worried about pictures, but I did manage to get her to turn around to show me this one. She was excited for the Backyardigan's wrapping paper.
Brooklyn did want one thing and here she is receiving it. Just some baby things for her dollhouse dolls.
Eliza was excited about this Rapunzel dress up, but she knew Brooklyn has always wanted one. When she opened it, Eliza said "here you go Brooklyn". It's a good thing they like to share (most of the time).
The garbage is piling up! Eliza thought it would be fun to slide down the griddle. The girls enjoyed opening some gifts for me since I wasn't feeling up to it.
After all the gifts were opened, Brooklyn got to work creating a "tower" for Rapunzel to live in.
Then we relaxed the rest of the day. I slept most of the day away honestly.
By the next day, my house looked like this. Gotta love the Christmas aftermath. I'm glad it's all cleaned up now though.

Christmas Eve Jammies

On Christmas Eve night we gathered around to open one present. The girls have yet to learn our tradition of getting new pajamas for Christmas so they were beyond excited to open a gift!
Eliza went first and Brooklyn was eager to help.
This year they got two sets of pajamas, monkey slippers and a book to read before bed. Eliza went right for the book!
Brooklyn's turn. I think she was secretly hoping she would get a toy. :) I bought her pajamas in the next size up from her current size because she has a lot of pajamas already. Turns out the next size up drowns her. Oh well, she loves them anyway!
Taking a moment to glace at their books.
Marty told me he already has enough pajamas bottoms so he got a tripod instead. We needed a new tripod to help us film Christmas morning. Don't you love Marty's pretend surprised face?
I'm pretty excited about my pajamas too! Especially since I'm the one who wrapped them.
Eliza looked adorable in her monkey pajamas and monkey slippers. And she may or may not have to go to the bathroom. (Side note: She actually managed to pee her pants and into her slippers within a few minutes of taking this picture. Luckily she made it into the bathroom first. She was sad she had to change her pajamas).
Three girls in their pajamas.
And, of course, a family picture. Now off to bed so Santa can come.

Christmas Party #3

Christmas Eve brought our last family Christmas party. This one was with my mom and my brothers and families. I volunteered to have it at my house this year. My family keeps growing and it's getting harder and harder to fit them all in my house!
It took two tables to feed all 18 of them! We all chipped in for a very yummy traditional Christmas dinner: Ham, funeral potatoes, jello salad, rolls, veggie tray and pie for dessert!
Present time took place in our basement. Our front room is a little full due to a certain Christmas tree. :) It worked out great in the basement though. We started off with the youngest (Evie)...it's a tradition! I was reminded just how long I held the reign of the youngest and got to open my present first every year. Only 11 years!
All the kids swarmed around each kid opening their present. This is Silas (orange shirt) and my brother, Tim, helping out.
Eliza was my poser!
Ariel doll and a Princess CD set. The music is only a little bit annoying. ;)
Jamon was a tad bit excited about his scooter.
Next Brooklyn and Sariah got Rapunzel dolls and they each got something different. Brooklyn also received a hair accessory set to help fix Rapunzel's hair.
Eliza lovin' her gift while the others still open.
Micah loved his new baseball hat!
And Caitie loved her DS game. Can't you tell?
Marty and I got a present together, but I opened it while he took pictures.
My brother, Dan, opening his gift while my oldest brother, Barry, admires it!
My mom opening one of her gifts!
And a few pictures of the kids enjoying their presents. Everyone loved what they got! Great job Mom for giving some great gifts. Thanks and we love you!
It was a fun afternoon! The party ended quickly because Caitie needed to get to her mom's party. And everyone else decided to leave at the same time. I was sad to see them leave so soon, but I enjoyed them all while I had them. :)

Donut/Caroling

One of my favorite traditions this time of year is to be a part of a fun tradition my friend, Kattie, started two years ago. We make donuts and then go around the neighborhood delivering donuts and caroling to our neighbors. This year proved to be a little more hard than normal due to a constant influx of illnesses to our neighborhood. Some have been fortunate to be spared but most of us have had something.
The night had to be rescheduled to Monday, December 19th after we were all feeling better.
Kattie makes the dough for the donuts every year. This year she made 150 donuts! Wow!
Some of the kids playing while the parents made the donuts.
Just a few of the "glaze committee".
And the back ends of the "frying committee".
My girls love donuts!
Just a portion of the donuts. Yum! We delivered 16 plates this night and some were delivered later.
There's usually crying involved with my girls. Gotta love it!
My Reindeer ready to go out on the town.
Marty laughed really hard when he saw this picture so of course I had to post it!
Brooklyn and Will held hands most of the night. Kattie didn't know she was in the picture. She will love that I posted this as well. :)
And off they go! This was the one night we have actually had some snow this year.
Brooklyn's legs always hurt when she walks for more than 5 minutes. Marty is sweet to carry her on his shoulders.
Eliza loved this nativity so I made sure to take a picture.
Thanks to all who were able to be a part of this event this year. It's always so much fun!
Family photo!
Here's one of the whole group! Thanks to the Goodwin's for the last two pictures. :)