Another california trip and photo dump

This month, we took another family trip to Knotts Berry Farm and the beach with Brad and Julie. Spencer was able to get school off too and all 6 of us crowded into the truck. Spencer was sure a trooper to put up with all the little kids- but we had a lot of fun!

I loved watching James spend time with Spencer. I really hope my boys end up being as good of friends someday. Their age gap is 10 years, but they still can enjoy doing things together and find things to talk about.

We spent a day at Knotts Berry Farm. Jackson was in heaven as he could finally ride some of the rides. It was fun going with Julie and switching kids so we could ride the big roller coasters this time. Not that I really love those rides, but hey, I could. :) Most of that day was nursing on a bench, pushing a stroller, and kid rides for me though! I was extra glad James could go off with spencer and ride.

We spent a day at the beach, loving the weather. Poor spencer had severe diarrhea. I just don't think the beach is the same when you are running to the bathroom every few minutes!

We spent sunday going to church and the mormon battalion center. We also walked around the sand diego temple. I absolutely love the picture Julie took of me and dallin. He was such a happy baby this trip.

We spent a day in Hollywood, touring around different sites. By that time, I was just tired and the kids were kind of cranky, but it was still a fun trip.

 

Gilbert temple open house

Thanks to Wilford's great friend, Dave Lesuer, was able to arrange for the Andersens to be very involved in the opening of the Gilbert Temple. He is the one that donated the land, and joined the temple presidency with Wilford's brother Darl Andersen. We had a private family tour of the temple before the open house ever started. What a beautiful temple. Seriously. Such big rooms and neat designs. It was neat to take our kids, and be with just James' family. We were also able to attend the Sunday morning dedication session in the celestial room with President Monson. Being so close to the prophet, in such a holy setting, was really neat for me.  As we sang "the spirit of god", I really thought about all the people that sacrifice to build temples and get to the temple. It hit me that i take so much for granted and really need to find the importance of the temple in my own life. I was reminded that even the first presidency, works hard to place the temple a priority in their life. James and I have tried harder to be better since then. I am so grateful I was able to these opportunities. I am certain they won't really happen again, but enjoyed them.

christmas 2013

Another Christmas has come and gone. Honestly, I have a few favorite memories from this past Christmas.

1) Shopping for gifts with James. We got Brianna to babysit all 3 boys (we hadn't left Dallin tons yet) and we took off for hours, and I mean hours. James and I ate, strolled through store after store, went to eat again, and just stayed out until midnight. I loved having James' attention- no work calls- and just talking. Brianna kept sending texts saying things were great, and I was just happy to not worry about anything. We still look back on that as one of our favorite dates ever.

2) I loved going to Spencer's christmas choir concerts. Ya, westwood choir needs a little help now that Mr. Harris is gone, but I loved listening to the music and having reminders of how important Christmas time  for the rest of the world. It was fun to have Spencer's activities to give us some free things to go to.

3) I loved surprising James with his new smoker. He had been wanting one so bad but knew we didn't have tons of gift money this year. It was fun to watch him spend all day obsessing over it and cooking up some pork. And, yes, it was an all day thing.

4) I loved skyping my brother Matt on his mission in columbia. I have
missed him and how fun he was for the boys. He was emotional as he sat there staring at everyone, and we really didn't have tons of time to talk to him, but it was great to see him and see how he is growing up.

5) i was once again reminded how neat it is to have a small baby at christmas time. The story of Mary's sacrifice really hits me when I have a baby too. And, yes, I felt the strain of two small kids, but Christmas is really peaceful and simple when you have a nursing baby. I am grateful that I was able to have two christmas's in a row to teach me that.

6) I am also grateful that the Elders moved out by Christmas. That was really hard and really stressful. Yet, I learned how to be obedient and was reminded that sometimes, you just gotta suck up your own and attitude and do it! :) 

Thanksgiving Dinner

James and I ran the 85201 turkey trot again. Only the 5K this year, we felt exhausted and out of shape, but glad to be able to finish! :) Each of us pushed a stroller and chatted about the usual- we need to lose weight, the weather feels great, why don't we exercise more, etc. :) 

Also took one of my first pictures of Dallin smiling. I still love this picture. 

We came home, woke up spencer, and got ready for lunch. James took some turkeys to Rob Zimmerman's pit in his back yard to cook over night. We took those out to Becca's house and enjoyed being with Nate and Andrea, Becca and John, Neil and Megan, Emily, Spencer, and all the grandkids. We had a great day just playing out in gilbert. 

The Polar Express

We went with Shaela and Jared, Brad and Julie, and their kids to ride the grand canyon's polar express. We sure had a great time and loved having a little weekend getaway. The weather was so perfect and the cousins all played nice together. (Love when there isn't so much fighting!)

The train ride was only an hour, but you wear your PJ's, eat the best sugar cookies, drink hot chocolate, sing Christmas carols, and Santa comes on the train at the end to bring a special "silver bell". Jackson was the perfect age and soaked the whole thing up. Tommie, he just wanted to climb around but loved the singing. 

Shaela and Jared were nice enough to let us all sleep in their cabin, take over all their space, and eat their food. James cooked us some good ribs and amazing tacos, all while us girls went shopping for some new jeans. Thanks to shaela for the Maurices trip! 

I have actually spent most of my time the past few days working over at shaela's house. She asked if I would help her organize her pantry, and somehow it has turned in to an overhaul of every room, every drawer, every closet great organization project. I love doing things like that, and her house is coming along so nice. But, it is taking us a long time! She is so sweet to compensate with new jeans, paying for our polar express tickets, and even a little somethin' somethin' (a new smoker) we're wanting to get James for Christmas.  It's definitely been worth my time.