Catch up #3284 or something like that

... I'm so bad at posting anything lately. I swear most of my posts are titled "catch up". Anyway, this is what we've been up to lately:

Christmas Day

We had so much fun on Christmas morning this year! This is Grahm's 3rd Christmas, but it's the first one that he's actually been excited about the presents, not just the wrapping! :) It was so fun to see his face light up when we came around the corner to see the tree lit up and all the presents underneath.

Izzie did a pretty good job of unwrapping her gifts all by herself. You can't tell in this pic, but she was flinging the wrapping paper all over. It was super cute.

Temple Square Christmas Lights

We go to Temple Square every year to see the lights. Being there always helps remind me of what this season is all about- the birth of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I tend to get caught up in the lists of things to do before Christmas and don't stop to think about our Savior, but I am so grateful for Him and for the love I feel from Him. I love that the Christmas season brings out the best in people- the service and love that we sometimes put aside during the rest of the year.

Halloween

I had fun making the kid's costumes this year... even though they were finished at just the last moment, they turned out pretty dang cute.

I just had to stick this picture in. This is Grahm and his cousin Owen. We took the kids to Gardner village on Halloween to see the witches, but apparently it wasn't too exciting... they look pretty dang bored to me. :)

Grahm's 2nd Birthday

So fun! I can't believe my little guy is a 2 year old. I just have to brag about him for a minute. :) He can count to 20. He knows all his colors, except he gets black, purple and brown confused sometimes. He's a big talker... ALWAYS talking. :) I love his sweet little hugs and his "tisses". He's such a sweet little guy and despite all the terrorizing , Izzie can't get enough of him.

Sporting the new pj's and slippers my parents gave him...

Random Pics

Izzie's Blessing Day

Sometimes I just can't believe that this beautiful little baby is mine. She has been such a blessing to me. Every time she smiles at me or grabs my finger in her tiny little hand I just feel a rush of love overcome me.

I feel such a sense of responsibility to know that Heavenly Father trusted me and Patrick to raise her and teach her what's right and help her to learn about Jesus Christ. She was blessed on Sunday and Patrick gave such a beautiful blessing. I really felt strongly that Heavenly Father was listening and inspiring Patrick with what to say.

Patrick's mom, JoAnn, offered to make Izzie's blessing dress, even though they are busy little missionaries in Alaska. It was so beautiful. She is such a great seamstress. The only thing that could have made it better would have been to have her and Jim there for the blessing, but we know the work they're doing in Alaska is important.

This picture is so sweet to me because I have a photo of ME on my blessing day with Grandpa holding me. And now here he is holding his great-granddaughter (who he calls his "little navajo").

Cousins Eve, Izzie and Abby.

Sam and Ty's Wedding

Congratulations to Sami and Tyler Newton! I'm so happy that my sis found such a great guy. Married in the Timpanogos Temple on July 27th. Here's just a few pics to show off. :)

All the cousins: Izzie, Eve, Abby, Eldon, and Grahm

Grahm hugging (tackling) his cousin Eldon.

Me with my brothers Landon and Leland, and my baby Izzie.

The reception was in our backyard and was a TON of work, but it turned out so cool! The carnival theme was a super fun idea. It seemed like people were just enjoying themselves so much that they stayed the whole evening. The pictures don't do it justice... it looked awesome. Maybe I can get some of the professional pics to post... they'll look much better I'm sure. But this gives you an idea.