Christmas 2008

On Christmas Eve we usually go out to dinner with my family and then go downtown to see the lights on Temple Square. This year we went to Red Robin...yum, yum...and then we bundled up and headed for the lights. It was fun, and uneventful. Last year we didn't get to go downtown because there was a huge snowstorm on Christmas Eve. This year the weather decided to wait until Christmas to let the snow loose, and boy did it!

We spent Christmas morning with my family and it was a fun year with both girls. Lauren was really into opening presents for the first time in her short life! And Audrey finally understands who Santa Claus is, so that was fun to watch too! We hope that all of you had a fun and safe Christmas holiday with your families!

Sisters, Sisters...

...there were never such devoted sisters! These two really make me smile lately. Lauren is finally becoming a play companion for Audrey, and now they spend all day playing together. They have such a great time!

A Few Pics and the Festival

So...first off, I took some random pictures of the girls this week. Audrey loves to wear my shoes...and it's pretty obnoxious tripping over them all day because she drags them all over the house and leaves them right where I need to walk! I'm sure you all have been there, done that. But, this week she tried on my knee-high boots, and they were a big success. They go all the way to the top of her legs and she thinks it's the greatest ever. Now, it's a daily occurrence. Don't mind the dirty face...

And Lauren loves to wear my knit beanie...and she looks like a dolly in it so I had to take a pic...

My friend Kammie and I went to The Festival of Trees last week to find a tree that her Aunt had done in honor of her cousin who recently died in a car accident. We found the tree...and a few other fun things.

Here's the tree dedicated to Kammie's cousin Shayna...

This is a very cool glass tree, all hand made. It had different color lights behind it that came on and were synced to music. Very cool.

And, especially for my sis Jessica...some fun gingerbread houses...or castles. I didn't know at the time that this first one, is supposed to be Bella's house from Twilight. See Edward in the tree? How cheesy! I didn't notice until I saw the little sign at the bottom that says "Forks" in it...I swear!

Viva la Coldplay!!!

Seriously people, if you ever get the chance to see these guys in concert...it's worth every penny. I loved this show! I am not one to go goo-goo, gaa-gaa over any singer or band, but this concert seriously ROCKED! The highlights from Saturday night:

- We had most excellent seats! Row 13 in the lower bowl, right next to the stage. They had walkways set up so the band could walk out into the crowd on the floor and the one right by our section had a piano at the end. Chris Martin sat and played a few songs and he was literally straight in front of us. I was kicking myself the whole time because I forgot my camera. I could have taken a close up of his face, and posted it here...But since I didn't, this will have to do:

- Later the band disappeared off stage and reappeared at the back of the arena where they ran up into the lower bowl to around row 20 and sang a few songs in the middle of the crowd. Very cool. How awesome it would have been to be sitting there?!

- Very cool props and such. They had big screens set up so every seat had a good view. They dropped these paper leaves during "Lovers in Japan" that glowed in the dark with black lights...like confetti...you can tell a lot of money goes into the show.

- They totally love their fans. This makes them a great band in my eyes. I know they have a bad rap as being arrogant, but I really think they just treat the media this way because the media is so obnoxious! Who wouldn't? These guys are truly talented...especially Chris Martin. I love me a man that plays the piano...and has a rockin' voice...and a British accent...

The Much Anticipated Twilight Movie

Yes, I admit it. I was highly anticipating the release of the Twilight movie last Friday night. A group of 6 of us bought tickets early and went to see it together. I have to say that I went in with really low expectiations and was pleasantly surprised that I didn't hate it. I loved almost all the people they chose to fill the character roles (except for Rosalie) and especially felt that Stewart and Pattison had great chemistry as Bella and Edward. That said, I thought the screenwriting was horrendous! I would love to know why they chose to focus on some things and completely eliminate other things (like Jasper's talent to calm people)? I felt like they didn't have any true or deep character development...especially the vampire characters. And, I really think that if you haven't read the books you will not enjoy the movie that much. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate the movie. But, I'm pretty sure I won't go see it in the theatre again, and it's not one I would buy and watch over and over. I'm hoping that as the budgets get higher for the next few, the movies will improve too. If they don't, I'll be disappointed. Sorry if anyone is bugged by my feelings on the movie, but from talking with most my friends they feel the same way too...so I know I'm not alone!

P.S. And what was Bella wearing to the prom?! Leggings under her dress and Chuck Taylor's! Is this Juno? Okay, I'm done.

Australian Pink Floyd

Last week was jam packed with really FUN stuff that I got to go and do with friends and family. Unfortunately, I captured no pictures of the events, but found some online that will do the trick. The first stop was Australian Pink Floyd. If any of you know my husband, you know that he has a serious passion for Pink Floyd. But, unfortunately they do not tour anymore...so the Australian group will have to do! I know it sounds weird, but they sound EXACTLY like the real thing! They travel all over and last year Adam went and loved it so much that he made me PROMISE to go when they came again. So, I did. It was actually really fun. I will admit, the music can be REALLY, really weird...but what music wouldn't be that's written by musicians high on...life, or something else...:) That said, when I knew the songs I was totally diggin' it. When I didn't know them, not so much. Luckily there was some crazy videos that went along with the music to keep me entertained!

Which is your favorite?

I don't know how many people actually look at our blog, but here's the chance to see I guess...We had our family pictures taken on Saturday by my fabulous friend JoRae (check out her photo blog JNC Photography, the link is on my Favorite Websites) and there were some great shots. I can't decide on the family shot so I thought I'd see what YOUR favorite shot is. Leave a comment or email me if you don't want to leave a comment, and tell me if you like #1,2, or 3. I'll also post some other favorites of mine. Lauren was a total nightmare the entire shoot. I can't believe we even got one decent family shot, but we were lucky. That's why there are none of her with Adam or me, or of her alone. For those who might be tempted...I didn't save the pictures on the blog in high quality, so if you copy them they won't look right...

#1

#2

#3

These last two pictures haven't been photoshoped,
so they aren't as vivid and may be a little darker than they should be.

I'm Thankful For...

I have seen a lot of fun posts lately that are about all the things people are grateful for, and I wanted to post one too! So, I'm combining a few ideas into my own.

I'm grateful for these simple things...

Cherry Coke
I can't seem to give it up...


Adam and I just found this gem.
We're about to start season 3...
We love a good laugh together!


My comfy pants

Our favorite family vacation!


Audrey will watch this show for hours!
When I need to get something done, I turn
it on! And, it's also fun to watch with her!


The First Presidency


My legs that let me run, and my running buddy Teresa!
This picture was from the Bear Lake 1/2 that we ran in June.


My sisters!
And, that includes Adam's sisters too!!!


And I'm MOST grateful for my family!
Especially Adam and My Little Bugs!!