Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

February 27, 2014

Fall 2013 & Winter 2014

The last six months have flown by. In a nutshell, this is what we’ve been up to:

Home 
We moved into our house!! And no, I don’t have any good pictures to show yet. ☺ Landon was a big help helping painting, unpacking, and building (bookshelves, chairs, table, etc… the list goes on and on). As you can see in the pictures below, he also went through a phase of attaching things to himself – in the picture below where the baby tub is tied to his boxers with a belt, he is pretending to be a trailer truck. He is quite inventive.
Fall
We actually had a bit of nice fall weather. My family came out to visit and they were especially helpful in getting all the home projects done that I wanted. Took a trip to the pumpkin patch with them and enjoyed the last bit of heat before winter set in with full force.
Halloween 
For Halloween I was hoping Landon would want to be Peter Pan, since that costume was already made, but he was totally over Peter and had moved on to Bob the Builder. No biggie, we still got tons of use out of it. Halloween gets more and more fun each year as he gets older! He had a blast trick or treating, and wanted to keep going but was just so tired. By the end he was laying down in the wagon falling asleep. One of the things I look forward to most each year is the Halloween party Scott and I get to enjoy sans Landon. This year there were six snakes in the photo room. Don’t be deceived by the smile; I’m having a panic attack on the inside.
Thanksgiving/Baby Ultrasound 
Celebrated Thanksgiving just the three of us, just how we like it. Also, per tradition, went to see a movie in the afternoon. Landon didn’t want to see Frozen because it looked “too scary,” so we went to Austenland instead. One of my favorite books! The movie was also good, definitely as cheesy as we expected, but funny, and fun to watch since Scott knew a lot of the people who worked on it. Baby ultrasound! As much as we would have loved a girl, we both just knew it would be a boy. He’s been consistently measuring two weeks bigger/ahead of where I am. Although this usually means nothing, it’s interesting to note. Boy it goes by fast the second time around! And yes, we have the name picked out, but decided to keep it a secret till his birth. Not that it’s some bogus made-up name; it’s just more fun driving our parents crazy.
The Accident 
December came with a good haul of snow, which Landon thoroughly enjoyed. We couldn’t wait to go back to WA for Christmas and New Years, and make our semi-annual getaway to Victoria, BC. But, unfortunately the night before we were planning to leave, we got in a car accident. Huge, huge bummer but much to be thankful for, as it could have been a lot worse. Long story short, traffic in town stopped abruptly in front of us, and Scott put all his weight into the breaks in an effort to stop in time. We still hit the car in front of us and on impact Scott shattered the top of his foot, breaking and displacing multiple bones. It was classified as a Liz Franc injury; one that puts athletes out of their careers for good. He had surgery on Christmas Eve morning, followed by some scary complications, so we also spent most of that night in the ER. It’s been two and a half months and he just barely got the cast off and started physical therapy. Fingers crossed he will be able to walk by the time baby comes. (Thankfully, our car was fixable and now it looks amazing with a whole new front.)
Christmas 
We couldn’t believe this year Landon actually wanted to see Santa. He was so nervous but just had to tell Santa what he would like for Christmas. Christmas ended up being quite a bit different than we planned because of the accident and surgery. Scott was heavily drugged and out of it most of the day. Landon still had fun opening his presents, building his new train table and jamming out on his drums.
Visits 
After New Years, Scott’s family came to visit. Landon especially loved swimming in the hotel pool with them. Landon’s been doing well in gymnastics and loves going each week - although he’s quite the little spaz and has a hard time focusing and listening to his teacher. He also loves to sit in on Scott’s work meetings, even when he can’t keep his eyes open very long.
Fun Outings 
Landon and I went to the Dino museum. Lots of hands on things to play with at the museum, although Landon was a little freaked out by dinosaurs. He kept reminding me (and himself) that “They were alive a long long time ago… now they’re dead.” But, the dino noises in the background such didn’t make it seem like they were dead. ☺ We also couldn’t pass up the monster truck show in SLC. Landon was in heaven!
Superbowl! 
We had some friends over for a big ol’ superbowl party. Even though we’re not sports people in the slightest, we had the greatest time watching the Seahawks win!!
Faces of Landon 
Top left: L loves to put out fires in the house.
Top right: Helping Mommy clean! He enjoys doing the spray, emptying garbage cans, and unloading the dishwasher.
Bottom left: Most of Landon’s pictures look like this – he will smile at me, but just can’t take his eyes off of whatever thing he’s playing with.
Bottom right: Took an ink pad to his face… “This is my makeup.”
Left: Sporting his "listening to the Holy Ghost ears" from primary.
Right: Helping mommy shop at Trader Joes. (His latest thing when I ask him to smile is to immediately spread his legs apart as far as he can.)
Basketball 
[As you can see, these are the only pictures we managed to take on the good camera during the last six months.] During February, Landon was in a basketball class a couple times a week. He wasn’t super thrilled at first, but that might be partly because he doesn’t do sports much at home. He does what daddy does: make music! They jam out all the time and he loves to go to the studio and “record” songs with Scott and Brenden. By the end of the month though, Landon had definitely improved his dribbling and shooting skills and enjoyed it more and more.
Valentines Day 
On Valentine’s Day this year, we recreated our V-day from 10 years ago. Scott also treated me to a pedicure and massage, which was very sweet and very much needed.
Pregnancy Photo Shoot 
I was so diligent with Landon, taking pictures each week to document his growth. Not so good this time around. At least we got a few memorable picts at these amazing photo spots at Scheels. [35 weeks]  
Warming Up 
We are finally getting a glimpse of spring here, with beautiful warm weather! Play dates at the park, scootering around the neighborhood, and a trip to the zoo. Landon’s favorites at the zoo: the tiger and the new pirate ship play area. We just love being outside!
Family Photo Fall 2013 
Last one of just us three! ☺
Scott Update: [Since there wasn't really a better place to fit this in.] Despite being unable to walk, Scott has still managed to get a lot of work done, with the help of amazing friends. In January he released "Stormtrooper Secrets: Hip Hop Twerk" which hit a million views in less than 48 hours. The song he wrote for the video, "Beat Calls," made it to the top 40 on the hip hop charts, right along side Macklemore, Jay Z, and Eminem, which was pretty surreal. More importantly though, are all the jobs that have come because of the video. Right now he has a team in the Philippines shooting some sweet videos for his You Tube Channel. There are many other videos in the works including one for Ford, and the next Scott & Brendo album will be out sometime before fall. Love my talented hubby!
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January 24, 2013

Christmas 2012

And so begins the 40 picture, 936 word documentation of our Christmas vacation...

The Drive
First things first, the drive was fabulous. Thank you, technology. Scott got his Christmas gift early, (iPad!) so Landon could use it on the 16 hour drive. I cut off all TV at home around Thanksgiving so you can imagine Landon's excitement upon learning that all his favorite movies were there, along with Monkey Preschool, the app he loves to play when we visit the Apple Store. I had a backpack of other toys ready, that went untouched. Scott and I really do enjoy the drive. It's so refreshing to get out of smoggy, dry Utah, to clean, green Washington. It takes me by surprise every time we reach Olympia, and the air outside just smells so good and fresh and wonderful. For those of you who don't know, Provo has the second worst air in the nation, only beat out by another Utah city. Ridiculous.


Spokane
First stop, week with Scott's fam. The snow started coming in right as we got to town. Landon had a blast throwing snowballs, making snowmen, sledding and ice skating. I didn't even know they made ice skates that small! One person would hold him up on the rink, while another would push the holder to get some momentum, and Landon would just swing his little legs back and forth. He loved it! We went to ride the carousal too, which he LOVED last time, but this time, totally hated it. Ahhh, the ever-changing mind of a two-year-old.

Christmas
Landon was really into opening presents this year. I was surprised he did so well waiting for everyone to get up. When it was finally time, he would unwrap a gift, open it up, then immediately put it down and say, "Next present?" My mom made the mistake of having him open a car first. After that, if what he opened wasn't a car, then it was as good as garbage. He's just a little obsessed, I'd say.

Victoria, BC
This was the part of our vacation I was looking forward to the most. We drove to Olympia, then left a day afterward for Canada, just Scott and me! Can you believe I lived in Olympia my whole life, just three hours away from the border, but never went? Anyway, we drove up to Vancouver early, early, in the morning to catch the ferry. Beautiful ride through the San Juan Islands. Immediately after arriving in Victoria we booked it to the Blue Fox Cafe, said to have hands down the best breakfast around. Usually a huge line up at the door, but thankfully we only waited half an hour. It. was. heavenly.

The top two breakfast pictures are from the Blue Fox. Vanilla french toast, cheesy eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, mushrooms, whole grain toast and homemade strawberry rhubarb jam. We found that all the restaurants in Victoria use ingredients that are all-natural, local, cage-free, grass-fed, etc, etc... Tons of gluten-free and vegan friendly options as well. Such a refreshing change from Utah dining. The bottom two pictures are from the next morning at our B&B. First course included fresh fruit with vanilla yogurt, granola, and a lemon blueberry scone. Second course featured savory crepes filled with sausage, leek, and mushroom, with lemon zested asparagus and mini tomatoes. Also came with peach pear juice. All of which was absolutely divine.

We actually did do more than just eat in Victoria! (Not much more though...) Anyway, we stayed at Abbeymoore Manor, the #1 B&B in Canada, which was a really neat experience. It's a 100 year old restored mansion with five bedrooms (ours pictured below is the master). I have never felt sheets that soft in my life. :)

We did a fair amount of walking around downtown, by the pier, parliament building, and at the Royal BC Museum. Our favorite exhibit was about the evolution of maps. Pictured below is the first map ever made, in 544, basically a T chart with Asia, Europe, and Africa divided up. So fascinating to see how maps evolved with world exploration!

Across the street from our B&B was the Lieutenant Governor's mansion with 36 acres of gardens (bottom left) and the Craigdarroch Castle (top two). Touring the castle was so neat! It's been completely restored to its original state, and the history is fascinating. In a nutshell, it was completed in 1890 for a man who made a fortune off coal. He didn't live to see its completion but his family lived there 20 years before selling. It was converted to a military hospital for WWI, then became Victoria College after the war, then school board offices, later a conservatory for music, and lastly a historical house museum. We love Downton Abbey so I think that made it 100 times more cool to see.

ANYWAYS... We ate fish and chips that night. :)

The next day we had afternoon tea at the White Heather Tea Room. Known to be one of the best tea rooms in all of Canada. I can't get over how fabulous all the food was here. And I'm kicking myself for not thinking to purchase some of that tea to bring home! It was Mountain Berry: a delicious blend of Saskatoon berries, blueberries, dried currants, raisins, rosehips and hibiscus. Not to mention the three tier tray stuffed with delicious delicacies. It was a fantastic trip and we can't wait to go back!

Seattle
When we come to WA, we always have to hit up Seattle for an afternoon. Mainly we just want to get a bite of the World's Best Mac & Cheese at Beechers in Pike Place. Landon really liked watching the street performers, and had one make him a balloon sword. Happy boy! He is OBSESSED with Peter Pan right now. Somehow we lucked out and hit Seattle at the perfect time to catch a beautiful, rain-free sunset.
All in all, one of our best trips back home yet. Can't wait to go again!
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December 16, 2012

Christmas Letter 2012

We are soooooo excited to be leaving in a couple days for a long, much needed vacation in Washington. Consequently, I know I won't be posting again this year, and thus thought it would be applicable to make a last "year in review" post (which also doubles as our Christmas letter). Love killing two birds with one stone. 

Merry Christmas all!


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February 2, 2012

Christmas in Washington (Part 2)

Holiday Highlights:
  • The Hands on Children's Museum. Such a cool place for kids. I used to volunteer there in middle school and totally forgot how neat it is! Why doesn't Utah have something like this?!
  • Christmas (x2). We loved being able to have Christmas with both our families this year. And Landon seriously had a ball chasing the cats around the house and under the tree. It was fun to span it out over a few days and collect a few new toys for Landon. :)
  • Christmas Lights. We went with Scott's family on a light cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Sooo fun! They have an insanely long boardwalk and it was decked out with millions of lights. You cross the lake and arrive at the North Pole where Santa names off all the kids on his good list. Of course, Landon was one of them!
  • Riverfront Park. This is one of our favorite spots in Spokane. Carousal, giant wagon slide, ducks, ice skating. Not to mention, it's where Benny and Joon was filmed!










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February 1, 2012

Christmas in Washington (Part 1)

My new goal is to stop procrastinating all the things I've been putting off for weeks or even months and just DO them. #1: Post our stinkin' Christmas break pictures.

We drove (gasp!) to Washington for the holidays. 16 hours (without stops, snow in passes, or a toddler on board.) Thankfully Landon did heaps better than I thought he would and we made it in a couple days. We spent the first week with my family and (as pictured below) went to the apple cider mill, a tree farm, the park, and just enjoyed playing with the little guy. Landon loved the park behind my parents house. We were surprised to find that all the toys had been replaced with crazy new ones. We also went to a super fun children's museum but I'll need to get those photos off my camera...








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December 24, 2011

Landon Loves Christmas!

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December 11, 2011

Rockin Around the Christmas Tree (Ornament Crafts!)

Have I mentioned how much I love Christmas?!?! Decorating the tree was so much fun with Landon's help. I made some cinnamon applesauce ornaments, and he thought they were cookies for him. I also started to make a popcorn chain and he decided to eat that too. Not sure what I was thinking, trying to put edible things that he likes on the tree.

Landon always makes sure the lights are on. I'll turn them off during the day, but sure enough, as soon as he notices, he'll plug them right back in. That's the spirit, dear.




As mentioned, I made a few ornaments to add to our tree. Here's what I did for the two pictured:

Orange Slices
  1. Preheat oven to 225.
  2. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
  3. Place the orange slices on the sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  4. Bake for about 2 hours.
  5. Hot glue a cinnamon stick to the top.
  6. Poke an ornament hook into the orange and hang it on the tree!
Cinnamon Ornaments
  1. Mix together about 1 1/2 cups applesauce, 2 cups cinnamon, and a tsp each of cloves, ginger, and allspice.
  2. Roll out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. 
  3. Use a straw to make a hole for hanging them.
  4. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 150 degrees for 1 hour, then bake them directly on the oven rack for another hour and a half. 
  5. Let them cool before hanging. Enjoy the heavenly smell in your home. :)
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