Thanksgiving '11

At the last minute, we decided to go to Logan for Thanksgiving. Originally we weren't going to go because we had just made a trip down to Utah in early November for
Gwen's baby blessing. But we decided that since we probably wouldn't be making any trips down there through the winter, that this would be our best shot to see the McEvoys.

We had a wonderful dinner at Kevin's with most everyone on Thanksgiving. Roger and Donna, Carrie and Terry, Dave and Melissa, and Erin and Ryan were missing, but it was still great to get together. After dinner, the kids had a "dance off" which was the most hysterical thing I've ever seen. The boys were all showing off their break dance moves, while the girls strutted their gynastics-dance-cheer moves. So funny. I will have to post the video of Austin and his mad skills. I was laughing so hard, I had tears.

The rest of the weekend was spent in Logan at Brett and Heather's house playing games, eating food, shopping, and going to the USU football game. It was freezing, but we had a blast together cheering on our Aggies. It was such a fun weekend and I'm so glad that we made the decision to go!

Family photo shoot

So, we had our "annual" family photo shoot last week. Family photos are always a love-hate experience for me because on one end, I love having the beautiful photos afterwords to frame and put on the wall, but on the other, I HATE the whole experience of figuring out what everyone will wear and then there's the actualy photo shoot...TORTURE!! (For everyone involved, really.) Let's just say that our boys DO NOT enjoy having their picture taken, even if you make it fun. As long as they know they are getting their pictures taken, they gripe the whole time and trust me---there are PLENTY of bribes in attempts to keep them cooperative too. You would never know by looking at these pictures though because they turned out exactly as I hoped they would and the kids miraculously appeared HAPPY in them.

The trick this time around? Well, for starters, we had a talented, young, budding photographer who we know from church take the pictures--she had some great ideas and locations for our photos--historic Hyde Park in downtown Boise, and down on the Boise River in Eagle...so, that helped. I also really wanted some fun pictures, that showed our family's personality--which is CRAZY! I didn't want all so-candid-and-posed pictures. So, we came up with a few fun ideas (like hanging the kids upside down), and they paid off! I am in LOVE with these pictures! Thanks Harmony--you blew me away with your talent, improvisation (a requirement with young kids), and patience!

I think we might hold off a couple more years though before we attempt family pictures again... ;)

Silly goons

These crazy boys of mine decided one night to dress-up, "boy style". That meant stripping down to their skivvies and putting on boots, capes, googles, and crazy Russian hats. They danced around the house for at least an hour like that (as seen in the pictures). I just love them!!

Tuckeroo

Tucker has been a part of our family for more than 6 months now. And before I tell you about his "Marley moments" (dubbed from the movie "Marley and Me"), let me first say that Tucker is generally a good dog. For only being 1 1/2, he is super mellow, really sweet, and obedient. BUT, like any dog and especially a young, energetic labrador, he can be a little naughty. For example, if we leave him out in the yard by himself for too long, he will destroy something. Like jump up on our trees and tear down the branches for instance. Or tear up the tarp under the bark on the side yard. Or chew up one of the kids' toys that was left out. Or chew up his bed in his dog house. But who expects perfection, right?! ;)

In all seriousness though, Tucker is a great dog. He allows the boys to MAUL him to death, and has never even nipped at them. He loves affection, especially first thing in the morning. He loves to be rubbed and scratched on his belly/chest. He LOVES to play fetch with balls and sticks. And most importantly, he loves his NEW family. What a blessing he has been to our family. I know that sounds silly, but he came into our lives during a difficult year, and the boys really needed him. We really needed him.

The last picture here is Carson taking a nap on Tucker. I am in love with this photo because it depicts BOTH of them perfectly. Carson loves his sleep with his blanket and thumb, and Tucker loves it when the boys lay on him. I caught Carson asleep on him once and I couldn't believe that Tucker just laid there and didn't get up. What a sweet dog!

Kids Fall '11 pics

Eric's sister, Salli took some pictures of the boys while we were in UT last weekend. These are some of the best shots UNEDITED. The boys were a little tough at times to get to cooperate (but nothing that a good bribe couldn't fix! ;). Carson is 3 yrs old, so enough said. Austin was pretty good, but he just couldn't smile naturally. Every pose was this totaly cheesy smile! (Sigh) I think I was more done with pictures than the both of them were! It was pure TORTURE!

The sad thing is that we will have to do it again because Eric wasn't there and I really wanted family pictures. Oh well, hopefully I learned a few things that might help me out next time!

Gwen's blessing

We went down to UT for the weekend to see Jen and Matt bless their baby. Matt's family was there too, so it was a lot of fun (and caosis) to get together and celebrate Jen and Matt's new addition. That little Gwen is sure loved and adored, I can tell you that much! The boys loved holding her, although surprisingly enough, Carson wasn't really into it that weekend. Probably because he would rather wrestle with Grandpa!

After church on Sunday, we had a nice little brunch at the neighborhood clubhouse with everyone. Gwennie is such a good baby. Seriously. Jen and Matt lucked out on that one! Eric went back to Boise later that day and the kids and I stayed a couple extra days and went up to Logan to see some more family. Salli, Eric's sister, took some super cute pictures of the boys! I'll post those later!

Austin holding baby Gwen for the first time

Look at the precious lil' bundle of joy!

I love being an Auntie!

Trish, Kimi, and I

Stretch! Look how cute her blessing dress is.

White family photo. Picture would not be complete without Carson having a full-on temper tantrum.

Cute little family

Proud grandparents of 3 now.

Kissin' cousins (I mean in that in the innocent, lovey kind of way ;)

So sweet of Grandpa and Gwennie

We drove to the Draper temple