Happy Thanksgiving

We were so excited to be able to spend Thanksgiving with the Tanners this year. We've only had two Thanksgivings at home with family during our married life, we're usually across the country enjoying the holiday with friends- whom we love- but it was really fun to be at home this year. Even though a few people weren't feeling good at times during the week, we still had a lot of fun together. We spent a lot of time playing games, reading books, playing outside in the snow, watching movies, going on walks, playing at the frozen lake, and just enjoying the time together.

The boys especially loved reading books with Grandma and Grandpa.

Apparently it did a pretty good job of putting Grandpa to sleep too. :) I loved how Caleb fell asleep too, and Matthew is giving him a hug.

Kristie and I did get the chance to go for a run together one morning. It was freezing! I've forgotten how much I enjoy going with someone else though- it's been a long time since I've had a running partner and it makes it so much more fun. We just missed Amanda! It would have been that much more fun with a trio.

The boys got the chance to slip away one afternoon to catch a movie, which they all enjoyed. And of course it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without lots of football games. I think Jacob was especially in heaven. That boys loves football! Some games were great, others were a little disappointing, but in all, it was still fun.

Another night, Mom, Kristie and I slipped away for a little bit to pick up a couple things at the store and stop by a wedding reception. Originally we had wanted to do the Black Friday sale, but when it came down to it, no one really wanted to get up that early. Plus, Emily had some pretty rough nights- she wasn't feeling well most of the week and some nights was up every single hour.

Grandpa playing with his granddaughters. It was nice that Emily finally felt better at the end of the week- I kept her away from Lilah all week, so it was fun to finally let them play together on the last day. They're so cute to watch together and I think they're going to be great little friends.

We had a fun surprise on Friday night. Houston & Becca were coming home from their honeymoon (more on their wedding later) and they were just going to go back home/school, but they decided to surprise everyone and show up at Mom & Dad's. They scared Lacey and Mom pretty bad when they jumped up in the widows late that night. We were all excited to see them and happy they joined us for the weekend.

It was a great weekend, and so fun to spend the time together. I love Thanksgiving, havign the gospel and a wonderful family really are the best blessings we have.

Arizona Wedding Trip

On November 20th, Houston & Becca were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple. It was a beautiful Saturday- really how can you complain with a 70 degree day in November- and such a wonderful day. (I only took a couple pictures at the luncheon, I'll put up wedding pictures once we get the cd from Houston)

We drove down to Mom & Dad Stevens on Friday night- who were sweet enough to take the boys for us while we went. Mom even had a fabulous dinner all ready when we arrived. The boys were so excited to spend the weekend with Grandma & Grandpa and the days were jam packed with all sorts of fun activities like fishing, swimming, discovery centers, playing with cousins etc. They had a blast, now I just need to get some pictures to document all the fun!
Jeff and I then flew with Emily to AZ on Friday night. Man, even though an 8-month old baby is busy, it's so much easier to fly with one baby versus all the kids! By the time we got our rental car & everything, we didn't get to Kathy's place until 1:30am. We were up early the next morning to head for the temple by 8:45am. Lacey & Cole played outside with Lilah & Emily while the rest of us enjoyed a beautiful temple sealing.
It was a beautiful sealing and so wonderful to have so much family there with us. It was also so fun to meet Becca's family for the first time. Our family included: Us, Mom & Dad, Tom, Kristie, Lilah, Houston, Becca, Lacey, Cole, Grandma & Grandpa Tanner, Sheralin, Jonny Steele, Grandma & Grandpa Haworth, Kathy & Alan, Robert & Kourtney, Karl & Debbie, Jon & Heidi and girls, and hopefully I"m not missing anyone else. Jonny also drove down with a bunch of friends- it was fun to see him too.
After the ceremony, we had some time to visit with everyone before pictures, then we headed off to the wedding luncheon which Kathy & Alan catered. As always, the food, decorating, and everything was amazing.
The only sad part about the whole thing was that Jeff, Emily and I had to leave right after the luncheon. Jeff had a business trip so we were only able to stay in Arizona for about 15 hours. It was short, but still so much fun to be there with everyone.

Emily & Ryan were cute little friends! They had a lot of fun crawling around and playing together.

Grandma & Grandpa Haworth

Grandma & Grandpa Tanner, I'm just sad I missed Sher in this one!

Grandpa Haworth & Becca's sweet Grandpa. He was such a neat man. He came from Costa Rica, and works on the temple there. He kept telling us that we had such a beautiful, picture-perfect Mormon family, just the type he hoped his granddaughter would find. I felt the same way about him, I would have loved to adopt him as another grandpa!

Emily and Grandpa Tanner

Dad and the Girls (Cole sneaking in behind)

Mom and the Girls (Cole being Cole...:)

8 Months Old

Emily turned 8 months on November 19th

16.3 pounds (15th percentile)

26.5 inches (24th percentile)

-At 7.5 months, Emily took a step by herself and walks along furniture. I have a feeling it won't be long before she's full on walking. Slow down little girl!

- She loves baths and she'd probably take a couple a day if I'd let her.

- Sweeping the floor has become a bit of a challenge because Emily loves to chase and try to play in the pile. I can't just leave it in one spot or she'll get it, so I have to quickly sweep it up and move it around with me.

- Emily's very favorite toys consist of cars, trucks, balls, and blocks. She also absolutely loves to chew on Nerf arrows- much to her brothers dismay. Can you tell this little girl is surrounded by boys? Good thing Christmas is coming soon so I can get her some girly things!

-The playroom is one of her favorite places to be. Since it's upstairs, she's always trying to climb up the stairs to get there. She's a quick one and I have to watch her!

- She's not enjoying baby food as much- she wants real people food! She loves fruit, sweet potatoes, and especially goldfish.

- She likes to play with and pull on hair. A good excuse to put mine up in a pony tail.

- Emily definitely has a little personality and can show a bit of her stubborn side when she doesn't like something, or when something is taken away. She's not afraid to throw a little tantrum if she's upset- especially if I take something away. :)

-She loves to give kisses. I love those sweet, slobbery, baby kisses.

-Matthew thinks he's big enough to carry Emily around. Emily doesn't appreciate it. (And I don't let him. :)
- Emily loves to play with clothes and shoes. She's already discovered the excitement of pulling clothes out of drawers, hampers, etc. When I'm folding laundry, she loves to come over, sit by the clothes and play with them. She'll grab the clothes one at a time and move them from her left side to her right side, and then back again. This can keep her amused for a long time and I think it's so funny to watch.

-On the day she turned 8 months old, she also got her very first tooth! It was the bottom, left side and the other is right behind.

-Emily loves standing up to chairs, windows, doors, etc. She's started to push little toys and things around the house and seems to like being able to walk around while she pushes them. The last little picture I just thought was funny. I pulled out a box of Christmas decorations and pretty soon Emily thought it was fun to get into the box and try to pull things out- those little leg warmers just crack me up!

Family Pictures

I've really wanted an updated family picture, and finally it was bugging me enough that we took some family pictures on Sunday afternoon after church. I'd love to hire someone to do them like we did for the first time last year, but I don't know anyone in the area and we didn't really want to spend a big chunk money. So once again, we pulled out the handy dandy tripod and did our best with the self timer. (Apparently I have some very cool friends that do the same thing. :) I think the kids are getting this down- we didn't even have to put a piece of candy on top like we've done in the past.

It was a last minute thing- we literally spent 20 minutes, trying to get just once decent picture (i.e. everyone looking) with the limited backgrounds that are available in the yard. Definitely nothing too fabulous or fancy, but I was happy that we ended up with at least one that can go up on the wall for a little while until we have something else.

Family pictures can be such an ordeal sometimes- trying to get kids to cooperate for that one perfect picture! I know why people usually only get them done once a year. This time was actually better- maybe it's because we only spent about 20 minutes and didn't have to travel to get to the location, or maybe it's because I had ultra low expectations and everyone was pretty relaxed. Anyway, I'm glad it's done for now.

It's always fun to see the bloopers too- from Matthew trying to escape, to funny faces, sad faces, etc. Sometimes these ones are the best part. (as long as we have at least one good one:)