Christmas 2013

 We had a small, busy Christmas this year. I loved decorating our new home with some of my Christmas decorations. (I didn't put out my Christmas village this year.)

Sam and Vanessa at 7:30 Christmas morning :) 

Our day started at my Mom's...we had to wake the kids to get over there in time. Thankfully, the kids are too young to understand and had no idea that we were leaving presents that were home :)

Sam and Juliet waiting for their presents

Vanessa is in love with her Uncle Bryant!!! She adores him!!!!

Couldn't wait on the stairs anymore...had to get closer to the 'action'!

Poppy stole this shot but yawning!!

Sam got a Mickey hat!!! :)

Vanessa got a ladybug hat :)

After opening our family gifts and a super yummy breakfast, Aaron and I loaded up the kids and went home to open our Santa gifts!!

Vanessa got a Christmas tree picture, Sam wouldn't sit still!

After his birthday and opening gifts at Nana's, he was a pro opener!!!

Vanessa still had no idea what was going on.

Vanessa was way more interested in the tree!

And of course or ridiculous elves gifts!!! They were covered in ribbon!!! But Mommy got them off without scissors!!! 

We had a wonderful Christmas!!! After we took a little rest, we were off again to the Sperry's for a Christmas lunch. We had a lot of fun visiting and eating! Then we headed back over to Mom's for the annual Brown's cookie exchange, where we ate a lot more!!! The kids were so tired and were asleep before we left Mom's neighborhood to go home! But they slept really well with their new stuffed lights that project starts on the ceiling :) 

I know I say it a lot, but I feel so blessed!!! Especially the last few years. I am so grateful for my sweet, hardworking husband. He is such a great husband and even better Dad. I am amazed to have 2 beautiful children, who have brought a glimpse of heaven into our lives and make us want to be better people. I'm grateful to have a beautiful new home this year, with amazing neighbors! I'm so grateful for mine and Aaron's family who are so supportive of us.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and that 2014 brings you all that you desire! 

Sam's 2 and I'm A Cry Baby!

Sam is 2!!! He had a great birthday and I have cried about him being 2 everyday since his birthday!!! The day started off with a yummy breakfast my brother made, overnight french toast. Then we went to sacrament meeting because I had to sing in the Christmas program. We came home and put the kids down for a nap before the big party! We then had dinner with my family at 4:30. Then it was time to party!!! Sam couldn't wait!!! He kept asking for cake...he loves mommy's cake :)

I made his cake this year in the shape of the number 2 :)

Waiting while everyone sings :) It only took him one puff to blow them out :)

He ate 3 pieces of cake!!!

I forgot to get pictures of him opening presents...he was very spoiled. He got some clothes (that he won't take off!), homemade blocks, a homemade Daniel Tiger!, a train set, and a hammer and peg toy that he LOVES!

Sam LOVES Auntie Ruth!!! He is feeding her an orange :)

The party guests :) So lively! 

This little boy is amazing!!! He is so smart, funny, caring, giving and loving!!! He loves to help mommy around the house and take care of Vanessa. He loves Mickey Mouse, Daniel Tiger, chips, M&M's, choo choo trains, stars, blankets, and green. He is very independent and loves when we give him more 'freedom' or 'responsibilities'. His best friend is Cooper, and he adores Vanessa.

We love you so much Sam and are so very proud of you!!!

Vanessa made it to 1!!!

Our beautiful, funny little girl turned 1!!! The first 3 months with her were hard and full of worry. There were times I didn't think she would see a year. But here we are, she's happy and healthy and growing like a weed!!! (Although her 1 year appointment isn't until January 6th, so I don't know for sure) She is so funny and such a source of light in our home! She's quick to smile and giggle! She LOVES to eat and is the messiest eater I know. She adores her big brother and tackles him all the time. She is constantly making noise and loves to mimic others.

Still only has 6 teeth...but it doesn't stop her from eating!

I made her cake!! She's our little ladybug! :)

My cousins and I made the banner and picture streamers.

The snacks...minus the cupcakes...they were in the oven :)

My favorite cousins!! (And my helpers!)

Sam and Juliet during the pre-party

Our silly little girl!

Waiting for the guests!

Finally playing with the 'big' kids!

I thought for sure she'd get messy...boy was I wrong. She tried to push the cake off several times. She didn't really like the texture of the frosting. (Which was homemade cream-cheese frosting!)

Sam sneaking a taste! He knew what it was!

Still not sure!

But she did destroy it! 

She was very spoiled! She got much needed clothes, a puzzle, bowling pins and ball, homemade yarn fruits and veggies, and we gave her baby dolls! 

We sure love this little girl and are so glad she is a apart of our family!!!