A few days in our favorite place...

As mentioned in the Thanksgiving post, we decided to drive down to our favorite place for Thanksgiving break.  The weather was perfect and we had so much fun together.  We were intentional about doing things together and not just relaxing on our own.  We hiked, played Jackbox, went swimming at the rec, visited Harlee at work, went to the movies, Joey took Tag to fiesta fun, went to Porkbelly's, played lots of pickleball and got a few things done around the house.  It really was such a great few days!  The one thing I did not do was take a lot of pictures...The weather just confirms mine and Joey's plan to retire there.  Love SG!

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, we decided to celebrate in St. George.  Harlee drove up last week and then drove down with us.  We were so excited to spend time in our favorite place.  The weather was beautiful.  We started the day off with a hike.  So nice to be able to be outside in November.  The hike was so nice and we did not even need sweatshirts.  We went back home to have some finger foods while we prepared Thanksgiving dinner.  We had turkey, potatoes, corn, and rolls.  Har and I made our traditional pies for dessert.  After dinner we went downstairs to watch a couple movies as a family.  It was pretty much a perfect day!  The only thing missing was Luke!  He stayed up north and went to Thanksgiving dinner with Morgan.  They went to her grandparent's house in Farmington and had a wonderful time.  I am so grateful for a day to focus on all of the blessings that we have been given.  We are truly blessed.

Christmas spirit in the Childs home

Usually we set up Christmas right after Thanksgiving but we wanted to wait until Har was home.  She came home on Wednesday night with Miah since Miah's brother was coming home from his mission.  Har drove home and then will head down to St. George with us on Tuesday night to celebrate Thanksgiving in our favorite place.  Knowing that she was coming, we decided to set up Christmas this weekend.  We took all of the old Christmas lights off the tree.  This was quite the undertaking as year after year as lights would burn out, we would just add on more lights.  It took a few hours but we did it.  We put on new lights today and decorated the tree.  I love having Christmas decorations up- it brings about such a feeling of excitement for the season.  I love Christmas time!

Ike's a new puppy

Today was Ike's much anticipated grooming appointment.  I am so grateful that his groomer comes to our home and cleans him up in her trailer in our driveway.  He hates it so much but it is so needed.  She finished him off with a thanksgiving themed bowtie.  He looks so handsome.  She did say that his ear was looking a little infected.  We will need to get him to the vet.  She was able to keep some of his schnauzer beard and he looks so good.  You can tell however that he is not happy about it.

Chesnee is here

Such a special day!  Chesnee, our newest little niece, is here.  She was born last night and is just perfect.  She looks so much like her older brother Yost.  We are so excited to have another little one in the family.  Brody and Brendee are such amazing parents and I just know that Chesnee is so blessed to be a part of their family.

Last year in the 40's

This morning when Joey woke me up to say goodbye, he asked if I was excited for my birthday.  I told him that it was no big deal and it was just like any other day.  He made it his mission to make sure that I felt special.  He must have contacted the kids and throughout the day they each brought me cards.  Luke also got me a gift card and some delicious treats.  Harlee called me and wished me a happy birthday.  Joey brought home Chipotle to build our own burrito bowls and a cake.  It was so yummy.  They spoiled me with new perfume, a weighted vest,  heated gloves, candy and a new jacket.  So nice!  They all made me feel so loved.  Here's to my last year in the 40's.  I really hope to make the most of it! *I am seriously the shrimp in the family.

Growing old and blind together

 

It was time for my annual eye checkup and Joey asked to come with me.  We went to our appointment a couple of weeks ago and learned that we both can benefit by wearing glasses.  We both got the progressive lenses which means you can use the upper part of the glasses to see distance and the lower part of the lens to see up close.  They are going to take some getting used to but I am looking forward to a clearer view of the world!

Happy Birthday Ike!

Happy birthday to our favorite baby dog!  Ike is 9 years old today.  We cannot believe it.  He is such a part of our family.  We love having him around.  We love how excited he gets when we come home and I love how he loves to lay right next to me everyday while I work.  He is the only one that can get me out walking no matter the weather.  We love you Ike and hope we get to celebrate many more birthdays with you.

Tag's latest artwork

I was cleaning out Tag's backpack this morning and I saw this amazing drawing of Mario.  He said that he was just drawing in a class after all of his work was done.  This is amazing!  He is such a wonderful artist.  Great job Tig!

Luke and Morgan

Luke and Morgan are close to hitting 6 months of dating- so exciting.  They went up to Sundance a couple of weeks ago and one of Morgan's roommates took their pictures.  They turned out so good!  I love that Luke has found someone that makes him happy.  I also love seeing them together and loving that Luke can completely be himself with her.  Such a blessing.

Birthday Breakfast tradition

Today I had our annual birthday breakfast with my dad.  Jenna and I have been meeting him at One Man Band to celebrate our birthday for many many years.  It is such a fun tradition.  We love getting to chat and catch up over a yummy breakfast.  Thanks so much Dad!