Gingerbread Houses

We did our Christmas tradition of making gingerbread houses at my parent's house this year while we were down for Thanksgiving. My Mom was the one who started the tradition with us kids when I was about 8 years old. She took care of everything while the kids had a fabulous time with a few of their cousins.

Mason had a wonderful time. That is until he was drug away kicking and screaming. He would not quit eating the candy! We had to take him away before he made himself sick.

Poppa helping Zack.

Bailey, Triston, Austin, Scarlet, Conner, and Zack proudly displaying their handy work.

Conner's finished product.

Zack's house.

I am already thinking ahead to Christmas. For Christmas Eve I normally do a smoked turkey and bread pudding with a spiced rum sauce for desert. I am thinking about changing things up a bit and making Prime Rib. I have never made Prime Rib on my own before does anyone have any recipes or suggestions? Or any great recipes for a festive fun desert? I would LOVE it if you would share them with me!

Girls Trip and a Mancation

The girls in my family have had a tradition for the last ten years where we all get together and enjoy a few days in Salt Lake and Park City Christmas shopping. We leave the men and kids at home and shop, shop, shop away!

I haven't been able to go the last couple of years so I was super excited to join them this year. My sister flew in from Houston and our flights landed within minutes of each other. It was fun to see her smiling face there to greet me when I walked out of my gate. We even got my Mom to try a few new restaurants this year! (She tends to get stuck in restaurant ruts). I have wanted to try the Red Iguana and Tuscany and we were able to hit them both. And both were excellent!

Me, my Mom, sister Jennifer, sister Camille, and sister-in-law Erin at Tuscany.

Such a great time, thanks girls!

Victor was also able to sneak away for a little mancation. Mancation is my word for boys trip or a man vacation. They jumped in one of his buddies motor home and trucked down to Logan for the BSU vs. USU game. I think he was pretty excited to go as he almost ran every red light we hit on our way to drop him off to meet the boys. Silly boys, I am sure they managed to have a good time as well- in between freezing and all.

I also went out for a girls night to see New Moon! Also so much fun! Great flick, much better than the last one. I think in my head when I read them I downplayed the cheesiness a bit so it makes me laugh when I see it in the movie. Now we have to wait a year for the next one?!?!

Tiffany, me, and Stephanie chowing down before joining hundreds of screaming teenage girls and even more crazy than them, their mothers! :)

Happy Birthday and Anniversary

I guess age is inevitable. Victor just turned 31! Happy Birthday Babe!

Victor is so funny when it comes to cake. His choice was my pumpkin cream cheese cupcakes. Mason is enjoying a little taste of the frosting.

Today is our 12 year anniversary! After 12 years here are a few things we have experienced: 6 places we have lived, 7 years of military life, many outstanding vacations and places visited, 3 beautiful boys, 2 dogs, a few fish, lots of miles on the road and in the air, so many great friends and family we couldn't even begin to count them, lots of "I love you more than anything" moments, a few "what could my alibi be" moments, 2 bachelor's degrees, lots of ups, a few downs, and LOTS of laughter. The kids and I are blessed to have such an active, hands on, wonderful father and husband (who sews and irons for me!). Victor never puts himself or his career before mine or us. He is always so willing to rearrange his work schedule to travel with me and the kids when I have things for work so we can all be together. Family first is our motto.

Thanks so much for being the hardworking wonderful dad and husband that you are Victor. We love you!

Thanks so much mom for coming up and watching the kids for days so we could play and celebrate!