Giggles

So, I just put McKay down for a morning nap. We always read a few stories together and rock for a bit, blankie and binkie in hand. Then, into his crib. He's so sweet and content, he almost never cries about nap time anymore. And as I'm sitting here, messing around on the computer, I hear little giggles coming from his bedroom door. I can't help but smile and laugh to myself. What is he giggling about, all by his little self in there? And just when I think maybe he's fallen asleep, more giggles? He cracks me up. It almost makes me want to run in there, forget the nap, and just play with the little comedian. What I wouldn't give to pick the little guys brain. What are his thoughts? What does he think is so hilarious right now? I just love his sweet disposition. He is such a good boy, I can never get enough. 

The White Stuff

Park City: Part II

{This pic was taken right after the very first snow encounter. Classic.}

{Checkin it out}

{I love this pic. It's like he has a halo over his sweet little head,

with the light beaming down on him. My little angel.}

{Warming up to the snow}

{Chair Lift}

It's so much fun to visit the snow [key word, visit ;)]. It was actually perfect weather while we were there. Sunny and beautiful, with just enough snow on the ground to make it feel like the wintry holiday season. This was McKay's first encounter with the snow. So, like the typical first time parents that we are, we had to get plenty of pictures! When McKay took a first glance at the white stuff, he ran right for it, hands first. Followed by a frantic cry, as if to say, 'What the heck is this stuff...it's freeeeezing...and wet...and cold!' But after a while, since he knew what to expect and all, he started to warm up to it.

A Thousand Words

I have everything in the world to be thankful for, and so very much more. A picture can say a thousand words...my blessings swell with abundance.

Park City 2009

{Park City}

{Beautiful View out our cabin window}

{Chillin and Relaxin}

{Daddy & McKay}

{Sipping Hot Chocolate at the Lodge}

{Taking in the beauty...}

{Main Street Pizza & Noodle with The Hawkes:

Jourdan, McKay, Morgan, & Grant}

{We sure did wear the little guy out}

{Our Little Family}

This year we drove up to Utah for Thanksgiving. It's our little Yates family tradition to go up every other year during this time. And yes, it just might have something to do with the BYU vs Utah game (more on that later). We ended up making a quick detour in St. George, since Grandma was forbidden to travel anywhere (Doctors orders). We had a lovely time, spending the holiday with my family and getting to see Grandma. After Thanksgiving, we headed up to Park City for more cheer. Oh, how I love Park City. It really is breathtaking, especially at this time of year. The whole city twinkling with lights. We stayed in an amazing cabin (thanks to Al & Sandy!) and it really was bliss spending quality time together as a family. We had such a fabulous trip!

{...Stay tuned, more to come later...}

Merry Christmas!

PS. If you didn't get a Christmas card, it's because I don't have your address. So, here ya go. If you'd still like one, please send me your address! :) Thanks!

16 Months

Hmmm.....

I randomly found this photo on our camera, after Jeff had been watching McKay for a couple of hours.

Note the carpet + Naked Baby...

Black & White

{The birthday boys}

{Some of us girls: Britt, Me, Erin, Linds, Elke)

{Jeff and I)

{Old photos of the boys}

{Elizabeth, Jamas}

{Birthday Boys}

{Photo board down 'Memory Lane'}

{More lovely guests:}

{Me, Jeff}

Jeff and his good friend, Alan, both turned the big 3-0 this year! So, us wifeys decided to throw a big surprise, double-birthday bash for the boys. Elke and I hosted a fancy 'Black & White' themed event at our house. Lots of black & white, food, good friends, blackjack tables, video clips (of the boys together back in HS), and a "roasting toast" made for a great night! Thanks everyone for coming, you made the party fabulous! Happy 30th babe, I love you so very much! {Even if you are an old man now! Ha ha, just teasing ;)}

Trick or Treat

My BIL always carves the greatest pumkins!

Our little family.

At the ward 'trunk or treat'.

How cute is this little fireball dragon!  

Yes, we upgraded! Costumes, that is. (thanks mom!) I just love little ones all dressed up. Aren't they just the cutest little things you've ever seen! This year we had our traditional Halloween night at Grams and Haha's. A delicious Mexican dinner, fun with family and friends, trick-or-treating with the cousins, lots of goodies, and way too much candy! By the end of the night, lots of excitement + a covered in vomit Dragon suit = one delirious McKay. Overall though, it was a great Halloween!

San Diego Zoo

Thank goodness for the trolley. The park is so enormous, there's no way we could have footed all of it in one day.



Hangin' over the rail, like a true kid.



We saw Gorillas...



Bears...



Giraffes...
{McKay's favorite. Pretty sure he recognized them b/c of the giant stuffed one at the Z Gallery store. I know, pathetic.}



Polar Bears...
{This guy was playing with a giant ball under the water the whole time. It looked like it was straight out of a commercial.}



Always so much fun with Ya ya!



I thought these orchids were so amazing. They were growing right out of these great big tree roots, in every which direction. I had no idea they could grow like that.



Sea Lion show, watching intently.



The Sky Lift, my personal favorite. ;)
{I know, lame pick. But one, African Safari's are totally mind-blowing & A-mazing! & two, I really did enjoy the Sky Lift!}


My Mom, little sis, and little brother came into town for a long weekend. We had so much fun, as always. It was a real treat to break up our everyday routine and get to do all of these fun things. The Zoo, shopping, eating out, movies, playmates, and great company! Can't beat that! Thanks Mom for all of the great fun! Btw, did you know that Koala's sleep for 22 hours/day! Crazy, right!?

What are you doing?

With all of the controversy going around about this H1N1 flu (swine flu) vaccination, it is so hard to know what to do as a parent. I've never worried about getting a flu shot for myself. I usually just skip the flu shot and still skip the flu all together, so why get it? But now that I've got somebody else to worry about rather than myself, I guess it makes me think twice about it. As parents, we all just want what's best for our kiddos. So, I'm curious...what are you all doing? Are you and your kids getting a flu shot and or the H1N1 flu shot?