Family Pics

November 2009

Provo, Utah

Our Nest

As parents we are always posting and recording the cute/funny things kids say and do. Well, this is like one of those. Only rather than it being about my little guy, it's about my big one. I guess you could say he's my kid too, but technically we are married, so I suppose the correct term would be husband. Anyhow, we were out shopping the day after Christmas. Returns, exchanges, some other stuff. I had to run into Pottery Barn to buy the ridiculous lamp shade that seemed to be the only right 'fit' for my bare lamp. I've been searching for months for a similar but cheaper version...but, a gazillion stores later and no success....I finally caved. (Ugh!) Anyways, like I was saying... Jeff and I browsed around the store together and finally walked out with our lamp shade. As we walked back to the car, this was our conversation:

Jeff: I love making our house cool. We're like little birds. We have to go and gather sticks so that we can make a nest for our family. This lamp shade is like one of our sticks. We go and get our sticks, one by one, and bring them home to our nest!

Me: (Laughing, hysterically) I love you for saying that!

He's probably going to kill me for posting this, but, I really do love him for saying it. I love that he is always making me laugh. I never know what in the world he is going to come up  with next, always keeping me on my toes. And although I love to tease him sometimes about acting like a 5 or 12 year old, I really do love that very quality about him. He is always keeping me smiling, always keeping me laughing.  I love it and love him so much for it!

BYU vs UT

{Jeff laying on the "Y"}

{My great brothers, Britt & Travis}

{Everyone Rushing the Field}

{Trav & Jeff}

I come from blue blood. My grandma is probably the BIGGEST BYU fan you could ever meet. From wearing big blue wigs and delivering homemade candy to the players, to throwing yellow penalty flags at the U of U fans, one thing's for certain- she never misses a game, spirit in tact! Every year our family always has the same season tickets and fortunately, we were able to snag a couple for the BYU vs Utah game this year. McKay and I actually ended up staying behind (opting to watch it from a cozy warm house) while Jeff had a great time with all of the guys. After the winning score, they all rushed the field, made snow-angels on the turf, and partook of the sacred green (yes, they actually ate the grass....?....yeah, who knows!) Crazy boys. Well, I suppose Grandma would be proud! ;)

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!