Best of 2008

I'm going to copy my sister and record our "Best Of's" for 2008:

Most Memorable Moment: The birth of sweet little Ari on June 29
Best Home-made Dinner: Nathan's Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia (cooked on the BBQ grill)
Best Holiday Memory: Easter--when Robbie insisted on wearing his Easter basket on his head and borrowing someone else's basket to put his eggs in
Favorite Trip: Didn't go further than Morrill Meadowbrook Ranch (near Capitol Reef National Park) or Logan, but had a lot of fun in both places!
Best Hike: Our fall hike to Solitude Lake--it was breathtaking!
Best Place to Eat: Bajio Mexican Grill (yummy!)
Best Movie: Movies? Can't remember the last time we were able to go to the movies.
Best Sporting Event: University of Utah vs. BYU football game [according to Nathan]
Worst Sporting Event: University of Utah vs. BYU football game [according to Bekah]
Proudest Accomplishment: Paying off almost all our debt (except for our house of course)!!! (just a tiny bit left--we'll be debt free soon!)
Best Books We Read: Fall of the Malazan Empire Series [Nathan], Pope Joan, Princess Acadamy [Bekah]
Favorite New Hobbies: Blogging! [Bekah], Chuan Fa Ssu Ren (a type of martial arts) [Nathan], shoveling snow [Robbie], screaming like a teenage girl [Ari]
Best TV Shows: 24, The 4400 (guess we were into shows with numbers as titles this year)

The Cutest Gifts Under the Tree

What a nice Christmas! We kept it simple but did a lot of fun things together as a family. I'm so glad we have this time each year to take a break from all the normal stuff and spend time with our families, give gifts, and remember Christ.The cutest gift under the tree this year--Ari!

Robbie loved his Lightning McQueen slippers from Aunt Andrea.

Me and Robbie on our traditional Christmas Eve sledding adventure.

What do you mean you can't take her back!

These photos were taken a few months ago. Robbie HATES posing--obviously--but I thought this turned out to be kind of funny!

Happy Birthday, Nathan!

Happy Birthday, Nathan! Hope I don't embarrass you with this. (Yesterday was actually Nate's birthday, but sadly he and Robbie had the stomach flu all day so I didn't have time to post this. Luckily everyone's feeling great again today.)

Things I love about Nathan:

1. He can fix almost anything! (I really shouldn't be telling you this or you'll all want to borrow him on Saturdays.) This includes fixing a great dinner.

2. He loves kids and kids love him (probably because he's kind of a kid himself). Nate enjoys spending time with Robbie and Ari and helps out SO much--he can do any "parenting task" as well as or better than me (well, except for nursing the baby).
3. He does things for the right reasons; whether its home teaching or paying someone a compliment, you can be sure he's sincere.
4. Motherhood/wifehood is never a "thankless" job with Nathan around--he's so good at expressing gratitude for everything I do, how could I not feel appreciated and loved.
5. He ain't no sissy! From wearing a full beard (which I do like, by the way, in case anyone wonders) to hiking up a mountain with Robbie and a bunch of gear on his back to doing martial arts (I'd feel bad for anyone who ever tried to mess with him) Nathan is tough. Yet at the same time, he's extremely gentle, patient, and can control his temper like no one I've ever seen. You're amazing, Nate, and I love you!

The Easiest Birthday Cake Ever!

Hey all you mom's out there, I've discovered the easiest little boy's birthday cake ever. You just pile chunks of chocolate cake, chocolate pudding or frosting, and crushed up chocolate cookies in a clean toy dump truck or bulldozer. It looks like dirt and mud. Robbie loved it and has a new toy truck, too!

He's Three!

Happy Birthday, Robbie! I can't believe its already been three years, but then again I can't imagine my life without you.

Above is one of my favorite pictures of Robbie, taken in our tent on a camp out in the Summer of 2007 when he was about 18 months old. He's changed so much!

The things I love most about Robbie:
1. He has the absolute cutest dimples and smile I've ever seen, and uses them often; a happy-go-lucky kid.
2. It always amazes me how smart, creative, and hilarious he is.
3. He is teaching me patience---AHHHHHHH!!! (Hope he doesn't drive me crazy first.)
4. He is so sweet, affectionate, and loving--to everyone.
5. Gotta love that red hair!

What do you love about Robbie?

A "Special" Ornament

Robbie found an ornament hanger on the floor and decided to hang his favorite kitchen utensil on the tree. Beautiful!