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!

A Very Thankful Thanksgiving

Things We're Thankful for This Thanksgiving:

1. We're thankful that after puking all over Grandma Morrill's kitchen floor on Thanksgiving morning, Robbie miraculously recovered in time for us to still enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. (We're also secretly sort of thankful that he got sick so we had to miss our Utah Human Race 5k which neither of us were quite ready for and would have made us pretty sore and miserable the rest of the weekend.)

2. We're so thankful that we got to meet my brother Dustin's new wife, Ashley. They flew in from Georgia where Dustin serves in the Coastgaurd. This is Ashley and Dustin with us at Temple Square (notice how Robbie didn't want to pose for the picture and is crawling under Nate's legs).
3. We're thankful that we survived the sardine-like Trax ride and made it to Temple Square on Friday night to see the Christmas lights. It was beautiful and we had a great time!
4. In all seriousness, we're so grateful for our family; a little boy who keeps us hopping, makes us laugh, and teaches us patience and a baby girl who is just a sweetheart. We're thankful for our wonderful loving, supportive, fun extended families. We're grateful for the peace and prosperity we live in in this country. We're especially thankful for the gospel, the temple, and most of all our Savior Jesus Christ. We look forward to celebrating his birth and life this coming month!

Today we went to my cousin's mission farewell at the SLCC institute building where Robbie learned to play pool after the meeting.