A Four Year Old's Perspective

On my cousin's wife's blog she had a posting where she showed the pictures her son had taken. I thought, what an amazing idea. I had an extra disposable camera I was trying to finish off, so I brought it with me for Christmas and gave it to Kylie to go wild. Without further adieu...I give you, Christmas Eve by Kylie Read:

Hotel del Coronado 2008

Every year my family (well, usually just my Mom, Sara & Chris, and Casey & I) go down to the Hotel del Coronado. They always put up a giant tree in the lobby and decorate it with a different theme each year. It's tradition. Along with Sara & Chris taking pictures in the over sized chairs on the second floor. This year, Kylie came with us. It was so fun watching her look up at the huge tree and watch the ice skaters. Here are A FEW of the pictures. BTW, I don't know if Kylie has taken a picture looking at the camera for about 6 months...can't hold still...

Babysitting the nieces

The few days before Christmas, Sara had to go back to work and asked me to come down early and baby sit Chloe. Then Megan (Jose) wanted to go out of town and I agreed to baby sit Kylie. I was very nervous at first. Having no kids of my own, I was a little overwhelmed at the prospect of two. But everything went really well. Kylie ADORES her cousin. Everything was baby Chloe this and Baby Chloe that. It's so cute. Ky and painted our nails, black and red alternating and watched about every Disney movie ever made. Some of them twice in a row. I realize if I ever have kids of my own, this will not work. But she isn't mine and I get to be the cool aunt...

Snow in St George

What? It's snowing in St George?

This week, it snowed in St George and actually stuck. From my understanding, it only happens every five years or so. It was kind-of fun, except Casey was supposed to fly in that night and his flight diverted back up to SLC. So...another night alone :( I took some pictures as proof. Enjoy.

Weber State, Weber State, Great, Great, Great!

The football team did really well this year and even made it to the playoffs. Casey and I met up with Joe & Nate Dallimore in Missoula, Montana for the the quarter finals. It was a completely surreal enviroment. Those are true fans. The stadium was packed, they actually cheered with the mascot, everyone wore school colors. It was incredible. The student section was chanting "F--k you, Weber" which I found hysterical. Although we lost the game, the experience was so much fun!!! It makes me excited for next season.

Oh Christmas Tree...

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

I love everything about it. I love the sensory overload of it all. I put all my Christmas stuff out the day after Thanksgiving (much to the chagrin of Casey). The longer I have to enjoy it, the better. I especially love my Christmas tree. It is so me; eclectic, sparkly, fun, well...you know...I thought I would share some of my decor and a few of my favorite ornaments. Thanks as always, for checking in on what is going on in our lives!
I bought when Casey & I were living in Atlanta.

Casey & I got this in Oregon on a Madsen Family vacation.

Last year after the IVF didn't work Casey took me to a little town in Wisconsin to escape reality for a while. He boutht me the bird ornament at this store...I swear I have never seen so many christmas ornaments...

A Vegas Thanksgiving

This year Casey and I spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Vegas with Sara, Chris & Chloe. We had a great time. We all drove in Wednesday night and met at our friend Brad's house. Brad has a condo there but was in Ogden with his family. He graciously let us crash at his place while he was gone. Thursday morning we enjoyed a nice breakfast out, then came back to shower and get ready. Sara and I went shopping at H&M and the Gap while the boys spent some time in the sports book. The girls spent a little too much money I fear. Damn that Central Michigan...they win that game and our trip would have been paid for...anywho...Then we went our to eat at Lawry's Steakhouse. They had the best Thanksgiving dinner. It was absolutely delicious. We all went our seperate ways the next morning. We had a great time. What a pleasure to have a no hassle, no drama, no clean-up holiday. I'm tempted to do it every year.

My Twilight Weekend

For those that don't know...I am a HUGE fan of the Twilight book series. (And unless you live under a rock, you are probably aware the movie came out this weekend.) I was lucky enough to get to go twice. My best friend, Angie, God bless her, scored me a ticket to the midnight show on Thursday night with her family. It was an experience to say the least. 30 year old women reverted to 12 year olds, squealing through out the entire movie; giggling, screaming "I love you, Jacob" at the movie screen, just plain silliness. At least it was memorable. Then on Saturday night I got to go to the movie again with my niece Maile, Wendy, and Wendy's family. It felt like a completely different movie the second time around. It wasn't quite a cheesy. I don't know if it was because I knew what to expect or if it was the lack of squealing thirty somethings that did it. But it grew on me the second time around. (Did everyone else catch the Hitchcock-esk cameo by Stephenie Meyer?) I had a great time enjoying the movie with my dear friends. What a great weekend!
Angie, me, Michelle, & Marsha

Angie's sis in law, Lisa (L) and her friend Holly

My darling niece, Maile and me (She's so cute)
My vampire friend, Wendy sucking my blood
Did you notice my Team Edward shirt?

Grand Canyon Stop Over

Grand Canyon

Casey and I took a road trip to the Weber State vs. Northern Arizona football game. It was a really fun game. They usually are when you win. On the drive home from the game, we made a slight detour and went to the Grand Canyon. It was the first time I had seen it. It was certainly beautiful and awe inspiring. But I was done after about 20 minutes. As much as I can appreciate the beauty in mountains, for me, they just don't compare to the ocean. I can look at this canyon that has looked pretty much the same for I don't even know how long and see the beauty. But I could never sit for hours and admire it like I can with the ever changing ocean. I am really glad we went. And as always had a fantastic time on the road trip. I am so grateful Casey and I travel so well together.

Aunt Janice's Birthday

Aunt Janice's Impromptu Birthday Party

Sara & Chris asked my Uncle Mike to bless Chloe. So the night before the blessing, Uncle Mike & Aunt Janice, Dad & Holly, Sara & Chris, and Casey & I went out to dinner downtown at Lou & Mickey's. Since Janice's birthday had only been a few days before we had the waiter bring out some birthday cake and sang to her at dinner. We had a really good time at dinner. I adore my aunt and uncle. It is always so nice to get any time with them I can.