December

December was a busy month at our house. Josh was working at the county hospital (meaning he actually had more than a 5 minute drive to work) splitting his time between days and nights and I was busy getting ready for Christmas and our trip to Utah. We headed to Utah around the middle of the month and had a great time with family celebrating the holiday. The day after Christmas Josh flew home to get back to work while the girls and I drove to Denver for my little brother's wedding. We are SO glad Brooke is 'officially' a part of the family! Here's more than a few pictures, mostly for the sake of family.

The girls in their Christmas outfits.

While in Utah we got together with some friends from Arizona, the Peterson's. We were also lucky enough to meet up with the Bramwell's and a good friend of mine from high school and her kiddos. Fun times!

Temple square with the Vandersteen's. It was C.O.L.D.!!!

Christmas eve we hung out with the Pollei's. We went to dinner,

bowling (an annual Christmas tradition),

Nativity,

and Christmas pinata.

Presents with grandma and grandpa Pollei.

Christmas morning with the Vandersteen's. We went to church and had a nice, relaxing Christmas with the Vandersteen family.

The next day we drove to Denver. My sister Jessie and her hubby Steve were kind enough to drive with the girls and I. It was nice to be able to catch up after seven months on opposite coasts.

Running around with cousins.

McKay and Brooke the night before their big day : )

Jason and Heather decided to bless their new baby, Coleman, who was only 4 weeks old. (Yep, they drove for 2 days straight with a four kids plus a newborn. I have no room to complain about driving to Utah!)

It's official!! After 5 1/2 years McKay and Brooke are married! So excited for both of you!

They had a beautiful reception/dinner in the mountains. We missed having Josh there but it was good to be together as a family for the first time in 2 1/2 years. Can you tell Tienna loved being able to take a flower home?

Jessie and Steve - the good sports who drove 16 hours with the girls and I and were willing to share a hotel room with us. Love you guys and can't wait to see you in a couple of months!!

November 2011

November flew by way too fast. Josh was busy as usual with work and the girls and I loved taking advantage of the beautiful California weather. We enjoyed Disneyland all decked out for Christmas several times and had our own Thanksgiving dinner. For the first time I spent the 2-3 days of prep time for the Thanksgiving dinner and have an entire new appreciation for the time and effort that my mom, mother-in-law and grandmother's have put in over the years. Everything turned out well though there are a few tweaks I will make next time we undertake the rigors of a holiday dinner.

 Kiara wasn't such a fan of Sulley up close...

We always love the parade! 

It's A Small World holiday themed. One day the girls and I went on the ride 3 times in a row, Kiara LOVED all the holiday decor.

 Kiara's first ponytail... just barely!

 Happy 31st Birthday to Josh!! We celebrated his birthday at the end of the month. He was a good sport despite the crazy call schedule. We had a low-key dinner at home and the girls were excited to help open presents. Here's to another great year!

Finally!

I know I've been more than a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to updating the blog in recent months but hopefully that will change soon. My computer is finally fixed thanks to my wonderful dad who was visiting this week. Get ready for an onslaught of pictures in the days to come!