D and E Putnam

We are buying a house!!!

2012-01-26T10:47:00.001-07:00

We put an offer on this house in Draper at the end of September. It was a short sale so we have been waiting for awhile. We finally heard the bank accepted our offer and we have to close by Feb 12th! We are really excited but kinda nervous. Inspection is done and we are most likely closing Jan 31st and moving in Feb 4th!

Danielle/Dave wedding!

2012-01-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Danielle and Dave's wedding was on 1/12/12. It was a gorgeous and freezing day! I love Danielle's dress it looked absolutely perfect on her! It was fun to be part of all of the festivities all day and see how happy they are. Danielle is such a sweatheart we love her. Drew has always told me no man could ever be good enough for Danielle until he met Dave. They get along great and Dave takes such good care of Danielle. The family always talks about how it is kind of creepy how similar Dave and Drew are (maybe that's why Drew likes him).

(No this isn't Drew's purple jacket he just forgot his)

The luncheon was at the Atrium. The food was delicious. This was the cute dessert with the temple chocolate.

I am lucky I have such great inlaws! Whenever I hear people's nightmare stories about inlaws it makes me more and more greatful for mine. Not only are my inlaws great but the extended family on both sides are great too.

The reception was also at the Atrium

Crystal/Josh and their cute kids

Drew looking good in his tux

Sophie and Jace entertaining themselves :). Crystal's kids are always so well behaved everywhere we go. One day I'll have to get tips from her. She has five kids yet you would never know it they are so quiet and well behaved!

The food at the reception was amazing! Robin, her sister Audra, and some ladies in the ward did it all! I don't know how they did it all but it turned out great! Danielle's favorite was homemade bread and jam.. yum!

Dave's favorites were all chocolate. Brownies, reeses cupcakes, kisses and more candy.

Right as Danielle was saying he would be nice Dave shoved cake ALL over her face. They both had cake all over their faces. Danielle is always a great sport. I would have killed Drew :).

It was a fun day! We wish Dani and Dave all the best!

~2 Years ~

2012-01-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Drew and I both can't believe we have already been married 2 years! It has been a roller coaster at times but we have loved every minute. I am lucky to be married to my best friend! We have such a good time together even when we are just sitting on the couch doing nothing. We both thought we knew so much about each other when we got married but now I understand what people meant when they said you don't really know the person until you are married because you find out so much more. I have loved getting to know Drew better! It's awesome always having each other for support in everything.

Who would have thought I would marry the guy I thought was cute at Iggys when we both worked together. The first day I started as a hostess my trainer told me there are two cute guys: Drew and I don't remember the other. When he walked through the door I turned and said is that one of them. Everyone used to joke, before we were even dating, that we should get married because we were the only mormons there. I accomplished my goal of getting him to ask me out and we started dating. He made going to work fun and dating was exciting because Iggys forbid you to date coworkers (we eventually found out why when it exploded for three months). After the summer break up, Drew said he wanted to try again and when I gave in (didn't take too much effort) we decided we both couldn't live without each other!

Our anniversary started when I got home from work to this set up. It was just perfect! A candlelight dinner of mac n cheese and martinellis. On our actual anniversary Drew brought me breakfast in bed, we went shopping, we saw We Bought a Zoo, and we went to dinner at Chili's. It was a fun day and I loved my surprise dinner and breakfast in bed.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Christmas was perfect! First, I didn't have to work and second we figured out a system to spend time with families and not miss anything.
Jay broke Erin's bowl from her dish set which is no longer made awhile ago. My dad found a new one on replacements.com and wrapped with a tag from Jay it was hilarious. My dad would do anything to make his kids happy even search for hours for a bowl.

Isn't that the cutest smile you've ever seen! I love that he now knows how to smile for pictures.

We gave Landon a wii game which he obviously loved but by the time he got

two games he looked around and said they don't have a wii.

Drew trying out the amazing hot packs my sister gave me. She gave me the idea to heat it up and throw it in bed while I get ready for bed and then I have a warm cozy bed to get in.. I love it! She and Jay also gave me a super cute scarf.

The bball Jay and Erin gave Drew.. way to read his mind it's exactly what he wanted ;).

My cute parents and my dad's favorite.. bottled rootbeer! We love going to their house Christmas Eve for Danish pastry, the Christmas story, and presents.

Nixon on his new four wheeler

Finally they opened the wii from my parents and both started jumping up and down.

We gave Brynley stationery and the "Tangled" barbie. Brynley loves doing hair and it saved mine for the day :).

We missed you Nats in our girls pictures this year!

Brynley and Landon were loving taking pictures and always wanted funny faces.

Brynley's attempt

After my parents, we went up to Heber to eat dinner and spend the rest of the night

with my dad's family. Drew is showing off his white elephant gift.

Santa came to visit again this year!

She is hanging on for dear life trying to get as far away from Santa as she can haha.

Nixon wasn't sure what to think of Santa.

Foosball competition.. it always cracks me up how they get so

into it they are sweating at the end.

All the girl cousins

Drew playing Roland in airhockey

Drew's family Christmas day. We ate breakfast, went to church with

them, and opened lots of presents! We love watching the kiddos open their presents! I should have taken more pictures but here are the couple I have plus some from Crystal I borrowed :)

Crystal surprised Josh with an ipad. It was fun to watch his face as he opened

it and see how excited Crystal was to give it to him.

Later on Christmas we went up to Odgen to my uncles house to be with my mom's family and have dinner. We ate a delicious dinner and watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. My cousins encourage Drew to be difficult for pictures can you tell.

Finally we got home about 11pm and opened out presents to each other. The only surprise present Drew had was Brighton ski passes for a day. It was a fun and busy Christmas weekend!

Birthday

2012-01-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am already 24! Where does time go? I feel like I should still be in highschool instead I'm graduated (kinda) with a full time job and buying a house (hopefully). Drew spoiled me this year with a fun date. My birthday was right in the middle of my finals week so I spent the morning doing homework. After we went to a movie, the mall, to Olive Garden, and to see the lights downtown. The next day we had a birthday dinner for my mom and I at my mom's and had lasagne mmm and strawberry shortcake. My mom treated both of us to massages and einstein bagels after. My parents gave me the rest of this nativity (Michelle Lunt gave me the starter kit for my wedding) and I absolutely love it. I never could have justified buying all of it with Drew so it was perfect! Drew's family gave me lots of gift cards I'm excited to use! Finally, two of my cousins and my mom and I all have December bdays so my aunt and mom took all of us and my sister out to lunch at Olive Garden. It was a fun and perfect birthday weekend!

December

2012-01-04T11:57:00.005-07:00

We had a rfun and busy December!

Drew's sister Dani gets married next week! We are so excited for her and really like Dave.

Her ward shower: Robin, Clarissa, Dani, Crystal, and me
The week between Christmas and New Years I took off work and went to the cabin with my family. Drew came up when he could get a little bit of time off work. There wasn't a ton of snow but it was fun anyways. We still went snowmobiling and had my mom's side of the family up for a day. I finally ordered another charger and gave up on finding mine after I saw out of four pictures from the cabin one is really blurry :(.

One of my favorite things about the cabin besides hanging out with these kiddos is you don't feel like you have to ever get out of pjs or do your makeup.. my kind of vacation!

Earlier in the month we went to festival of trees with Jannali, Ryan, Mary, Bryce and Megan. It was fun and as always the food is delicious!

Bryce and Megan did an ugly sweater and white elephant party. We got a barbie and sunglasses haha. It was fun eating and chatting.

Jannali and me

Kylie and Megan with Mary

We are excited for Steve and Kylie they are having a boy!

Jake and Jenna

Brynley had her gymnastics performance to Christmas music.

It was adorable and fun to watch.

We had a girls/guys night and this is the only picture I got to remember it sorry Jannali :). The girls went to CPK and did crafts and the boys went to a Jazz game after eating wings. It's nice drew's friends wives all get along it makes everything easy!

Once again I have no pictures to show but a couple of girls I went to highschool with (Jena and Ali) did a highschool reunion in December. It was fun to see everyone and catch up! Most of them I had not seen since last years reunion. Emily and Al were also in town from Oregon so we got to hang out with them for a bit.

My parents also took us to Christmas Carol at Hale Theater. I always love it even though I saw it every year growing up. It's one of my favorite traditions.

Drew did well at work this month and overall our month was fun and productive!

November

2012-01-04T11:46:00.005-07:00

Thanksgiving is always bitter sweet for me. I lost my opa three years ago around Thanksgiving and I miss him so much. Every Thanksgiving growing up we went to my Oma and Opa's to celebrate Thanksgiving with German food. I can't even begin to describe how much I miss dumplings and that whole experience that made it my favorite holiday. I am now to the point I don't dread Thanksgiving but it will never be as great as it used to be. This year was special though because Matt/Nats and the kids came to visit from PA. We spent Thanksgiving with Drew's family. After some black friday shopping with Drew's family we headed up to the cabin with my family.

Drew and Brayden

Kauner and Cam

Since Matt's family was heading back to PA until August we celebrated Christmas a little early.

Out of order.. but Danielle and Dave waiting until Midnight on Thanksgiving

to get their new TV at Target. Drew, Drew's mom, and I went to Walmart (inside :)) and waited to get a wii (yay we have netflix!), pans, and movies.

My dad's birthday was at the beginning of the month. We celebrated with giant

eclairs instead of cake.

2011 in review

2012-01-03T15:22:00.011-07:00

We have had an amazing 2011 and hope 2012 will be equally great! We were lucky to be able to go on lots of vacations (that part won't happen again this year), spend time with family, and have fun with friends. We are so grateful for each other, our family, and our friends.

Memories from 2011...

January

We spent a fun night in Park City going to dinner and laughing til our cheeks hurt to Jason Hewlett.

February

The romantic husband I have surprised me with white popcorn and candlelight chicken alfredo for Valentines mmm

March
We had the time of our lives on a Carribbean cruise with my family. The cruise included lots of laughing, eating, snorkeling, scuba diving for the guys, and lots of strawberry daquiris! We were able to watch March madness on the top of a cruise ship (hence the excitement in the picture below).

Matt really did have fun even though his face doesn't show it.

Labadee Haiti before we went on the waverunners. Absolutely love the water in the Carribbean!

Formal dinner

April

We had a great Easter and watching General Conference with both families.

May

Drew graduated from the U in Exercise and Sports Science. Drew also turned a quarter of a century old. We spent Mother's Day, Drew and Clarissa's birthday with his family and then headed to Hawaii to celebrate (and because we were suckered into a vacation club). We had a blast staying 2 days in Waikiki (I like the hustle and bustle) and then 6 days in a resort on the beach in the middle of nowhere (Drew's liking). Our favorite parts were snorkeling with sea turtles outside our hotel, trying new restaurants, the PCC, diamond head, golfing, and snowcones of course.

Drew's family

My family... Matt and Natalie were there too but had to leave before pictures.

June

Matt graduated first in his class from medical school in Arizona! He wanted it a secret he was graduating first and had to speak so Erin and I tried to keep it a secret we knew and were going to be there. Jason, Erin, Drew, and I got to know each other too well on the 24 hour trip to Arizona and back but had a blast. Matt figured we were coming so it wasn't a surprise but it was still fun. We are so proud of my brother! After this my parents and Matt's family drove back to PA where he will do his residency for the next 5 years.

We just survived our first Christmas with out Matt's family.. we miss them lots.

July

We went to the Oakley rodeo and stayed at the cabin with my dad's brother's family and my mom's sister's family. This is always one of my favorite weeks.

We were also able to go to Redfish Lake Idaho with Drew's family for the second year. It is so gorgeous up there and we get to spend our time on paddle boards, paddle boats, trying to kayak (Clarissa and I learned upstream is a bad idea), having campfires, and getting to know Drew's family better. We were just told we get to go again this summer and can't wait!

August

My parents took Brynley and I out to PA to visit Matt's family. It was so much fun going to amusement parks, Omish towns, gettysburg, and getting to see their new house. I have never really been back east, unless Florida counts, it is so pretty and full of history. I told my mom if I lived back here I would have done better in history.. I think I learned more about the civil war in one day visiting gettysburg than I ever did in school.

An omish buggy ride to a tour of their farms.

Also in August.. Drew got a job! He is working for Rehab Specialists selling durable medical equipment. The learning process has been hard at times but he is becoming a very good medical sales rep. He tried balancing his new job, Texas Roadhouse, and me and it wasn't working very well so he gave up Texas Roadhouse in October. We miss the discount but are excited with all the experience he can gain at this company.

September

During September we had a lot of fun with friends boating, having a friends cabin trip, and throwing Jannali a baby shower.

October

We spent time carving pumpkins with friends and watching scary movies. Drew and I dressed up as lamps last minute and went trick or treating with Erin's kids.

We also went to Muldoons with Drew's family and got to know Dave better (Danielle's fiance). It's kinda scary how similar Drew and Dave are. We spent time four wheeling, shooting, and watching movies.

November

My dad turned 60! We had a fun dinner on Sunday and went out with our family friends the Verno's to Olive Garden that week. We had a good Thanksgiving with Drew's family and spent time at the cabin with my brother and his family who came to visit. We also had family pictures taken.

December

We had an event filled December with lots of family activities. We also spent time with friends at girls/guys night out and having an "ugly sweater" party. We were able to go to festival of trees, a Christmas carol, and the temple square lights. Drew spoiled me with a fun birthday and I turned 24! We spent Christmas with both of our families and I enjoyed not having to work :).

Christmas Eve with all of my girl cousins.

We have been so blessed this year!

We already have lots to look forward to in 2012. Drew's sister Danielle is getting married this month, gaining another nephew in March from Matt and Nats, more of our friends are having babies, I am graduating (again) in April, and we're hopefully buying a house!

We put an offer on a house in Draper about four months ago and are still waiting but crossing our fingers.

I am still working as a nurse in the NICU at Primary Children's. I will graduate in April with my BSN from Byu-Idaho. I have been doing school straight through this year and although I have been drowning in homework and very stressed feeling like I can't keep up with school, work, and our house I have gained a huge respect for women who work, go to school, and have kids! I am grateful for my husband who has put up with a dirty house and a moody wife this year.

This summer we get to continue our traditions in going to the cabin, Montana, and Redfish lake. My goal this year is to blog more consistantly :). Phew that was a long post!

Halloween

2011-11-05T17:54:00.009-06:00

On Halloween we went out to my sister's and went trick-or-treating with her kids. Brynley was a mom "the cute kind of mom", Landon was a ninja, and Nixon was a monkey. I love these kids so much!

Drew and I were lamp shades but didn't wear it much or get a picture :(. I got the idea as I was walking out of work the morning of Halloween and some guy was wearing just normal clothes and a lamp shade. Creative people.

This picture not only makes me laugh but explains their personalities to a T. Landon is always making people laugh, Brynley has enough attitude for a teenager, and Nixon is quiet and tolerant haha.

Nixon giving Gma kisses.

Nixon caught on to trick-or-treating fast (it's amazing how quickly something comes when candy is involved) and he sat on the couch eating everything he could while yelling at anyone who tried to take his candy away.

We carved pumpkins with Jannali and Ryan at their new cute apartment. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time.

After awhile of sitting an talking.. Drew couldn't stand his carved pumpkin sitting in front of him anymore and out of nowhere punched through our pumpkin :(. Ryan and Drew took turns smashing the pumpkin to keep entertained.

Carving pumpkins with Joni and Madison. This time our pumpkin actually stayed intact.

We had my dad's birthday dinner on Sunday with Erin's family. Instead of cake we had these giant eclairs.. mmm.

The grandkids (more coming (Matt's family)in 9 days.. wahoo!)

Love you Dad! Happy Birthday!

Jannali's Shower

2011-11-05T17:14:00.006-06:00

Clear back in September Kylie, Megan, and I threw a shower for Jannali and soon to be baby Mary Jean. It turned out super well and was totally worth all of the work and the sleep talking dreams Drew tells me about. Here is a picture of most of the people that came. We can't wait for Jannali and Ryan to have their baby any day now..

Kylie's adorable banner she made.. wish I had that skill!

Megan and Kylie

I love hanging out with these girls. All of our husbands and Jannali were friends in highschool and we all get along great. We do game nights with them all the time. They are all so creative and I love stealing/borrowing their ideas.

Fall 2011

2011-10-27T13:47:00.009-06:00

Babysitting Brynley and Nixon at Gardner Village

I haven't been blogging very much because I've been drowning in homework/work/and attempting to keep our house clean. Drew started a new job with Rehab Specialists selling rehab equipment and is catching on well which is good cause it's 100% commission. Needless to day because we've been so busy we haven't done very many things worth blogging. Here is the update for the last couple months...

Brynley got "witches nails" and she absolutely loved it and couldn't stop smiling. She has always wanted to get her nails done in a salon like her mom.

We went to Muldunes again for fall break with Drew's family. All the pictures are out of order because I borrowed some from Crystal's blog. We were all sitting (or laying) around the campfire one night and everyone was a little on edge because a cougar had been seen in the area.. Drew was all about scaring everyone by crawling through the grass. In this picture they were all looking at stars and Drew jumped on top of them.

Dave, Kayley and Danielle

The attempt at a family picture facing the sun..

more family pictures..

Shooting targets... Drew once again was impressed with my skill :)

Cutting down lots of trees.. Drew liked the chainsaw a little too much.. everytime I hear a chainsaw I think of many many haunted house experiences.

Dave and Drew

On Sunday dinners Drew always laughs cause he thinks it looks like the "gold car mafia". My mom, dad, me, drew, and my sister all have cars close to the same color. What can I say.. it hides dirt well.

Before school started again I spent my break crafting. I love it and it is becoming addicting. (Drew can't refuse cute decorations when his wife home made them right??) I also have just discovered pinterest so there will be lots more to come. We put an offer on a house in draper but won't hear for a long time. Just incase we get it I'm preparing to have enough decorations to fill a house :)

Erin and I made these at the cabin over conference weekend. It's always more fun when you have a friend to craft with.

I also made these photos on blocks.. love it! Our engagements and

the temple we were married in.

Another babysitting trip my mom and I took the kids to sugarhouse park to feed the ducks/geese. I have to "pretend" that I'm not afraid of the ducks for the kids but in all reality I'm terrified one will attack me. This was the weirdest goose I have ever seen.

We finally both have Halloween/Thanksgiving/ and Christmas off so hopefully more fun pictures to come. I love the end of the year! Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday but since my Opa died 3 years ago around Thanksgiving I kinda dred the holiday as bad as that sounds. I miss the german Thanksgiving I grew up with every year with dumplings and most of all my opa. Every year I try to be optimistic but Thanksgiving will never be the same. It also makes me sad Drew never got to experience Thanksgiving the german way although I have loved sharing the last 3 Thanksgivings with him.

PA

2011-09-19T11:30:00.015-06:00

My parents took me and my neice Brynley to PA to visit my brother, sister in law, and my nephews. We stayed in their cute house and had a blast.

Statues in the airport. My parents couldn't believe I didn't know who they were and I still don't haha.

Brynley "helping". She loved playing secretary in the plane.

It was perfect timing because we got in late and the next day when we saw the kids it was Kauner's 6th birthday.

Birthday presents

Kauner got a ipod touch.. a 6 year old.. yes I'm jealous..

he loved playing angry birds the rest of the trip and treated it like gold

Super hero costumes

For Kauner's birthday we all went to Hershey park which is like disneyland/ lagoon with no characters. They have a ton of roller coasters, kid rides, a zoo, and a water park. His parents had to talk him into going because he wanted Chuck-e-cheese. Once he got there he was sold he made the right choice.

Nats and Cam

Matt and Brayden

The merry go round.. I was choosen to go because Matt was sick after the previous ride.

They closed down all the rides for 45 min because a storm was coming so we watched this singing and dancing show. After the show they found out it was Kauner's birthday and came and sang to him. He was so embarrassed but loved it.

The frog hopper (a mini rocket from Lagoon) was the kids favorite ride. After about 10 times they finally had enough.

Brayden was too short to ride so we watched. As you walked into the park you measured yourself and determined if you were a hersheys miniature, a hershey kiss, a reeses, hershey bar, twizzlers, or jolly rancher. All of the rides had a sign of the shortest candy bar that could ride. I thought it was such a cute idea and the kids knew which candy bar they were so they could tell if they were big enough.

Feeding the ducks

My parents of all people talked us into going on this roller coaster called the Storm Runner. It takes you from 0 to 72mph in 2 seconds and the whole thing was just a blur. Natalie and I went and my parents were in front of us when I saw sunglasses hit my mom in the face while it was reaching 72mph. After she said her eyes were closed for it when something all of the sudden hit her face.. ouch! My dad liked it so much he went on it again with Matt... my parents surprised me with this one haha.

The next day we went to see the Amish town. I couldn't help but laugh and take a few pictures when I found out the Amish city is in Intercourse, PA.

I don't know if I could handle being pulled slowly by a horse watching all of the cars drive past or wearing so many clothes in the middle of summer.

Our buggy tour of an Amish farm. It was really interesting to learn about their way of life and their beliefs. The farm we toured actually provides milk for winder dairy. When in Idaho Drew has always told me this is like the cow NICU and they stay here so they are not picked on and have a fair chance from the beginning.. well the Amish agree so my hubby isn't crazy :)

The only picture of everyone from the trip and our Amish tour guide. While we were riding in the buggy and the kids were sitting next to the guide Cameron started singing "Follow the Prophet". We were confused at first but realized the beard and clothes the tour guide was wearing look like they are from the prophet pictures haha.

The Amish had an event (don't know how everyone comes ontime if they don't have batteries or electricity for clocks) but their parking made us laugh. How would you ever tell which one is yours? We also learned when they are 16 the parents buy them a buggy and a horse. Just the buggy costs about 8000 dollars and if you get the upgrades (a windshield wiper worked by hand) it's 9000. Wow! As expensive as my first car!

The best icecream!

Brayden thought it was hilarious to almost be licked by the cows.. the other three not so much.

Storytime with grandma

The next day we went to Gettysburg.. I think I learned more in one day then in my whole civil war history class. I had no idea Gettysburg was a city not a field. We took the care tour and listened to a tape as we drove around the city. Below is a picture of a panaramic picture that lit up in different places throughout the story.

Top of the scenic view my mom made me go up 100 stairs to see.

Texas Roadhouse.. good but the service here is better (my hubby)

It was so sad to leave. Cam tried to hide in the car by Brynley and started crying when his dad tried to get him out. This started everyone else crying.. I just have to keep thinking they are coming for Thanksgiving thankfully :)

Summer with friends

2011-09-12T17:53:00.000-06:00

The girls in my ward I grew up with planned a pedicure. I love pedicures and catching up with each other. After this pedicure though Laura and I both got a staph infection on our legs. Super gross! I've heard horror stories about getting warts or an infection and well it was pretty gross.

Boating with Bryce and Megan

The guys enjoying the hot shower on the boat after cold morning wakeboarding.

I think Megan was a little bit cold haha

Gerber daisies Drew surprised me with. My favorite flower and one of our wedding flowers.

My 4th of July craft thanks to Maria :). I just recently found wood connection and oh my goodness I love it. I will post more crafts I've done later.

Campfire at Pyper and Kyle's place

24th of July fireworks and BBQ with the Vernos.

Days of 47 rodeo with Drew's mission companion Courtney and his wife. At the end they surprised everyone with a dirt bike show.

We've had such a fun summer and I'm not ready for it to end and school to start tomorrow :(

4th of July #2

2011-09-10T17:28:00.004-06:00

I finally got the rest of the 4th of July pictures from my mom's camera.

Second night at the rodeo with my dad's brother Roland and his family.

Love the fireworks after the rodeo

I always think it's crazy when the cowboy takes his "re ride" after the first horse fell down on him.

Drew is a good support to enjoy my favorite weekend of every year :)

The kids rodeo set up

Brynley on the sheep

Landon on the sheep

Chasing the cows to get the money taped on them. You can't help but laugh when the cow changes direction and plows people over.

Movie time

Can't wait until next year.

Redfish

2011-08-27T11:27:00.009-06:00

Trip to Redfish lake with Drew's family. The pictures are in random order because I borrowed some from Robin and Crystal.

The last morning we went on a boat ride at 7am.. yes 7am and it was freezing!

Dinner at the lodge.

Kayaking.. Drew and I tipped twice and it was freezing! When Clarissa and I went up (or tried to go up) the river together we were so exhausted after awhile and long story short we both came down on top of the upside down kayak laughing.

Such a beautiful area!

The morning boat ride again

Campfire

Love going to Redfish and hope we can go again soon!

Family Pictures with the Putnams

2011-08-26T20:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Josh's sister we have all of these great pictures taken at Redfish lake

Crystal's cute family

4th of July

2011-08-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

My favorite holiday is always the 4th of July because I am a big fan of traditions and I love our tradition on the 4th! This was the first year without Matt and his family and our friends the Verno's so it was a little different but still really fun. I absolutely love rodeos, parades, the kids rodeo, and hanging out at the cabin four wheeling.

Ready for the rodeo night 1

I can't believe how big Nixon is getting! Mom and Landon
The first rodeo we went with my aunt Janeal and her family.

My cousin Ariel parked her car in this field and after the rodeo we were debating if she was going to be stuck. Sure enough she was so her two brothers went and were pushing the car while mud was covering them. Come to find out her emergency break was on the whole time haha.

The Oakley parade with my dad's brother Roland and his wife and my cousin Katie and her kids.

My patriotic glitter toes

I love the Oakley parade because not only do they throw out candy but they hand out pizza, drinks, frisbees, toothbrushes, water bottles, popcorn, etc. I also love it because we were in it most years when we were younger and can't wait for the nephews and neice to be in it in a couple years.

The pooper scoopers

This girl had a pet pig.. her lucky mom

The kids rodeo

Chasing the chickens while Erin is praying her kids don't get one.

The rest of the pictures are on my moms camera so they will be coming later :)

2011-08-13T11:19:00.002-06:00

Drew's cousin Austin had his mission farewell in Jerome so we headed up to Idaho for the weekend back in June. On the way home we stopped by Shoshone falls.

At Landon's baseball game hanging out with Brynley.

Trip to Arizona/ Matt's Graduation

2011-08-12T12:55:00.001-06:00

My brother was graduating from Midwestern University in Arizona. He told us he was speaking and when we asked why he said he didn't know. He was keeping the big secret that he was graduating first in his class from medical school! When my dad spilled the secret we decided we couldn't miss it. Erin and I decided we wanted to surprise him so before he left Utah we both told him we were really sorry we couldn't make it. Drew and I drove down to Phoenix with Erin and Jason and got there at about 11pm. We went to surprise Matt while he was sleeping but he told us his figured we were coming the whole time. So much for the surprise at least we tried. After surprising him we went over to Apple Bees then to the hotel. Matt gave a perfect talk during graduation and we all went to Olive Garden after. From Olive Garden we drove home.. it was a ton of driving but so worth it and fun to say goodbye for a second time. His family is now moved to PA and I'm excited I get to visit next week!

Brayden digging for gold haha

Matt giving his speech. So proud to call him my brother! I am forsure missing

him and his family already.

Love his cute boys!

I'm sure my dad is going to miss seeing Matt's family all the time. He had bussiness customers in Arizona so he flew probably once a month and drove Matt's family back and forth countless times. My parents are always our biggest fans.

Hawaii

2011-07-27T12:22:00.018-06:00

Finally blogging about Hawaii! It was such a fun trip full of adventures.

Hawaii airport.. that flight is a bad one especially the red eye coming home.
We showed up to pick up our rental car and they took us to these huge grandpa boats. When I saw them I thought no way am I cruising around Hawaii in that actually I wouldn't even cruise around home in one. I knew Drew would have the same reaction so I waited and finally he said um what can we upgrade to. In the end Drew was really happy and I secretly was too.

Our first condo where we spent two nights in Waikiki

Our challenger (maybe it's a charger) for the week :)

Leonards Bakery donut type things. They were delicious!

A restaurant we ate at on the beach. No wonder all the food is so expensive

you can't beat the view.

You grill your own food.. good idea to not have to hire as many cooks

and Drew obviously loved it.

The best picture I could get of Waikiki at night.

Whales someone made out of sand. They looked pretty realistic.

Shopping at the International Market Place. Drew loved to bargain but I feel ghetto. By the end up the trip we had different hand signals to say if I really wanted it or not and I was not allowed to talk and had to be able to walk away from anything.

It was amazing to watch this guy make all of these beach pictures with spray paint. We ended up buying one and love it but cannot find a frame for it.

Shopping in Waikiki at lots of stores I've only seen in movies.

Drew loves ferraris

I love watching surfers! We never had time to surf or boogie board

although I'm terrified of sharks anyways.

Crabs

I love him

All I could handle

The swap meet. I loved it!

Our second condo where we spent the rest of the time. The view from our balcony. Nothing better than eating breakfast listening to the waves.

Costco pizza for lunch! It was actually the same price as here

which was a steal in Hawaii.

Trimming the trees

The best snowcones in the world hands down. My dad introduced me to it on my first Hawaii trip and I had to take Drew. Worth every penny and every second of driving to the North Shore.

Sunset beach. We tried to find Jack Johnsons house on the North Shore but no luck.

Turtle Bay Resort.. had to visit just incase the bachelorette was being filmed here.

The Hawaii temple is so beautiful! We went to the visitors center and ended up meeting a senior missionary with the same last name as Drew's grandpa. Come to find out his grandparents were there a couple weeks prior and they met also and realized they had the same name.

Why did I not go to school here?

Polynesian Cultural Center in the Samoa village. We have never laughed so hard at some of the presentations when we tried to involve Chinese tourists who didn't speak English.

Drew thinks he could do this.. I think you have to be polynesian to do it haha.

Trying to find a husband for my sister in law Clarissa :).

The luau for dinner.

I love getting Leis. We sat next to this older couple from Australia and we got to learn a lot about Australia and they gave us their info if we ever visit. We also learned not everyone had tried root beer. They kept hearing about root beer so we grabbed them a glass to try. In the end they said it was disgusting and tasted like a mixture between cough syrup and something else. Bummer.. I thought everyone loved rootbeer.

We were getting bored waiting for it to start so we played "surprise face".

An awful picture but they are Drew's favorite treat in Hawaii. I think they are called a strawberry delight served only at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The view coming out of the elevator.

Drew ready to protect me with his scuba knife from the cruise strapped to his leg. This knife is soon going to disappear though because I found it under my pillow the other day. Apparently he wants it easily accessible because we live sorta in the ghetto but I thought I should be warned about this instead of getting comfy with an arm under my pillow and pulling out a massive knife.

Hawaii part 2

2011-07-27T12:00:00.013-06:00

On our way to dinner and the Waikiki fireworks.

I don't understand why Drew always says he can't look at the camera while he's driving ;)
We had to go back for a second try just to make sure they were as good as the first time.

Had to get a picture of the box so we could recommend it to others and

go back someday if we make it back to Hawaii.

Fireworks

Yum! I love cheeseburger in paradise! So worth the drive into town.

The next day we decided to hike diamond head and go to Hanauma Bay.

So bloody hot!

The views from the top were beautiful. I don't know if they were worth so many blasted stairs and a small dark tunnel though. Drew put up with a lot of whining because we chose the hottest part of the day and I don't pour gallons of sweat to cool my body like he does. As you can tell from later pictures I turn into a tomatoe.

Waikiki is so beautiful. I'm a city person forsure and Drew isn't so we compromised this trip.

We found a snowcone! Nothing beats Matsumotos though.

Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling was a blast! It was amazing how many different things

could live in this little cove. A must see with every visit to Hawaii!

Drew was very patient with me needing breaks from snorkeling

when I got sea sick from the waves.

The cutest little boy!

We looked over and the lifeguards had pulled an unconscious man out of the ocean and were starting to bag him. Although their technique was giving me a heart attack we think they saved him. He had lots of water coming out of his mouth by the end when they took him to the ambulance. It's such a different atmosphere.. nobody was rushed not even the EMTs when they arrived. One lifeguard after said, "wow I've never had to do anything that was scary". Not very comforting good thing we could both swim pretty well.

Gas was outrageous! Obviously Costco was the cheapest haha.

Our condo is on the right.

Does anyone know what these are? They look soft but they are pretty hard.

I worked so hard to catch the wave like that.

The beach dwellers otherwise known as homeless.

If I were homeless I would prefer a beach front tent.

Hawaii part 3

2011-07-27T11:42:00.009-06:00

We found this ornament at the Pineapple Plantation. Last Christmas my dad gave all of the kids an ornament and we were so excited when we found it there that we bought a partner for it for our FAKE tree this year.

Golfing on the North Shore. I'm not a big fan of golfing because it steals my hubby away but when it's in Hawaii I'm perfectly willing to watch especially if the day ends with Italian food. Although there were no golf carts available and I was super sweaty and sunburnt by the end of the day. Drew was determined to get a coconut out of the tree.. he tried climbing.. and throwing many many old coconuts in the direction.

Soon after his many failed attempts at knocking down a coconut we turned

around and there was a midget coconut tree where he just reached up and picked one off.

If you can't get a coconut open just break it with a golf club.

Although windy, isn't that the best view while golfing?

The gorgeous sunset while we were driving home!

More of the beach outside our condo.

We went snorkeling numerous times right outside of our condo and one time Drew forgot to take off his wedding ring and realized later when we were playing ping pong. He could tell how sad I was and went and got his snorkel stuff on and said he wasn't coming in until he found it. Well obviously the ocean won and bye bye wedding ring. Eventually Drew came back and I tried really hard to just get over it. A couple weeks ago we finally replaced his wedding ring (I've worked in the restaurant business and it's very important to have a wedding ring visible at all times ;)) with a less expensive one from ebay. Not so romantic as the first but it'll do.

I love snorkeling but the fun is all ruined when I try to come through my hair after.

We both had never buried someone in the sand so even though

we looked like kids we checked it off our buckets lists.

Every night we were at the condo we sat in the hot tub.. my favorite!

and played ping pong..

The middle of the airport.

We had such a fun trip and were sad to come home. Drew is such a fun travel buddy.

I can't wait to use our vacation club some other exotic place!

Drew's Birthday and Mother's Day

2011-07-27T11:34:00.007-06:00

Drew's birthday was on a Sunday this year and I always dread Sunday birthdays because you can't go out to eat so I tried to make a restaurant style breakfast with bacon and everything. He even slept through the bacon smell and was surprised when I came to get him from bed.

Not only did Drew have his birthday on Sunday but it was on Mother's Day too. Drew shared his celebration with his mom, his sister Crystal who is a mom, his sister Clarissa who has the same birthday, and his nephew Thomas who has a birthday around the same time. Needless to say, with all of the celebrating we spent the day with Drew's family.

BBQ tools for Drew's new toy

The knives we gave Lyssa

Our present to Thomas

Thomas opened new socks and was so excited until someone broke it to him they were Drew's size and just wrapped wrong.

The birthday twins

I was impressed Drew's mom made 3 seperate cakes so Drew, Clarissa, and Thomas could all have their favorite.

Can't believe he's 25!

Today I asked him why he looked drugged in all of the pictures
and he said he was just tired.. who knows..

We made a quick visit to my mom's later to wish her a Happy Mother's Day. I love my mom so much and hope one day I can be half what my mom is to me to my children. She is one of my best friends and I love spending time with her!

Father's Day

2011-06-19T01:15:00.004-06:00

It's officially Father's Day and I'm at work reading everyone's facebook status' about how much they love their dad and wanted to join in. I am so lucky to have my dad and well my whole family for that matter. Here is a list of my favorite things about my dad:

He has helped/encouraged all of us kids through college.

The way he respects and treats my mom. My mom always has to be careful when she says she likes something because he'll bring it home for her the next day.

How happy he gets when you say thanks with a package of sunflower seeds of mambas.

He can always fix anything whether its a car or your problems in life.

He can tell you when you are being too emotional about something and to just get over it in a nice way.

When he says "I'm always so happy when you come to visit" while squeezing your cheek and gritting his teeth. Even though it hurts and I have to grit my teeth to bear it I love it because thats how he shows he really loves you.

He has always supported me through everything even when I refused to run for talking to much in soccer practice when he was my coach.

The way he loves BYU football. He turns into a completely different person when he is watching.

He would do anything for anyone. I can't even count the times he has driven to Arizona to help my brother or dropped everything he is doing to fix our cars.

He is the best grandpa to my neice and nephews. He is at almost every baseball game or dance performance they have coaching and cheering.

He and my mom let me tag along when Drew is working.

He plans the best vacations!

I could keep going but don't want to make anyone jealous. Just kidding. I do have an awesome dad though and want to wish him a Happy Father's Day even though he never checks my blog :).

Drew's Graduation

2011-06-14T23:25:00.006-06:00

Yay! He's a college graduate! Drew graduated on May 5th from the

University of Utah in Exercise and Sports Science.

So proud of him! Now onto trying to find a job in medical sales..

Drew and Joni. One of Drew's best friends wife graduated in the same major.

Accepting the diploma

Drew's family

My family.. Matt and Nats and their kids were also there but had to leave before pictures. Thanks for being there for us!

After graduation we all went to Olive Garden. Yum!

Later that night we went over to Drew's parents to open his graduation gift.

A new grill!

Thanks for the grill and helping us set it up!

We have already used it once and loved it! Even though we looked ghetto rolling it out of our garage to BBQ our burgers. Makes us really want a house so we can have lots of barbeques!

Catching up.. again

2011-05-19T21:00:00.004-06:00

Because I am not in the mood to do homework I decided to start updating my blog since I haven't since March. One Sunday night we were having dinner with my family and my dad asked me to read a story to everyone. The story was touching but we were all a little confused why we read this random story. My dad went back into his room and brought out this beautiful framed picture and told us the story we just read was the story behind this picture. We have it hanging in our room already. Thanks dad!

My only easter decoration... we bought it after easter so Drew let me keep it

up until June haha.
Kauner's baseball game. He is the youngest on his team but forsure has a talent
for baseball. It will be fun to see how far his talent goes.

Already missing my brothers family and they've only been gone a
little over a week :(. Can't wait to visit PA!

Easter at my parents... decorating eggs.

Easter present from my parents. I love getting presents that remind us

what Easter or Christmas are really about.

Love these kids!

Easter egg hunt

Even though I had to bribe her to get a picture she's still adorable.

Love spending holidays together

My first haircut I gave Drew. It took forever but I think I did a pretty good job after Drew talked me through everything.

The beginning of the vacation

2011-04-09T14:25:00.010-06:00

Waiting at the airport

Our hotel in Fort Lauderdale. After we all got there we went to eat at Dave and Busters.

Our cruise ship room. Our view was over the Promenade where the shops and parades take place. The kids rooms were all right in a row and my parents just down the hall.

Finally here! The beds were super comfy and it was amazing being rocked to sleep every night. The first couple days it was pretty windy and you could feel the boat rocking which made walking entertaining. After the first couple days you couldn't tell you were on a boat the weather was perfect.

Sporting our lifejackets before the drill

The hangout place was my parents room

In Miami waiting for the ship to leave and Jason showing off his guns.

Miami

The main pool deck. The first night we watched march madness on the huge screen and sat in the hot tub pleasing both parties haha.

They had Shrek, Fiona, and a couple other disney characters on the ship.

Oh how I miss the strawberry daquiris

The flowrider was a big hit. The guys loved doing it and I liked watching people try to do it.

Jason

Matt

Drew

The first dinner

The first formal dinner

This guy was a comedian and singer. He was absolutely hilarious and did the best impressions.

I love Drew! He takes such good care of me and spoils me.

Lava flow

Always love the towel animals.

The Promenade

80s dance party

St. Thomas

2011-04-09T14:01:00.006-06:00

In St. Thomas we all went to Sapphire beach and went snorkeling. The beach was pretty but not a whole lot to see while snorkeling. We did go over a reef and got in trouble because it was only about a foot under and we could get hurt.

Everytime I snorkel it takes me awhile to get used to it. I will always swallow a couple mouth fulls of salt water and try breathing through my nose.

On the way back to our ship the bus stopped and showed us the view. It is gorgeous! Our ship is the one in back.

After snorkeling hair for everyone

My hair was an absolute rats nest. It took me and my mom and conditioner left in to get through my hair.

The view from the top deck as the boat was pulling away

The ice skating show on the ship. They were all amazing even on such a small ice rink.

St. Maarten

2011-04-09T13:46:00.008-06:00

St. Maarten was beautiful! The port was on the Dutch side and the excursion was on the French side. Dad took all the girls to a beach and lunch and the guys went scuba diving.

Padded beach chairs.. it doesn't get better than that. Since the beach was on the French side there were people that wore their birthday suits. We all wore our dark sunglasses so we could watch, tap each other, and try not to laugh when someone walked by with a birthday suit. Most the people wearing birthday suits should have been wearing a one piece with more if you know what I mean. It was pretty funny but we were glad the guys weren't there.

The beach was the prettiest beach I've ever seen!

Lunch was delicious too

I have the best dad! Not only did he take our family on the perfect vacation he also is there anytime someone needs him no matter the time. Like the night my computer got a virus he stayed up and fixed it so I could finish my homework. He and my mom are also my examples for charity. Instead of being frugal with money for tips or souvenirs they would always say they need it more than we do. I also consider both of my parents friends which I know a lot of kids can't say that but they are the ones I like to hang out with when Drew is at work. I hope I can be the kind of parents they are when I have kids.

My dad brought the guys this shirt as a souvenir of scuba diving because they we're able to take pictures. I am terrified of scuba diving.. I don't like breathing my own air in a small space, I don't like breathing through my mouth period, and I don't like fish and sharks up close.. needless to say scuba is not for me. I was excited Drew had people to scuba with but terrified at the same time. I know I'm paranoid but I had a right to be because I love my husband and my brothers and have heard horror stories. I was nervous and praying the whole day but turns out they survived and had a blast! Even though Drew got sea sick and threw up off the side of the boat he also had a blast. They were able to see a shark, an eel, a huge stingray, a huge lobster, a ship wreck, and a reef.

He is wiped out

In Haiti the whole family rented wave runners. We did it on our honeymoon in San Diego but we were in a bay and so we couldn't go far or very fast. This time Drew finally just told me to be quiet and hold on. It was crazy but fun!

Puerto Rico Day

2011-04-03T21:47:00.004-06:00

We had a half day in Puerto Rico and since most of us had already been there we decided to just wander and shop. We found sling shots which were a hit with the neice and nephews and a couple other little things.

Drew loves the architecture because it "looks like Italy" haha. Back on the boat we layed out and got ready for the second formal dinner.

I already miss having all of my meals fixed for me :)

Nats and Erin

All of the chefs

We watched the game show Quest and it was hilarious. There were teams and they would give points to the team that could find something the fastest. Some of the things they asked for were an empty woman's purse (of course the guys just dumped it up side down), a suntan line, foreign money (all money was foreign because we were in the ocean), and a sock with a hole (they all have holes for your foot to go into). The cruise director was the announcer his accent made it even better.

The castle in Puerto Rico

A hot tub that goes out over the ship's side over the ocean.

My favorite.. the frozen yogurt machine. There was at least one required a day especially because they had strawberry and vanilla swirl.. mmm.

My dad got called up to be part of the juggler/ comedian's show and the first thing he told him to do was to put this cigarette in his mouth. It wasn't lit but we all started laughing so hard that he didn't quite know how to do it. After he had it in his mouth he juggled bowling pins closer and closer to his face until it knocked the cigarette out. The second man they had come up he was going to juggle knives over. He covered his eyes with a towel and then while talking asked what he did for a job and when he said attorney the audience couldn't stop laughing. While the man's face was covered he said oops and dropped a cup on the guys stomach but the guy figured it was a knife and freaked out. Hope all that typing made sense.. guess you had to be there.

A bar tender from Belarus my dad and brother kept giving a hard time but she made great strawberry daiquiris.

Day in Haiti

2011-04-03T20:23:00.007-06:00

Royal Carribean has a private peninsula in Haiti called Labadee. Labadee is gorgeous and has probably the best beach we went to the whole time. We all went on wave runners, had a BBQ lunch, snorkeled, floated on beach mats and went shopping. The wave runners were a blast in the ocean! I figured out the best way to snorkel.. laying on a beach mat with Drew snorkeling and when he led me to something neat I would dip my face in to see it with my mask. The shops had mainly wood carvings but the people were so pushy it made me nervous to go into very many stores. We bought vanilla and two wood cups with our names carved in them.

Pictures don't do justice for how big a cruise ship is. So pretty! More pictures to come on the wave runners when I scan them. The ground was so hot we burnt our feet walking to the wave runners and Natalie actually got blisters.

The floating beach mats which provide the perfect way to snorkel

Matt and Nats

Jay and Erin

Drew and I

Mom and Dad

There were live bands playing everywhere. I love listening to island music.

The water in the carribbean can't be compared to anything.The whole family

Drew snorkeling

The three boys snorkeling. They saw squid, octopus, crabs, and lots of fish in a reef only 2 feet under the surface.

My dad and I

We decided to take pictures while the guys watched March Madness in one of the karaoke bars. If you "get" to watch basketball I can't think of a better place than on a cruise ship with a strawberry daiquiri.

I taught my sister and mom how to do surprise face and they were pretty entertained haha.

My family

Zoned out watching the game

This picture makes me so happy

I wore Drew out by the end of everyday. No time to sleep on vacations.

The top deck of the ship at night.

How they make a monkey out of a towel I don't know but it's pretty cool.

Final day

2011-04-03T11:34:00.007-06:00

Our last day on the cruise was an at sea day. We were so bummed we were already going home. The vacation went so fast and we were both going back to work and a lot of homework.

Taking final pictures of the ship. The captain and others walked a mile around the ship for the make a wish foundation and sold t-shirts to raise money. Our first formal dinner picture

The sports area of the ship. It had a flow rider, basketball, golf, and a rock climbing wall.

I won our put put game :)

The casino on the ship. Drew loved watching people loose money and watching the game in person he plays on his phone all the time (texas hold'em).

The Royal Promenade or mall where they had different sales every day, Ben and Jerrys ice cream, stores, the 24 hour cafes, and parades.

The dining room we ate in each night.

Our server Aileen from the Philippines. My brother went there on his mission and she was shocked when a "white boy" could speak Tagalog. She was hilarious and made dinner fun every night.

The last night she had one of the chef's make us this Philippino dish and it was delicious!

The sunset was gorgeous over perfect water.

The family minus Erin who was sick with our waitress Aileen and assistant waiter Stephen. They thought we were crazy because we didn't drink or have coffee and we ate a ton of sour dough bread every meal. Like we each at least ate four rolls each every dinner.

Drew loved his first cruise and we can't wait to go on another.

The last night's entertainment was a circus type of thing. They had dancing, acrobats, and singing.

Drew let us go all out the last night and get a strawberry daiquiri and Ben and Jerry's ice cream in a waffle cone.. amazing!

It was fun to go on the top deck and feel the breeze and listen to music at night.

When we were in Fort Lauderdale before the airport we stopped and ate Church's chicken. Drew loves this place from his mission and was so excited to eat there.

Our layover in Arizona

We had a blast on our cruise! We loved spending time with each other and family while experiencing new things. It was perfect because I could lay out all day with my sisters and mom while Drew and my brothers went off and stayed busy because they were stir crazy. I'm sad it's over but glad we were able to go and have the vacation of a lifetime. Thanks mom and dad!

Quick Note

2011-03-29T09:38:00.002-06:00

I have been horrible with my blog since Christmas so I decided to post at work and then I'll post the cruise pictures this weekend. We just got back from our cruise yesterday and it was the perfect vacation I am sad to be home! The weather was great and it was so much fun being with my family. I am so excited Drew finally got to experience and cruise and find out for himself how fabulous they are! We are going up to the cabin this weekend for General Conference and I am planning on downloading all of our pictures and doing a major blog update. I have almost survived my first semester back at school and yes it's been as bad as I thought it would be. The work isn't hard but there is just so much busy work I can never get on top of it even when I don't procrastinate. I don't feel like I've really learned anything I didn't learn in nursing school but I am told one day I will be glad I went back to get my BSN. I do have to say though I have gained a whole new respect for moms who work full time and go to school! I don't know how they do it. I am working full time and going to school without kids and I feel like I am always wishing each day had 30 hours. Trying to finish all my homework before the cruise was a joke and so I am finishing up this week and then I will have time to blog! I miss the days of coming home from work and going out with friends or just watching a movie. Drew has been so patient with rare home cooked meals and running out of laundry.

Cabin Trip

2011-01-23T15:32:00.007-07:00

Every year we go up to my family's cabin for the week between Christmas and New Years. We love sledding, eating, and playing games up there. This year we tried pulling sleds behind the snowmobile so we didn't have to pick the kids up at the bottom of the hill.

Kauner and Landon

Brynley and Cameron
This picture is my favorite.. they are best buddies and Cameron is getting the booggers with his tongue.

Nats and Drew

Drew and my snow angels

Decorating the gingerbread house

Cameron eating icing straight from the bag

Oh I love him!

Erin and Jay

Attempting to take a picture together and my nostrils flared

Again with the nostril flaring but we had no decent pictures

Nats and Cameron

Erin, Brynley and Cam

Bum sliding because the hill is so steep you go right into the tree.. found out the hard way

Painting nativity sets

I look forward to this week every year! I love spending time with my family and can't wait for the cruise... family and laughing for 10 days straight :)

Christmas 2010

2011-01-23T14:40:00.006-07:00

Since I had to work Christmas I sent Drew with the camera to his family because I wanted to make sure everyone liked their presents.

While I was working Drew text me and said he was outside my unit to say hi. I was so excited he came to visit me. When I walked out his parents and Danielle and Clarissa were around the corner to surprise me too. They brought these veggie trays and candy bars for all the nurses in the NICU working Christmas. It was such a good surprise! They are so thoughtful and sweet to come visit me it made my day. Drew came up later to eat hospital food with me too.. what a sacrifice to eat hospital food on Christmas with me haha.

Bella is so stinkin cute!

Clarissa and Sophie

Drew helping Thomas put together the legos we got him

The picture frame all the kids got Richard.. they even planned another trip to Redfish because he saw pictures of last year on the frame.. so the present is benefitting us too.

After I got off work we drove up to Ogden to go to the last part of my family party. We ate dinner and talked with family then came home at 11:30 and opened our Christmas presents for each other. Not really the 1st Christmas married I wanted but we still got time with each other.

Our sunglasses from our stockings

Drew thought he needed as many swimming suits as I claim to need for our cruise so we settled with 2 new swimming suits.

I had such a hard time choosing stockings for us so we went with these ones for this year and maybe next week we can order the ones with our names on them.

I love the Christmas Season! Can't wait for next year!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-04T17:07:00.012-07:00

On Christmas Eve we went to breakfast at Drew's parents, iceskating, to my parents for lunch, and Heber with my Dad's side for dinner. Every Christmas since I can remember we have had Danish Pastry. I look forward to it every year and am slowly learning how to make it with my mom each year. My family celebrates their Christmas on Christmas Eve because Christmas Day is usually with inlaws. My dad is also from Germany and that's their big day to celebrate.

First we read the Christmas story

Poor Brayden broke his collar bone falling off a bed so he has had to learn to use his left hand for everything.

All the nephews and neice bribed to smile before they got there presents. I love these kiddos!

Opening presents
Kauner got a Nerf gun which was the main hit at the cabin later.

My mom is the hardest person to shop for because she never wants anything. I was doing my online shopping and came across this ginsu knife set and knew my mom never stops talking about her ginsu knives. I was so excited to find a present she really wanted but never knew it haha. Her excitement made my day.

Binnie with her new American Girl Doll

My dad made each of us this book about our trip to Holland Lake last summer. It was so fun looking at pictures and talking about memories.

My dad also gave us a cruise book he put together with all the cruise info and excursions to choose from. Along with the book we got our cruise tickets and a coupon for money to use on the cruise! So excited it's only 2 1/2 months away. I think cruises are the best vacations and I'm excited for Drew to experience his first cruise. Aw can't wait!!!

We also got a GPS for Christmas from my parents for vacations and because I always get lost. We have loved it already!

Me and Erin

Nats, Erin, Brynley, and me

Brynley was told she could only stay in the pictures if she smiled.. from the next couple pictures you can tell that didn't happen

All the Eysser girls and my best friends :)

We went up to Heber to my uncles Roland's house and fooseball was a big hit

They played a 2 on 2 and all of them were so competitive over fooseball that they had sweat dripping down their faces

Every year we have huge sub sandwiches for dinner and then play the candy bar game while someone reads the "right" and "left" story. Somepeople can't keep up and it's funny seeing how many candy bars they end up with by the end of the story. We also do a white elephant gift exchange with another story. This year we were supposed to bring gag gifts instead of nice ones.

Santa has come the last two years and then finally we sing Silent Night in English and German to end the night. I love Christmas Eve every year.

Brayden was not a fan of santa haha

Nixon

Brynley would actually talk to santa this year. Last year she spent the time bawling.

Nats got this Hershey towel from the white elephant and was excited cause they are moving to Hershey, Penn in June

Roland got live fish.. what a good idea!

Drew got toilet paper and I got a candy bra.. embarrassing. Everybody thought it was hilarious. It's even better because my aunt bought the candy bra at the german store haha.

Earlier during the day we had scones at the Putnam's and went ice skating at the Galivan center. We haven't been ice skating for a couple years so it was fun to try again.

Drew and his skills

Clarissa was dragged off the wall by Drew and Danielle. She did really good but her face in this picture is hilarious.

Clarissa and Danielle

We had such a fun Christmas Eve! We made the most of it and went with both families because

I had to work Christmas Day.

Brynley's Dance Performance/ Girls Day/ Cabin

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We went up to the cabin after a big storm and it had blown the top of a pine tree off and it went like a dart through the deck.. crazy! (You can see the tree sticking out of the bottom of the deck right in the middle of the picture)

Crazy amount of snow up to my hip almost in the parking lot
We had a girls day with Robin, Crystal, Danielle, and Clarissa thanks to Richard. It was a blast! We went and got pedicures, went to lunch at Texas Roadhouse while Drew was working, and went shopping at Southtown Mall. We didn't know but it was the second busiest shopping day of the year so there were lots of sales! I'm so glad I got to join in on the Putnam family girls day!

I was told several times that I needed a manicure :(. Oh how I would love having fake nails again.. guess work is more important.

Our cute toes!

At Texas Roadhouse (we should have gotten the hot server in the picture:) )

Brynley had her first dance recital. She is so stinkin cute and she was so excited and proud! We went out to pizza after with the whole family and I got called off work so finally I didn't miss something because of work.

Brynley and Aunt Janny

She felt so special because she got to wear real makeup

My Birthday!

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I turned 23 on December 10th.. getting old! I have always told Drew I hate having a December birthday because it just gets mixed in with Christmas. My parents were good to not combine gifts growing up but so many times people would just say this is your birthday and Christmas and it has always been a pet peeve. Anyways, Drew is good to make it separate from Christmas so I'm grateful. I guess I wasn't thinking when I got married because my birthday, Christmas, and anniversary are all within a month!

Drew took me to incredible pizza for my birthday and we had lunch and played arcade games. We ended up buying the huge glasses with our tickets for our keepsake. After lunch we went to a movie, shopping at the mall, and then to dinner at Olive Garden with both of our parents. I love love Olive Garden and choose to go there every birthday. Thanks for all the birthday wishes and to my family and drew's parents for gifts and dinner!

My favorite game show is Deal or No Deal so we both had to play it. Believe it or not it's still stressful when it's for tickets not money! Drew won 15 tickets and I won 75 tickets.

Bringing in the new year!

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Since I am working and can't download and recent pictures I decided to blog about the memories from 2010 and what exciting things are going to happen in 2011

2010 Things To Remember

Our wedding! I can't believe it's almost been a year. I remember that cutting the cake and throwing the bouquet are not as easy as they look. It was fun to see alot of people I haven't seen forever.

Our honeymoon! San Diego is gorgeous and our hotel was so close to the beach. We loved going for walks on the beach. We also saw a seal swimming next to us when we were on the wave runner it was incredible!

Lots of friends getting married. It was fun to be able to go to the temple and witness the weddings finally!

I passed the NCLEX and Drew put up with me during my studying. I had been dreading the NCLEX day since the first day of nursing school and it was finally over!

I started a new job. At times the hours are rough and I complain but I am so lucky to have gotten my dream job right out of school. I love working in the NICU and being able to see miracles happen.

Drew and I both got to experience each others family reunions. Drew's was at redfish lake in Idaho and mine was at Holland Lake in Montana. It was fun to get to know people better and finally understand the family reunions we have been trying describe to each other for a long time. In Montana we also got to sleep in a tent for the first time together and I don't think I have ever laughed that hard... I am forsure a bigger camper then Drew.

My nephew Nixon was born in Feb! He is the cutest and happiest baby there is. I feel so lucky to be able to call my family my best friends.

Drew had surgery and I got to be his nurse afterwards. I was excited beforehand but it was rough during. I hated seeing him in so much pain and not being able to take it away. We stayed at his parents which was fun but I don't ever want to see Drew like that again.. it broke my heart.

Reunions with friends. Some friends from elementary school started doing dinner together so we could catch up. It has been really fun seeing girls I haven't seen since 6th grade. We also went to a highschool reunion with close friends from highschool yesterday and it was lots of fun. So many memories I feel like I should still be in highschool where does time go?

We've had a great year together and are excited to see what the future holds!

Things to look forward to in 2011

Our 1 year anniversary is on the 2nd! Holy cow time flies. Drew switched shifts at work so we could spend the whole day together. Drew is so perfect for me and I'm lucky I got him :).

Drew graduates this spring! He is graduating in exercise and sports science. He is so excited to be done with school and move on with life.

I am going back to school next week.. bummer. But the only good thing is that I will graduate in December! It's full time all year but it'll be worth it is what I have to keep telling myself.

We are going on a cruise in March! This cruise has been booked since before we got married and it's finally almost 2 months away! We are going to the Eastern Carribbean with my family. Drew has never been on a cruise and I am so excited for him to love it as much as I do.

Drew turns 25! We can finally go on vacation and rent a car!

Because we can rent a car we are going to Hawaii! We earned free plane tickets with our credit card so we decided we had to go to Hawaii. It's Drews birthday and graduation present we can't wait!

We also have more fun vacations in the summer. We are going to Arizona to see my brother graduate from medical school. Wahoo! Then we are headed to the cabin for the 4th of July. Then up to Redfish after that. Finally, we want to make a trip to Oregon to visit friends and because Drew decided we are Oregon fans since we don't agree on Byu vs Utah.

I am already excited I don't have to work next Christmas!! I have been dreading that I had to work Christmas since I was hired in March.. now it's over and next year hopefully I won't have to work 5 holiday shifts because I missed out on alot this year.

We are excited for this year and are excited to eat our red velvet cake on Sunday that we have saved for a year!