Christmas #1

This holiday season Jeff and I spent a lot of time traveling. We had so much family to see that we ended up celebrating 4 separate Christmas's all on different days. We spent the first Christmas at our apartment in Dallas because we didn't want to drag all our Christmas gifts on the plane. Jeff and I set everything up the night before and Lexi was so excited when she came out of her room and saw her presents. My parents bought her a play kitchen and her jaw dropped when she saw it. She has always loved playing with kitchens and we decided that it was time she had one of her own. She also got a children's mp3 player and some accessories for her kitchen. Jeff got me many wonderful surprises including a jewelry box, a running jacket, a watch, and oh a diamond ring (for our anniversary). My gifts for him didn't even compare. What a great guy he is. One Christmas down, only 3 more to go.

Christmas #2

Christmas #2 was celebrated on Jeff's birthday, December 20th in Boise. We flew in on the 19th to celebrate with Jeff's sisters Courtney and Kris because they had to work over the holidays and were unable to leave for Christmas. The trip was lot's of fun, but the funniest part was watching Lexi interact with all the dogs. There were 3 dogs for her to play with and she had so much fun. We are definitly going to have to get our own dog one of these days. I was also very excited because I got to see my friend Amber who moved from Texas about 4 months ago. After her husband graduated from chiropractic school here in Dallas, they moved to Boise to open a practice there. Lucky for us, they were only about a 30 minute drive and so we got to spend an evening with Amber, her husband, and their 2 cute kids. It was such a great trip and although we were sad that Kris and Courtney couldn't make the trip to Utah with us, we felt lucky that we could celebrate a "mock" Christmas with them a few days early. Now, on to Utah for another Christmas celebration.

Christmas #3

Christmas #3 was celebrated on Christmas day at Jeff's sister Joni's house. We spent about 5 very busy days in Roy, Utah with Jeff's family. During those five days we not only celebrated Christmas but we also celebrated Jeff's niece Kaylee's birthday, my birthday, and Kaylee's baptism. It was definitly a very snowy and full five days. Jeff enjoyed watching many movies and playing video games with his brother-in-law Josh, and Lexi had a ball with all of her cousins. Her and Breanna became partners in crime playing on the bunk beds and having tea party's together. Thanks to the Jones family for such a fun Christmas. Only 1 more Christmas celebration to go.

Christmas #4

Our 4th and final Christmas was celebrated on December 26th with my family at my sister Jennifer's house in Herriman, Utah. We were lucky enough to get the entire family together for one day and enjoy some Cafe Rio, Hires, and a lot of laughs. It was great to see Jerilyn's husband Aaron and their boys. It was difficult not having Jerilyn with us this year for Christmas, but it was fun to recall past Christmas memories of her. She was always the one to have the wrapping paper in the trash bag before you had even finished unwrapping your present. She would also have the living room vacuumed and back in order in record time after present opening was over. It was such a great day with the family and a wonderful end to our plethora of Christmas's (of course I forgot to take any pictures).

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. Our family had one of the funnest Thanksgivings that I ever remember having. We started the day off by running in the Dallas Annual Turkey Trot. With over 35,000 participants, the race is the biggest Turkey Trot in the nation. They have both a 3 mile and 8 mile jog. Jeff and I ran the 8 mile race while pushing Lexi in the jogging stroller. It was great to be surrounded by such a fun group of people. Plus, it feels good to burn some calories before consuming your weight in holiday food! After the race, we hosted a Thanksgiving potluck at our apartment with some of our friends. We cooked our first turkey this year which, thanks to about 50 calls to my dad, turned out pretty well. The day came to a close with a little "Christmas Vacation" and perusing the holiday ads. What a wonderful day it was.

Getting ready to start the race. We had to let Lexi get the wiggles out before strapping her into the stroller for 1 and 1/2 hours.

Check out this crowd of people. It took us about 10 minutes to cross the starting line.
Our friends Mauri and Rick pushed their two children in the race with us. It was fun to have some company.

The race was in the heart of downtown Dallas. It was a beautiful setting.

Jeff and me during the race. We took turns pushing Lexi.

Lexi was absolutely perfect during the race. She kept busy watching all of the people and eating her snacks.

Jeff was obviously the photographer

Mauri and me chatting while pushing the kiddos.

What a view. It was perfect weather too!

At the finish line.

We did it. Now let's eat some turkey!

Our pride and joy! The turkey's ready to carve.

All of the yummy food.

Lexi's Big Girl Bed

Lexi has been very into climbing lately and unfortunately discovered that she could escape from her crib. To avoid a broken arm, I reluctantly converted her crib into a toddler bed. Things have been a little difficult since the transition, but we're slowly adjusting. Lexi's biggest challenge is trying to figure out how not to roll out of the bed. Poor kid.

Lexi loves bathtime, although the bathroom is always soaked after she's done.

Getting ready for the rainy season here in Texas.

Pay it Forward

I have bad news to report. Due to a VERY dissapointing response to my "Pay it Forward" blog, I've decided to postpone my efforts to send free gifts to my friends for a few months. I have to say that I thought more women would be excited to receive a free gift in the mail. For those of you who did want to participate, keep checking my blog, and I'll try to Pay it Forward again in a few months.