HaPPY BiRTHDaY!

It's Devin's Birthday today. Since I NEVER blog about him....here's a few reasons why we keep him around:

• He loves me and he loves Jonas. Let's be honest-sometimes that can be hard!
• He works hard. He's always been a hard worker and made sure I had what I thought I needed and wanted. He works hard at everything he is asked to do...except cleaning the bathrooms. He hates that :)
• He is EXTREMELY patient. Since I am not, this works out well for our family.
• He's a great Dad. No one can wrestle, chase, or tickle quite like him. (At least that's what Jonas tells me...I wouldn't know :))
• He is Jonas' very Best Friend. Jonas loves me, I know that....but he ADORES Devin. It's pretty cute.
• He is a strong conviction of the gospel, and is such a great example of the Savior. He reminds me (daily) that we all need to strive to be a little better and try a little harder.

There isn't a day goes by that I don't realize how lucky I am to have him and how thankful I am that he gave "us" a chance! He's a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. We love you so much Devin!!

Today is also Jonas' 18 month Birthday. I welcome it, yet I hate it. I hate that he is growing up so fast. I hate that his baby stages are over. I hate that before I know it he will be smarter than me and teaching me even more. I REALLY hate that he knows he is getting big. I do love that he is getting more and more fun. I love his jibber-jabber that has no meaning or reference, but is adorable. I love that he gets to go to Nursery this week :). I love that he is ours and that every night when I check on him I am reminded that he is mine. That I am a Mom and that dreams do come true!

HaPPY BiRTHDaY JoNaS!

{Jonas}

While we were in Utah we had Jonas' 18 month pictures taken (a bit early...)

A friend that my mom works with took them and she was so cute with J. She took over 200 pictures! He was a good boy and even smiled for a couple of them. Here are a few of our favs.

Why do my eyes disappear? My "little" brother was with us and we got stuck posing for a few together.


This picture of Jonas and his favorite "Uncle Captain" is one of my favorites. We were outside and it was cold so neither one of them were very cooperative.

{Christmas Continued}

We spent a wild and crazy week in Idaho with Devin's parents, and his brother and his family. It was lots of fun to see his kids. We lived by them when we were first married and enjoyed having them close. We have a lot of funny stories from the past and lots of fun memories with them and their cute kids.

Jace, Samantha, Jonas, and I played in the snow one afternoon. Jace and Sammie loved it...Jonas...hates the cold!!

We took the kids to the mall to run around and play in the kids area one afternoon. They loved it and Aimee and I got some browsing and girl time in. It worked well because all the kids slept like babies that night...well...maybe not Alexa-she's not much of a sleeper :)

We drove to Rexburg to see the new temple, visit Grandma's old house, and see all the building Uncle Val and his crew are up to. We stopped to have a piece of pie at Frontier Pies on the way home.

Then we returned to Utah, ate a whole lot more, laughed a little, and cried a little. Before we know it, it was time to start packing our bags. We took four suitcases (checked in), two carry-ons, and one backpack. THEY WERE FILLED TO THE BRIM!!!!

We wore our Jonas Boy out. He had more people to play with, more toys to test out, grandpa's glasses to break, grandma's Oreo's and graham crackers with chocolate frosting to eat, and lots, and lots of kisses to give. He had a ball and was such a good boy the whole trip.

We had a great time with our families and are counting the days until we see them again. We love you all!!