To take a nap, to shower, to clean, or to blog

The title of this post lists my activities of choice (in order of highest priority) when I can manage to get both kids down for a nap at the same time. Any free time I have, goes to these fun filled activities. So, that's my excuse for not blogging for a bit, so here's a big update of activities from the start of the year.

New Years Eve was a mellow evening spent with AK and Carrie next door. We had dinner and played the WII for a little bit. We were happy to have a slow night of not staying up late (with little kids, partying until the wee hours will have to wait).

We had anticipated a slow start to the year, but then my sister Cally called and said she and her husband were going to Disneyland. Jason and I have a very hard time passing up Disneyland, so we invited ourselves. Afterall, Jack was a Disney virgin, and needed to be initiated to the club. Jack celebrated his 3 month birthday on It's A Small World.

It was a great trip! Very crowded, but still fun. It was great for me, because I wasn't pregnant, so I got to go on my favorite rides. And Cally took over the role of the pregnant babysitter with our 2 kids and her son. Kimball stayed asleep in her little stroller, and Jack ended up in her arms. Thanks Cally!!

The next weekend we headed up to Midway to see my parents and to hang out with my sister Sammy (who lives in Texas). My dad rented a snowmobile and we all had fun on it. Kimball and her cousin Ashton were very happy riding up in front or being pulled behind in a tube. It was a fun girls weekend with my sisters and our husbands and kids, and my parents.

My mom let me celebrate my birth day a little early and made me the traditional birthday cake. It was delicious. I attempted this cake on Sunday, but couldn't quite make it look as good as this.





Once we got home, we went to Pump It Up, for a ward play group. Kimball had a blast jumping around in the bouncy houses and going down a HUGE slide. She really has no fear!





Finally, it was my birthday on Saturday. Yes, I am now 30 years old, and my mom said now I really am an adult. I guess so, but I sure don't feel like it yet. To celebrate, Jason (the best husband ever) bought me 30 red roses and made me breakfast. Thanks mi amor.











After breakfast, we headed up to St.George to celebrate Grandpa's 90th birthday (on 1/22/09). He asked/made each of his 7 children perform in a quick impromtu program. It was very fun seeing his kids and grandkids celebrate his birthday. And, what an amazingly talented family! I told Jason I hate his family after hearing all the music that they can make, but really it's just jealousy because I can't carry a tune to save my life. So, that's the quick and long update.

The Best Christmas Presents EVER

As a kid, I always wondered if my parents enjoyed Christmas, or more to the point, if they enjoyed opening their presents on Christmas presents. I always thought, couldn't Santa find anything more exciting for my dad than a pair of socks or a new tie? I remember thinking that Christmas morning isn't going to be very much fun when I get old (because my parents were so old). Well, I have discovered the TRUE meaning of Christmas presents as a parent. For me, it's really about watching your kids and seeing their excitement with the presents. Kimball is just old enough to show us how much she likes her new toys. And, I had a blast shopping for her and Jack. I hope my parents had as much fun watching us, as Jason and I did watching Kimball on Christmas morning. And I know it will just get better with every year... at least until they become teenagers and get "too cool" to get excited over Christmas morning.

Here's Kimball and her favorite toy for the year (we hope it holds her attention all year).

And Jack, with some of his new toys. He's not quite to the point of excitement as his big sister, but next year should be really fun. Notice he's not even in his Christmas p.j.'s because he didn't get a chance to get to play with his presents until the next morning.








Don't get me wrong, Jason and I definitely enjoy the presents that "Santa" brings to us. Jason just shows his excitement more than I do. And that's why I love him!

And, one more video of our crazy little girl, who can create her own fun with or without toys. Watch the door handle.