New Years

We had a great time celebrating the new year with our friends Mitch, Stacie, Matt, Kiera, and their kids. Stacie was there to welcome us in her zebra striped, pregnant belly, dancing at the front door- a moment I hope to never forget! We ate hors d'oeuvres, danced the night away on the Wi and counted down the new year. The plan was to stay the night, but we only made it part way before Elliot freaked out. We got our stuff together and left in the middle of the night. It didn't end so well, but we had a good time!

 Matt & Russell

 Me, Stacie, & Kiera

Russ & the Matt Dorius family

 Happy New Year 6 1/2 months too late!

Elliot Dixon turned 10 months old on December 26th.

Love him!

Christmas 2011

We had a wonderful Christmas! What made it even better was having Elliot with us this year. 

Christmas card pictures

We met my sister Molly, her girls, and my brother Max in SLC and walked around temple square. The lights are so beautiful! It was a FREEZING cold night, but we had a good time.

All bundled up

Russell planned a "Provo River Cruise" for the three of us. It was smaller than we thought it would be and definitely cheesy, but fun to take the little man.

We got home one day and had the nicest surprise left on our doorstep! (We still don't know who it was-little sneekies!) It was very generous. Thank you little elves:)

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with the Petty's. It was fun having the four grandkids together opening presents in the morning. We always have a good time!

 Diane, Scott, Robert, Katrina

Elliot & Uncle Stuart

Later that day we went to Logan and celebrated with my family. They were waiting for us:)

 New books from Grandma Kari

 Elliot & Uncle Max

 Me & Molly showing off our new outfits from Mom (she can buy clothes for all of us!)

 Grandma Kari with her little joys

Elliot & Aunt Hillary

Merry Christmas to all!

I'm back!

Have I got some catching up to do! I'm going to start all the way back at Christmas of last year!

Kirtland

I had the wonderful opportunity of being in a play done by our stake, called the Kirtland Pageant. I believe it was a pageant originally done in Kirtland, Ohio. It was about Joseph Smith, Emma, and the Saints moving to, then away from Kirtland.

I wasn't planning on auditioning for the show, but I was at the auditions with the Young Women in my ward and thought maybe I should. I called Russ to see if he'd be okay with it and he said to go for it.

I'm so glad I ended up doing the show! I met some wonderful people. Russ was so good to have Elliot while I was at rehearsals and performances.

Nelly & I (She was a hoot!  We had a lot of fun together)

Carden & I

Marty Reimchissel had the vision of doing this show in our stake. He was a wonderful person and liked having fun. He put so much time and effort into the pageant.  Marty became hospitalized about 2 weeks prior to the show and sadly passed away last night. Thanks for everything, Marty:)

Feeling Christmasy

...It's the most wonderful time of the year... I really do love this time of year. Lights & decorations, baking, Christmas movies, activities & music, snow, hot chocolate, feeling warm & cozy, family, focusing on our Savior's birth.

We have been feeling quite Christmasy at our house. Russell put up Christmas lights on our house and around our front window, we busted out our decorations, we went to the Festival of Trees with my mom, and we decorated our tree. I'm looking forward to the rest of the month.

He loves this beaded garland!

Festival of Trees (Grandma Kari & Elliot)

One thing I love about the Festival of Trees is the gingerbread houses

Weasley House (Russ & I have come to love Harry Potter)

Decorating the tree

9 Months

Our little goose turned 9 months on November 26th! This is such a fun age. He is all over the place and keeps us entertained and laughing. He is also such a sweetheart and loves climbing on us and giving "kisses."