DO YOU FEEL LIKE THIS:

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS?

You've Got To Be Kidding Me-

All of this snowfall within one nights' time -

You can find my family outside -

But, I'll be bundled up, indoors, playing the role of Oscar the Grouch.

Some People Prefer "The Buff" -

The Beloved woke me up the other night and said, "Domestic Goddess in Training, we have a problem".... he lead me into Gadashio's room and this is what was found...

It's That Time Again -

Happy 7th Birthday Little C!
Upside:

He desperately wanted ice cream sandwiches for his "cake" -

I - enthusiastically - agreed.

Downside:

Gene Simmons tongue decided to make an appearance at the party -

gross.

I love all of the funny faces. Little C doesn't just do these for photo opportunities - he is an all around character. Always trying to get a laugh.

It is hard for me to imagine that I had this little guy seven years ago. I am sure that is how every mother feels when looking back - but the cliche statement is so true - time goes by so quick, too quick. -

Little C would make any parent feel like the "perfect parent".

*He was sleeping through the night by two months old

*He transitioned from nursing, bottle, sippy, to regular drinking cup - like a champ

*Didn't have a pacifier past 8 mos

*Potty trained by 2 1/2

- and the list goes on.

He loves loves loves his family. When asked at church last week what his greatest possession was -he said - his little brothers. I don't believe that interprets into any form of ownership, hopefully :) -but, just his deep rooted love for his younger siblings.

We love you Little C!

Vacation - the Real Part 1

30 hours in the car - destination: AZ

But we couldn't head west without stopping in Utah! We surprised the Beloved's family for a short weekend trip...

not that we were much fun - this is how we appeared most of the time. Road trips can be killers :)

Our Little

Baby was so sleepy - I set him down for a moment while getting ready one morning, and he fell completely asleep - on the ground - snuggled up to the dirty laundry.
Having fun in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.

We went to Little Grandpa's house and the kids had to try out the Chi machine - isn't this the cutest picture... kids waiting patiently for their turn on the chi? -

Settling down for a little nap - right, right...
All of the grand kids love Uncle Fultray - Okay ladies - he's going on a mission at the beginning of summer but is super eligible upon his return - Let me tell you what I need in a sister-in-law:

I would really appreciate a dentist, but a hygienist will do - also a hair stylist would be greatly appreciated. If your a masseuse - I could handle that - also being rich and generous with your money - such a perk (that was The Beloved's suggestion) ... child care provider - one who is willing to move to this great state - we'll welcome you - auto mechanic, that would be super... these things are not a must, but it would definitely help you get your foot in the door :) Gosh, I'm funny -

Eligible Bachelor #2 - Uncle Jake

He's on the market right now - but you'd better hurry fast - there aren't a lot of these in stock :)

Remember - The Beloved and I will still go over the same qualifications previously listed - so be prepared -
We can't forget about Ruth in this picture -

We love you Aunt Ruth!

Uncle Fultray again - and yes that is his real name. Weird huh?

Okay- that's really not his name.

Pictured Below:

Grandpa, Grandma, and Jordon.

and who could this be? Wearing princess shoes?

Our own little Gadashio. The Beloved's never been more proud :)

Finally... our vacation - Part 1 or Part 2... whatever...

So, the way I am posting this doesn't really make sense. The pictures below are the last part of our vacation - not the first - and all of the fun surprises and descriptions will have to be understood in the next post -the one that I'll hopefully be doing tomorrow... or maybe just before Christmas -

The real point is - FYI - we were in AZ - it was so grand - Enjoy the photos.

First day in AZ - after bathing, which felt so super -

We went to Sizzler, one of Sister #2's favorite restaurants, to celebrate her birth.

Eating with the Fam - 14 grand kids in a public is always an experience. Little C embracing one of his favorite cousins -

Ohhh Sister #3, how we love thee!

This "Practically Brother #1" makes a great babysitter.

Three Little Trouble Makers

Look who is blowing out the birthday candles.

Very helpful Little C, thank you.

We were able to go and do sealings all together for our very own family members at the temple. Such a neat experience. Thanks Sister #1 for doing all of the prep work!

At Sister #2's house -
He still manages to handle the kids in his sleep.

The man's got talent!

We totally keep them buckled outside of the car as well. So so so much easier to keep track of everyone - :)

At the Dinosaur Museum -

Little C took the stage - or ... the screen.

Panning for Gold -

Bukabu kindly pushing the kids around -while her offspring try to strike it rich.

Sister #2 in jail at the museum. So sad when your relatives stray off the straight and narrow. Especially ones who are 9 mos prego. :)

Gadashio wasn't interested in the gold - only drinking the water. Lovely.

Sister #1 admiring the find.

So - some of my pictures wouldn't rotate - and I just didn't care enough to try and figure out a solution - I am sorry if that bugs you. Kind of bugs me... still too lazy my friends.

Here is a sideways picture - proof that is takes 3 people to assist in giving Gadashio a hair cut.

Thanksgiving prep work. Sister #1 isn't photoed - but she worked her little can off. Mine is still bootylicious (which shows just how much I pitched in) - but hers is basically gone. Look at that spread!

Our little niece sitting on The Beloved's lap agreed to be our daughter - she renamed herself Jill and was ready to head back home with us - unfortunately she is still in AZ - I guess she really loves and would miss her family or something like that :)

Look at those cute little parents!

The 6 month old is supposed to be bigger than the five year old, correct?

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving! My sister's family hosted about 40 people - and did a spectacular job!