Happy Holidays from Carter Mountain

Since our husbands are hard at work preparing for the end of school, my friend Chrissy brilliantly suggested we enjoy some holiday time at Charlottesville's Carter Mountain just next to Monticello. It was a magical day. Mason and Stanley met Santa, we ate apple cider donuts, made crafts, and enjoyed the music, smells, and scenes of Christmas. Later Mason asked if we could go to the Monticello trail and I gladly consented. It was such a memorable and beautiful day.

That moment when you wish you had thought of everything you wanted to ask Santa for

hard at play

I can't say enough about these girls right here

crafting time

that little boy was pretty insistent about getting a donut

joy to the world.

and a little kissing

love.

a little too much love i guess.

Mason loves running that stroller (sans Stanley) down the hill.

playing in Jefferson's old tree.

will it be an early spring??

beautiful Virginia. I love you.

Thanksgiving in Utah

This year we decided to go to Utah for Thanksgiving. It has always been one of my favorite times of year. Last year I was so homesick for Thanksgiving, that I think Nate was sweet enough to let us all go home this year. It's just something else to connect to your family pilgrim heritage with your family. I love it. Of course our trip wouldn't be complete without J Dawgs or Kneaders (thanks Freeman family). Nor would it be complete without BYU bowling, swimming, meeting up with our matchmakers the Hoopes, or Music and the Spoken Word and a stop by at our dear Salt Lake City Avenues 27th Ward. Mom and Dad were even kind enough to tend our boys for us for 24 hours while we went to the Temple, a late night movie, stayed at a hotel, and slept in the next morning. It was dreamy - and so comforting to know that my boys were in the best hands. I also met up with my sisters for our annual 'Sister's Retreat'. Good times at dinner and watching my niece Rachel play on her Varsity basketball team (Go Bruins!). I love my family and it's so sweet to go back to Utah and reconnect. Thanks everyone for hosting us so kindly there!

Rockin and a Rollin - the best way to spend your time at the Charlottesville airport (which by the way is my favorite due to it's small and comfortable size).

J Dawgs - you never disappoint

Stanley held that pose for a solid minute

Norman Rockwell exhibit at BYU's Museum or Art. Notice the expressions :)

Always a good time watching a movie with Great-Grandma Andersen

I love to see that Temple where our family began

Mason made us take a picture with him in front of every candy window :). Clearly, he didn't want to forget.

Downtown SLC

Come to Zion - says Brother Brigham

that dear old 27th ward building - we love you so

Stanley's conversation with Ginger the dog - "rough, rough"

could they get any cuter??

Mason's got some serious bowling skills

The Jacob Thanksgiving day broadway :)

Mason has some adorable - adoring Aunts

my best friend Teran met up with for a few minutes at the SLC Airpot. Love her!

oddly enough our trip was delayed - we were granted stay at a hotel, but i completely forget to bring our swimsuits (Nate and I). At least Mason and Stan got to take a dip. Mason loves hotels :).

Mason is always followed by a little Stan - and Mason was kind enough to lift him up so he could push the button, too. ha!

Mason's 4th Birthday

Can he be four already?? Wasn't he just born, like yesterday? We started our day out with waffles (per Mason's request). I made them into pumpkin waffles - and they didn't turn out as beautifully as I had hoped, but they were still delicious (right, honey??). Later that day we invited a few little friends - so low key and last minute, so Mason really wanted to have his friends over. My little guy loves his friends. We decorated cupcakes. It was so fun. As his gift we gave him a new red bike - which he loves of course. I thought of the scripture that says that if we being evil know how to give gifts, how much more willing is our Father in Heaven to give us gifts. I loved seeing Mason's face light up when he took his little hands off his eyes to see his new bike. Those moments are sweet. We took him to the local Park and he rode around the entire half mile path without us. It pulled my heart in two directions to see him growing up. For dinner he wanted hamburgers and fries - so we took him to Five Guys. Typical all-American boy :). We are so proud of you Mason and the kind, intelligent, brave boy you are becoming. Happy Birthday little guy!