New Year's Fun!

Before Todd had to go back to work on Monday the 6th, we wanted to make sure we packed in some more family fun.  Our Christmas break was really great, but with some sickness ailing Luke and myself- along with car troubles for the Corolla, not to mention me rear-ending someone in the van- we really needed to take our minds off some of these "black clouds" as I like to call them.

My mom gave us season passes to the children's Treehouse Museum here in Ogden. Awesome gift! I've heard good things about it and my mom had previously taken Mitchell once before and he raved about it for days.  I was a little confused why Luke would need a pass since he's barely one-year-old.  However, once we got there, I realized there's even a lot for young ones to see and do. It's a great museum with a million costumes (Mitch's dream), and lots to keep you entertained for a very long time. We ended our visit at the King's court and Mitch played with knights for probably 45 min or longer. I can't wait to go back, but I'm not sure I can go alone with the boys.  With Luke crawling everywhere and Mitch running here and there- it was enough for the both of us to keep track of our boys! Perhaps I'll brave up one of these days soon.

The next day we traveled to Midway (past Park City) to see the Ice Castle that some awesome guy created.  We got there about 4:30 and were able to see it during the day and then we left to get dinner at the best spot in Heber, The Dairy Keen, where an electric train kept Mitch from eating his food...for a while...after threats of no ice cream he finally was able to focus on his food! Luke was happy for the first time that day while we were at the diner.  He had been sooooo grumpy all day that we almost didn't go, but thankfully he slept in the car, and decided to perk up a bit after that. He was especially happy with his burger and fries.

After a delicious dinner, we went back to the Ice Castle and saw it at night when they turn on the lights.  We were glad they let us come back again.  And, may I mention, it was really busy and Todd scored parking right outside the entrance both times we were there!  The Ice Castle is really pretty awesome, especially when you think about how much work and effort it takes 24/7. Seriously, they have a crew that works into the wee hours of the morning maintaining the structure. It's truly incredible. Since we were so full from dinner, we held off on our ice cream until after our 2nd trip to the Ice Castle.  The Dairy Keen never disappoints.  If you're ever in Heber, you must stop there and eat- a lot.

Two trips to the Ice Castle and two trips to The Dairy Keen make for one happy boy! Good thing Midway and Heber are very close to each other!

Christmas break

When we were still in school I never thought that we'd have the same kind of Christmas break as you have when you're a student.  Well, one of the many perks of Todd's job is that he gets quite a bit of time off during Christmas! He was home for two weeks! It was great having him around so much, especially since I was sick from Christmas and am just now getting better.

We started off this Christmas break with a very quick trip to Idaho to see Todd's parents and attend a Reeder Christmas party with family members Todd hasn't seen in a long time. We got back in time for Christmas Eve and the celebrations for my side of the family.  We had a fun get together Christmas Eve at my parents house with the kids in Utah.

We had a great Christmas morning and very much enjoyed the excitement that Mitchell brings for such a fun day.  And of course, Luke was adorable just being content with the wrapping and bows! He was much more lively this Christmas than 2012 Christmas- I believe he slept the entire time last Christmas! Then again, he was only one week old.

After we got all ready, we spent the afternoon/evening with Kenna and Clark's family at Kenna's house. The kids played and the adults played some games.  We gave my parents the board game, Blokus, for Christmas, and it is so much fun! Definitely a worthy investment! Since Christmas, Todd and I have played probably a dozen times.  Everyone brought a few "grazing" type foods- and boy oh boy, we had plenty to eat.  It was a crying shame that I was coming down with a bad cold that day because I really wanted to eat more!

As I already posted, Todd and Mitch went sledding the day after Christmas... and since Luke and I were pretty sick, we laid pretty low the next few days.  However, I took Mitch on a couple of Mom/Son dates the following week.  We went to Toad's Family Fun Center (we have year-long passes which is a lot of fun!)...and on the way home I caused my first ever accident.  Hopefully the last.  I rear-ended someone coming off the I-15 exit. I was looking left to merge turning right, and I guess the car in front of me didn't feel they were clear to merge like I felt I was clear...bang! I've been so upset with myself for damaging our van! We're supposed to be pinching our pennies for a house- not paying for car repairs! 

Todd organized a little date for us at a friends house for New Years Eve.  We played games and ate some yummy food. Even though I was still sick, it was a lot of fun.  I haven't celebrated New Year's Eve in a few years! Thanks to my parents for keeping an eye on the boys while we partied. On New Years, while Todd was skiing, I took Mitch to see Frozen.  Soooo cute as everyone said it would be.  I was disappointed when it was over, I was way loving it!

Before Todd went back to work this week, we ended our awesome Christmas break by going to the Treehouse museum and the Ice Castle in Midway (pictures to follow). Even though there were a couple black clouds during our Christmas vacation (me and Luke being sick; Mitch's sledding accident; and car troubles- both cars by the way- yuck!) we had a great time and made some good memories!

Christmas Eve party at Grandma and Grandpa A's house.

Hottest couple around!

Sportin' new Christmas Eve jammies provided by Grandma A.

Aunt Kenna and Luke. They're BFFs.

My mom had my Grandpa Hunter make this amazing shadow box that holds my Grandpa Amundson's last pair of work boots. My mom also wrote a poem about the boots my Grandpa Amundson wore.  Needless to say, we were all in tears.  Very cool present Mom.  High five.

Just the beginning of the Christmas loot!

Santa brought Mitch a pretty awesome Ziggle Car. Like a plasma car, just a bit different.

Luke got more balls!

About the only thing Mitch asked for Christmas was Legos.  Santa did not disappoint.

Bow butt!

Todd hasn't been skiing our entire marriage, so this year I was finally able to buy a couple lift tickets for him to the local ski resort.  It was his only present, but he was sooooo happy!

Mitch was pretty obsessed with this new helicopter that his grandparents gave him.  It was a constant companion for a couple days!

Grandma A. made New Years Eve fun for Mitch by buying some poppers, playing  a couple rounds of Jenga and giving him a few treats.  She called it a party and Mitch couldn't have been more thrilled about it! Too cute. Of course this party was about 7:00 at night, but what 4 year old is going to care about that?

Luke was invited to the party too. Do you love the way he sits on him bum with his knees tucked? We think it's about the cutest thing ever.

December Fun!

December is a crazy month but it's also one of the very best times of the year! It's so fun to make memories in celebrating this special Christ-centered season. 

The month kicked off with a Christmas party for Mitch and a few friends. We made North Pole cupcakes and some gingerbread cookies. The cupcakes were completely divine.

Tyler and Karter playing Christmas bingo with their newly-created Rudolph reindeer hats.

Friends at the Christmas party- Molly, Rushton, Karter, Tyler.  We also made a pom-pom ornament, and decorated a ice cream cone Christmas tree.

Family picture taken at our ward Christmas party.

This Santa is legit that showed up at our Ward Christmas party.  He was also very interested in each and every child. We probably waited about 45 min. to see him and there were only about seven kids in front of me and Mitch.

Our Santa Lucia breakfast- cinnamon rolls, sausage, fruit, and hot chocolate. Yum!

Grandma hosted a grandkid Christmas party where they decorated Gingerbread men, had a fishing pond, and made an adorable present for parents.

Mitchell at his preschool Christmas program.

His face is perfect for how he acted the entire program.  I don't get this kid.  He practices the songs so good and then when the time comes, he's as stoic as they come.

Rushton and Mitch. Best buds at preschool.

A little dinner entertainment at the Blue Lemon restaurant across from Temple Square. Crazy busy.  We were so lucky to snag a good table.

Seeing the lights at Temple Square.  Mitch, for the first time ever I think said, "Mom, you should take a picture of me right here." So cute.

We all stayed pretty warm- except Luke's feet.  Cold as ice and I didn't discover how cold they were til we got home- more than an hour drive.  Poor buddy.  Sorry! I'm glad you survived!

Decorating sugar cookies for Santa! All my love and patience was tested as Mitchell dumped sprinkles on each cookie!

First Stitches

Todd and Mitchell went sledding the day after Christmas. I stayed behind with Luke because we were both feeling pretty sick.  As the story goes, they had been having a great time on a pretty steep hill not too far up the road. We have two sleds- a toboggan style one and a disk saucer.  Mitch had gone down the hill by himself on the toboggan style sled a few times.  He wanted to try the saucer by himself.  Well, that's when disaster happened.  The sled turned him backwards and Mitch found himself flying off the saucer.  He gashed his cheek open.  Todd took him immediately to the InstaCare that isn't too far away. Mitch was very brave the whole time they were cleaning him up, through the numbing shots, and through the 8 stitches he received.
I just learned of a terrible sledding accident another 4 year old of friends of ours had on a disk saucer. I am led to believe that disk saucers may be a little advanced for 4 year olds.  I think they require a level of balance that we don't really think about.  That's my theory.
I'm a little worried about what lies in store (sorry if I didn't use the verb "lay" correctly- that one always got me) for this kid.  He's already had a black eye (from birth), a broken arm (age 2.5) and now first stitches (age 4).  I sure hope he makes it through whatever bangs and bumps life hands him in the future! 
Mitch now has his stitches out and the cheek has healed up nicely. He'll definitely have a scar- hopefully not the rest of his life! The scar is on the same side as his forceps scar so I guess we know which side of his face is better for pictures.  Just kidding, he's adorable, scars and all.