Happy Birthday Randy!

Happy 2013 and Happy Birthday Randy!!  Thirty-five looks pretty dang good on my main squeeze, I must say.  I still can't believe that number though, 35, ugh.  That means I've been with Randy for 17 birthdays!  Wait, that can't be right, but I'm pretty sure it is.  Man, we are getting old.  

I suggested Randy take a quick jaunt to Sundance and enjoy a few hours of skiing by himself.  He agreed it sounded fun but in true Randy fashion, he opted to take Hank and Max with him instead. Not exactly a relaxing trip, but they had fun.

I hope these boys realize what an incredible father they have.  He is always thinking of them in everything he does.  They love to be near him always and I can't say I blame them. 

Max had a skiing breakthrough that day.  He fell down about a hundred times but managed to get up and keep trying.  He never gave up and I'm so proud of him.  The fact that he can't wait to go skiing again means success in my book!  I'll just make sure I come along to help out.

I had grand plans for our New Year's Eve/birthday partying but it's a challenge to find babysitters on such a busy night.  We ended up with a more low key approach this year and it turned out great.  My sweet friend Natalie offered to watch the boys while we went out to dinner.  We went to our favorite sushi place, Tsunami, and had a relaxing, delicious dinner.  When we got home the boys were ready to party!

Hank got a little carried away with the sparkling cider.  We had to cut him off after two glasses!  Natalie and Isaac stayed to ring in the new year.  We played Wacky Six up until the clock struck 12.

Max stayed awake until 11:50 but just couldn't hang on until midnight.  It's a little over rated any how.  Around 1:30 a.m. Sam started screaming and wouldn't stop screaming the rest of the night.  I still have no idea what the problem was.  It seemed like he was having a night terror or something.  Needless to say, I got just over an hour of sleep for the night.  Our first day of 2013 was spent trying to recover.

I had to rally because it was time for Randy's birthday party with our families.

How could I deny this 35 year old a proper birthday party?

The Wank's were well represented.

Everyone loves Randy!  Our family couldn't function like it does without him.

I know I wouldn't survive without him.  I just adore this man in every way.  He makes me want to be a better person.  I really don't know a more unselfish person.  He puts the needs of me and the kids above his every single time.  His fun loving personality always makes our home a happy, exciting place.  I'm so lucky.  I love you Randy!  It's going to be a great year!

Christmas break

 Believe it or not Christmas break was full of more than just family parties!  Here is a collection of everything we did over the long holiday.  The kids were out of school for 2 weeks.

The boys enjoyed an early morning cuddle session before Hank's 8 a.m. basketball game.

We spent a fun evening in the Riverwood's with the Jones' and mom and dad.  The kids loved the horse drawn carriage ride and visiting with Santa.  

Hank and Max made excellent delivery boys with the help of Max's truck.  They braved the sub-zero temps to spread some holiday cheer to our neighbors.

Randy pulled Hank on the sled behind the 4-wheeler several times.  Of course a jump had to be made.  We got some good snow storms that came with below freezing temperatures. 

Poor Sam wanted to get out and enjoy the fun but it was just too cold.   He had to watch from the window.

He kept himself entertained by riding Tucker,



doing some intense work around the playroom,



wrestling with his dad and Max,



and watching his new Baby Einstein DVD.  He loves animals and every time a dog comes on the screen he squeals with delight.  I'm stoked he'll actually sit on the couch and watch a show for a minute.

We endured some extreme temps to get our sled on near Jeri and Scott's house.  Sam and Max couldn't get enough.  We'd get to the bottom of the hill and Sam would simply point to the top of the hill, his way of saying "let's go again, mom!".  Max did and awesome job of navigating his way down a pretty treacherous hill.

Hank didn't have such luck with the hill of death.  He came down first and didn't realize how fast he would go if he didn't put his feet out.  It took Dyson and another man to stop his lightening fast speed just before he would've plunged into the creek.  Needless to say he was freaked out.  That's the face of a sad sledder.  He refused to give it another shot.

After our incredible snow fall, I was itching to get up in the mountains and ski.  I had such an incredible time with my mom and Shellie.  We skied the entire morning with the hill pretty much to ourselves.  The snow was perfect, the company was perfect, and my new ski clothes kept me toasty warm.

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, Hank joined us!  Randy brought him up after lunch and then headed back home with Sam and Max.  Do I have an awesome husband or what?  

Skiing with my kids has to be my favorite thing about being a mom thus far.  We lost his edgie wedgie's and had a rough trip down but once we got some new one's, Hank was golden.  He wanted to ski until the lift closed and we did.  Such an awesome day for me.



Max got his turn on the slopes a few days later but I'll put those pictures on Randy's birthday post.  Just admire his handsomeness until then!

Kate offered her school's gym for the kids to run wild one afternoon.  The tunes were blaring and Max was feeling it!  His moves have to be witnessed in person.  These pictures just don't do it justice. Kate, Sarah, and I had our own fun while the kids were playing.  We may have set up an obstacle course involving scooters, cones, and bean bags!  Sorry folks, no pictures of that mayhem.

Scott arranged a sleigh ride up at the Homestead for the entire family while everyone was in town.  It was so cold but Sam was prepared with about 20 layers of clothes.  He couldn't even walk!

Rick and Randy kept each other warm on the sleigh.  The funniest part of the night is when Randy discovered he insured our sleigh driver!  I can't take him anywhere, I swear.

I told you my ski clothes were adorable!  Nice work Randy.  I love this little family of mine.

We finished the night off by eating some Mexican Food in Heber.  Sam and Owen were hilarious sitting next to each other.  They were so sweet to share all their snacks.  Too bad we don't see Owen that often.  He is such an awesome little kid.  

There was lots of time spent with the cousins over the break.  My kids were in heaven!  We surely didn't sit around much, it was go go go!!!

Christmas Day 2012

Santa definitely came this year, giving my children everything they asked for.  They have been such good boys this year, clearly!  

Hank asked for and received an RG3 jersey, ipod touch, and Westlake High School gear.

Max asked for and received, Skylanders for the Wii, a Slurpee machine, and jersey clothes.

Santa also surprised the boys with this awesome tent/fort.  Endless fun for little boys.

Sam has also been a very good boy and got some cool new toys and books.

Hank was smitten by his ipod and hasn't let it out of his sight since.  His cousins also got ipods for Christmas so they spent the entire day either instagramming, texting each other, or searching for wifi.  When did my 7 year old become a teenager?

Max couldn't wait to get his precious Skylander guys upstairs to start playing.

He had to inspect the tent first.

There was lots of brotherly love going on.

They loved the presents they picked for each other.  Max got Hank Madden 13 and Hank got Max Hungry Hippos.

Have you ever seen such excitement for socks?  Not just any socks but the precious Nike ones he asked for.

Sam joined the party a few minutes later.  He needed some extra sleep.  He woke up to total chaos but managed to find some chocolate in Hank's stocking to keep him occupied.

Hank and Max gave him a Baby Einstein's Animals DVD.  He loved it!  Almost as much as I love his amazing bed head.

Hank had to try on his new K.D. jersey.  It's actually one of the things that fit.  I don't know what I was thinking with sizes this year.  I was so off.  I went about 2 sizes too big for both boys on everything.  They love wearing their clothes big and refuse to let me take them back.  So if it looks like Hank and Max are wearing Randy's clothes that's why.  

Randy always surprises and spoils me.  This year was no different.  My precious Blendtec was so unexpected.  I have used it at least once sometimes more every day since I opened it. He also gave me a new ski coat, ski pants and gloves.  I went skiing once since Christmas and have a pic to show just how adorable they are...and warm! Randy got lots of clothes and shoes from me and the kids.  I learned a long time ago, I can't compete with Randy's gift giving skills.

When we arrived at mom and dad's house we noticed a Disney theme.  Grandma Jackie asked the kids if they had any idea why she would have a Mickey Mouse balloon out on Christmas.  They very politely raised their hands to answer, haha!  She had us open our gifts to find...tickets to Disneyland!!!!!  

Everyone was so excited!!! We are leaving February 9th and I for one, can't wait.  Mom and Dad also gave us some awesome Disney gear.  Hank was so pumped he even agreed to put on his Car's pajamas!  If you know Hank at all, that's a big deal.  I mean cover up his RG3 jersey with Car's gear?  

Here we are, all Disney-ed out.  My personal favorite is Brett, Randy and Dan in their matching Mickey shirts.  Can you say Disney dads? 

Kate, Sarah and I had a little surprise up our sleeves as well.  We tried to think of something to give our dad that was meaningful and fun.  Sarah had the brilliant idea and came up with this hilarious card.

That's right, an overnight hunting trip at the duck club with the three of us!  I'm sure it's what my dad has always dreamed of.  He acted excited though.  I'm sure it will be an epic night. 

Max and Jack got snow ball makers from Lucy and Isabel.  They couldn't wait to try them out.  They really do make the perfect snowball.

See what I mean about the over sized clothes?  Still freaking adorable though.

At least I have one son who will wear whatever I say! Poor Sammy isn't coming along to Disneyland with us.  I'm pretty sure he will have a better time here with Grandma Jeri and Natalie than being trapped in a stroller all day.  

Max insisted we bring his new Skylander's game to grandma's.  He even had an audience watching his awesome gaming skills.

A huge thank you to my amazing husband.  He made this incredible Christmas for my kids possible.  We look like we need a nap!

I mean come on, who has more adorable grandparents than this kid?  Grandma Jackie's even showing a little leg!  Thanks again mom and dad for the incredibly generous gifts and delicious breakfast.  Disneyland is going to be a blast!

Later that night all the Griffin's came over.  Owen loves spending time with Max.  Max is sort of the baby whisperer.  Sam can't get enough of him either.

Max had one thing on his mind once we got home...Slurpee's!! We made enough Slurpee's for everyone.  It was hard work but Max said it was well worth it.

His face says it all.

Sam and Grandpa Griff got some quality reading in before it was time to say good-bye to Christmas 2012.  It's hard to believe another Christmas has come and gone.  I could get all sappy and melancholy about it but honestly, I'm relieved to have it over.  In fact, I had my tree and all my decorations down by noon the next day!