They've Got It All!!

Since it is so freezing cold that even playing in the snow seems ridiculous, we decided to do what any Mid-Westerner would do -- head North and visit Mall of America! We even convinced my brother and his family to come along (it was my brother that took the convincing -- he isn't much for crowds, but he came along anyway). It happened to be the Saturday before a holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), so it was especially packed, but well worth it!

I have never seen so many stores in one place in all my life! Though I didn't really get to shop (I only walked onto the Children's Place - exciting, huh!), I was still amazed by the sheer number of stores and size of the mall. The middle of the mall was filled with amusement rides, which is where we spent most of our time. The kids had a ball on the rides, even though they were a little tired at the end. Just before leaving my sister-in-law, niece and I took a stroll through The American Girls store. It was so fun -- pink and dolls everywhere, a parlor for the dolls to get their hair done, a restaurant upstairs with seats for the dolls, every doll accessory you can imagine. I was in heaven, reminiscing about when I was a girl. Hopefully I will have a daughter some day and get to take her.

Cole, Garrett, and I riding a "Big Rig" -- the perfect ride for Garrett!


Cole and I on a hot air balloon ride (with cousin Ross and Aunt Jan)


Cole and Russ on a train roller coaster -- yes, this is an action shot so it's blurry!


Russ, Cole and Garrett rode this bus that went up and down, up and down. Cole was thrilled and laughing, while Garrett was screaming and crying to get off. It's so fun to have such different boys!!


I am hoping to return to Mall of America some day with a big allowance and group of girls so we can do some SERIOUS shopping. Any takers?

It's Christmas Time

December has come and gone in what seems like a blink of an eye, yet so much as transpired. We decorated for Christmas, decorated a real tree (that we took down on Dec 15 before leaving town), visited Santa, acted out the nativity at preschool, went Christmas shopping, made Relief Society schedules and bookmarks for next year (created, printed, and laminated), and packed for our trip.

Ho, ho, ho -- isn't that one good lookin' Santa (and the boys too!)?


Joseph and Mary (Cole and his preschool friend, Valerie)



We decided to go to Utah for the holidays. Russ' cousin, Chris, was getting married and we wanted to be there for his special day, and since we were already there, we figured that we might as well stay a while.

We ran crazy from place to place, activity for activity, and even though it was busy, we wouldn't have it any other way. It was so fun to see and spend time with our family and friends and realized how lucky we are to have wonderful people to share our lives with.

Crown Burger with the Guymons before heading to Temple Square -- Garrett chowed the corn dog (well, actually just the greasy outside, but it gave him calories!) and Cole couldn't get enough of the chocolate shake!


Freezing while enjoying the lights -- can't we see them in July instead of December?


The boys were so much fun at Christmas this year. Cole was really "into" Santa and figured out how to rip gifts open in a short amount of time. Garrett's favorite toy was his bouncy balls in his stocking -- who know that happiness could come so easily? I couldn't saved myself a lot of time and effort!! The boys got sleeping bags and even though they didn't get much use on Christmas morning, they will be put to use in the future. Russ has big plans to go camping with his boys! Russ spoiled me as usual and did a great job picking out a skirt, shirt, and acessories. He has great taste! I had a hard time shopping for Russ -- the toys he wants were not in our budget this year, but maybe next year (when we are out of school) he will be more satisfied!

Waiting with cousins to see what Santa left... ready, set, go!


Garrett opening gifts (with a little help from mom)


Cole trying out the sleeping bag


Acting out the nativity with the Guymon cousins (Cole was a Wiseman and Garrett was a shepherd)


The boys enjoying the snow and 4-wheeler at Grandpa Jake's



All in all we had a fabulous holiday season. We are looking forward to another exciting year for our family! Here's to 2010!!