Christmas Day 2011

Santa finally arrived. This is what was found...

Jack got a train table which came with some new trains, but there were additional trains to play with. He also got a couple new outfits and new church wear.

Abigail got a kitchen which came with plates, silverware and a pot and pan. She also got a couple of new outfits and a new christmas dress.

The kids woke up about 8:30 which wasn't too bad. I held Abigail back while Jeremy went to get Jack. Jack was still asleep and as we told them to look and see what Santa brought them they both looked toward the family room and ran directly to their new toys.

Jeremy got me a new sewing machine and earrings and I gave Jeremy a gift card.

After presents we got ready and Abigail and I ran Dad and Christine to the airport, then headed back home picked up Jeremy and Jack and headed over to George and Joyce's for the annual christmas breakfast.

We then headed back home to enjoy the rest of the day - it was pretty funny because as we were getting ready to head over to the South's house, Jack didn't want to leave his train set and kept saying, "No not ready to go to grandma's, want to stay and play with trains."

So when we got home Jack headed straight to his train table.

Jeremy and I had invited mom over to spend time with us on Christmas Day and she helped us make dinner.

We decided to make Broccoli Cheese Soup (using a different recipe than what mom uses - it turned out really well), then on with a Spinach Pear and Pomegranate Salad with a Vinaigrette, Honey Glazed Carrots and Chicken Cordon Blue.

It was a really nice day and fun to spend the day with family. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Eve Day...

What a busy day Christmas Eve Day ended up being. We started by meeting up at The Philadelphian for lunch. This restaurant it located in sandy 9860 S 700 E. It's a whole in the wall but the sandwhiches will not let you down. They have hot and cold and the subs rangs from 4" to 12".

Jeremy and I got 6" sandwhiches a pastrami and a turkey avacado & sprout and by the time I got around to the picture we had eaten half. After our full lunch we headed to Thanksgiving Point to go see the Dinosaurs.

Jack and Abigail LOVED the Dinosaur Museum. We were able to see reconstructed dinosaurs, play in water and sand to dig and find dinosaurs, wear cute aprons, build a dinosaur, and brush through sand to find dinosaur bones. We will have to do it again.

After the museum we headed back to our house to finalize conversations exchange the last minute gifts and then get ready for Santa to arrive. Once everyone left, the kids were able to open one gift each which ended up to be their magic pajamas. They went swimming in the tub and then were able to put on and wear their magic pajamas.

It was a great Christmas Eve Day.

Merry Christmas

I hope that friends and family read my blog, because this year we are to poor to send out christmas cards, so here we are elfing ourselves for your pleasure.

From the South Clan, We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Powder Mountain

It has been quite a few years since Jeremy and I have made it up to Powder Mountain. With Dad and Christine in town we decided to head up for a night. The whole family met in Centerville for Chinese and then Jeremy and I with the kids followed Dad and Christine up to Powder Mountain.

As we were 20 miles away, poor Jack had a throw up episode. We haven't quite figured out if it was car sickness or if it was due to the orange drink the restaurant served because that is what he had that night and then in the morning we gave it to him again and the episode started over again, however it wasn't as bad.

After stopping two times to clean up the mess we finally arrived at the condo about 10 and the kids and Jeremy and I stayed up talking with Dad until about midnight.

That however didn't stop Abigail from waking up at 8:30 which is a little later than usual, but wanted to sleep in much longer.

We had breakfast made of toast, eggs and sausage. Then went swimming in the cold water - I think we jumped in and didn't stay very long in the big pool we just decided to make it to the family hot tub - mainly due to Jack's lips turning blue because of him being cold.

We made it back to the room, got showered, thawed out and headed down the mountain to get Jeremy back home in time for him to go to work. It has a fun little get a way.

A Santa Visit with a Train Ride

Today started with getting invited to Ikea, since on Tuesday's Kids Eat Free and boy does everyone know about it. We met up with our neighbors to enjoy lunch and to hang out for a little time until we went our separate ways.

After lunch at Ikea we decided to head to South Town Mall to visit Santa and have the kids tell him what they want for christmas. We got there about 1:30 pm and he would be back from break at 1:45 pm which then the break lasted until 2:00 pm. We had quite a few people in front of us. While we were waiting in line we were handed their package pricing which the cheapest package would be for $23.00. So instead of paying and yes we became cheap I found a spot on the stair that head up to the second level which you could get a some pretty good pictures.

So at about 3:00 pm we finally made it to see Santa. They told Santa what they wanted for christmas, but the thing they really cared for since after they were done Santa was sadley forgotten was the traing that was going around the mall.

So since Santa was done, we headed to find the train station to catch a ride.

Jack was beside himself and both Abi and Jack didn't want to get off when the ride was over.

However as we left the mall to head back home both of them decided to pass out over all of the excitement they had. It was a great day. Love them both!

Jack 31 Months

Jack,

You are a soft hearted little boy which when you are told no, you hang your head and you think you are in big trouble when you really aren't. You are so smart and catch on so quickly to the little things that are shown to you. You will see things are point them out to your dad and I or will start spelling letters that you see on bags or boxes or shirts. You love to read and love to have your dad and I read to you. I accidentally showed you "The Polar Express" and now when you wake up in the morning throughout the day and just before bed you want to watch the movie.

You are completely obsessed with trains and love nothing but trains. When Abigail takes one of your trains you freak out and have a break down. You have started putting together sentences and hearing you make your dad and I so proud of you. You are getting so big and it only seems like yesterday we brought you home from the hospital.

We love you so much, and although you do this every now and again I especially love it when you want to cuddle.

School Time Already?

Today we were able to watch Madison, Bubba and Tyler. While they were all playing, Madison had them attend school.

I atleast thought I had a couple of more years, but I guess not.

Abigail 23 Months

Abigail,

I can't believe one more month and you will be turning the big Two. You are growing and talking and learning each and every day. You love counting up to ten and then saying go, you start singing the alphabet whenever you feel it needs to be heard skipping a few letters in between but your singing is beautiful. I accidentally showed you and your brother "The Polar Express" and whenever they sing "When Christmas Comes To Town" no matter what you are doing you will come running and sing along with the characters on the screen.

I don't know if you are coming into the terrible two's or not but you like to tell anyone that tells you "No," "Don't tell me no." At times it cane be funny especially when you are smiling while you are saying it, but there have been times when you mean it and your Dad and I have been trying to correct you to not say it. You are such a softy that if you are told no you start to cry unless you are on one of your kicks. You learn and love to read and how can your dad or I say no to you. You love your favorite shows which include Super Why, Curious George, Dinosaur Train and of coarse your Pixar favorites - Up.

We love you so much and love and hate watching you grow up.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom's birthday came on the 7th of December. No really sure what to do we decided to have the Heinrichs clan head down town to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and we would have a nice dinner at the Garden then we could look at the lights afterward.

We made reservations for 6:30 pm, but with traffic and parking we all ended up arriving a little after 6:30. The weather was cold and you could see your breath when the oxygen escaped from your nose or mounth. The twinkling lights throughout Temple Square took your breath away.

Jack and Abi by the waiting window looking down at the twinkling TempleSquare.

Trying to get the rest of the cousins to look out the window at the same time.

Riley, Abi and Jack

A great picture of temple square, too bad you can see a little bit of the waiting area inside the Joseph Smith Building.

While looking out the window wasn't enough, the kids would have love to actually get in a swim, but that was not an option.

Riley, Zach, Abi and Jack - the only cousin we are missing is Kaymbria, but you can see her foot dangling from behind Zach.

Family pose and ofcoarse Jack playing peekaboo.

 

Getting a shot of Mom, Logan and Brooke while having an animated conversation.

Trying to get the whole table, but was able to get Landon and Cristy down at the end.

The Menu

What cute kids - above and below.

Landon's Family

I got the Chicken Picatta and Jeremy got the Chicken Panini

A really cool tradition The Garden does - if its your birthday they have you write down your wish, then attach it to a baloon, retrack the celiling and have you let the balloon go up into the sky. Here is mom letting go of her balloon wish.

Zach and Abigail dancing.

After dinner we got bundled up and headed downstairs.

In the lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building stand this beautiful tree.

After standing in awe we then headed outside in the cold to view the twinkling lights.

Brooke jumped in my shot, so here is the picture that turned out - itsn't it precious.

Finally a famiy picture under the huge red twinkled tree. Right before we decided to head home due to the kids being done for the day and so ready for bed.

Happy Birthday Mom! I hope all of your wishes came true.

Being Crafty

Mom, the kids and I headed to Hobby Lobby to get some tree decorations. As we were strolling through the store I saw this beautiful wreath that had green and red ornaments in it. Looking at the price tag it was $60.00 but the store was doing 50% off christmas stuff so it would have been $30.00. I played around with the price tag and decided I better not get it. Well Mom said to me"lets make you one." So we headed down the isle and found wreaths on sale 50% off so I got a wreath. Then we got some more tree decorating things, ornaments and ribbon.

In the end with all christmas stuff being 50% off we made our wreath for about $20.00.

 Here is the final masterpiece.

I really have to give credit to my mom. Thanks mom for helping me make my wreath I love it.

Thanksgiving 2011

This year we had Thanksgiving at moms house. I headed over to my moms Wednesday night to help with the little stuff so we wouldn't stress about it the next day and because the stuffing needed to be made the night before. We finished putting the finishing touches on the table, then started making the dressing. Mom had found the sausage dressing that is really yummy. Once the stuffing was made it was time to inject the turkey.

Once it was all done I headed home to get rested for the next day.

The dinner table - Mom does a great job and always goes all out.

We were asked to bring Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries. 

On our way to grandma's house

Brooke & Logan

Cristy, Kaymbria, Riley & Landon

Brooke taking a picture of me while I take a picture of her - yes we are trying to be funny.

My handsome sweet little boy

Daddy & Jack

Abigail  the wild child

Abigail and Mommy

The Sisters

Mom and the Sisters

Thankgiving dinner is always a lot of work and in the end it was so good. I did go back for turkey, stuffing and of coarse mash potatoes but in the end its sad how fast it is over with and done. After dinner the boys took the kids outside to play football and of coarse being the older girl, Abigail is found in leaves playing.

After cleaning up, the boys and kids playing football the girls decided to look through the ads and see if there is anything good for the early bird special. Abigail wanted to check out the shopping ads too and I guess let us know what her christmas list will be consisting of.

In the middle of looking through ads, letting our food digest a little it was then time for pie and home made ice cream.

Abigail enjoyed her ice cream however it was hard for her to eat due to her having sensitive teeth.

Jack couldn't get enough. I think he had two bowls full of ice cream - our little sugar eater.

Over all I love Thanksgiving. This holiday allows us to realize what we are thankful for.

Since Thanksgiving landed on the 24th here is a list of 24 things I am thankful for, however my list does continue on -

1. Love - to be able to feel and know how to love

2. Family - For if it was not for my mom and dad I would not be here nor I wouldn't have had two great brothers to fight with

3. Jeremy - I would be lost with out him by my side

4. Sealing of Families - to know that my family will be sealed together for time and eternity

5. Birth Parents - for the ups and downs, the love and the sacrifice and the out come of Jack becoming a part of our family

6. Jack - for this inocent boy life would be a bore and his personality and love lights up the room

6. Birth - to be able to experience giving birth to a beautiful baby girl

7. Abigail - for her wild charismatic personality and how she continues to learn each and every day and with what little things she has to say it puts a smile on your face

8. Our Home - a place to call ours

9. Jobs - to be employed and be able to provide for our family

10. Priesthood - for blessing and prayers to help heal and protect the family/home from harm

11. Food - to be able to keep our bodies healthy

12. Clothes - although expensive - to keep us warm in winter and cool in the summer

13. Friends - to be able to laugh, share and watch their kids grow up with ours

14. In Laws - to have an extra set of parents to look over you

15. Tawnie - Always willing to watch our kids

16. Books - to let the mind create 

17. My life - to experience, to learn and grow

18. My Dad - although he lives a little way away - I miss him and wish he was closer

19. My Mom - always there to help me when I need her

20. Medicine - to knock me out when I am not feeling well

21. Pioneers - what they had to go through to get us where we needed to be

22. Computers - although they can be a pain its amazing what they lead to

23. My bed for when I fight and fight and fight to try and get out of when the kids wake up in the early morning hours

24. Gopsel, Jesus and Heavenly Father