My BYU Boys!

Yesterday was the much anticipated BYU vs. Utah game. Craig was super excited. He grew up with season tickets and has stayed a huge fan . . . even while attending the rival school (yes, he actually graduated from the University of Utah -shhh, don't tell anyone). He keeps wondering how he's going to explain that one to Jace when he gets a bit older. When I woke up, Craig had already dressed the kids and was watching College Game Day downstairs - all three were in blue & white BYU jerseys or t-shirts. It made me smile. Jace was as excited as Craig for the game - he even wanted me to paint his face just like the crazy fans on the t.v. . . so I did. He looked so cute! He wanted to make a poster that said "The Utes smell like toots" too but we ran out of time. He seriously made that up on his own. I watched the game with them and it was fun to see them be so passionate about it. . .pacing the floor, yelling at the T.V., knocking on wood, jumping up and down. I love these guys! BYU did win just in case you were wondering - in overtime. Of course Craig spent hours listening to the post game and watching clips on You Tube of the final play. This guy LOVES some good BYU football. I can't say I'm sad that the season is almost over because then I'll get my Saturdays back but I do want to say that . . .

"I LOVE MY BYU BOYS!!!"

Man - is this kid expressive or what!

This was Craig's early Christmas present - so he could watch the games in HD.

I love my boys!

Turkey Day Visitors

We had some fun visitors come stay with us this past week over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Nani & Pampa Brammer and Aunt Katie (Craig's parents & little sister). It was great to have the company. We did so many fun things! We took them to church and showed them off then the first couple days we shopped like mad, we went to see The Blindside with Sandra Bullock (which was great), Craig and I got to go to the temple on a date (YEAH), we got out the bounce house and played in the backyard, there were multiple games of 'Go Fish', lots of reading stories, and the kids did lots of snuggling with their Nani & Pampa. While Craig and I were at the Temple they even took the kids to look at Christmas lights and to Dairy Queen for their 'traditional' brown topper ice cream cone. Jace and Brooke had a blast.

For Thanksgiving we were able to all head down to Salem, OR and feast with the Heders. We brought the mashed potatoes and the drink. Everything was set up so wonderfully. Their home is absolutely beautiful. The table was decorated so beautifully and the kids table was absolutely adorable! We had a great time visiting with family and the food was to die for! I need to get that recipe for the pumpkin pie. Although, if I made it there's a good chance it wouldn't taste the same.

It's safe to say that this year we are all thankful for family. Thank you for the fun visit Paula, Robert and Katie. We love you and are glad you made the really long drive to spend Thanksgiving with us!

Playing 'Go Fish'. It was hilarious to watch.

Jumping in the Bounce House.

Jace, Me, Craig, Brooke, Paula, and Robert - all dressed up.

Jace & Brooke with their Nani & Pampa.

Jace, Katie, Brooke.

The place settings at the kids table. I thought they were really cute and very creative!

Jace & Brooke just feasting away.

Our little family: Daddy, Jace, Mommy, and little Brookie.

We did lots of driving around and even though it tuckered Brooke right out . . . it reminded me of what a beautiful place the Northwest is. We love it here!

Katie at the Portland, OR Temple grounds.

Cape Horn in the Columbia River Gorge.

Crossing the Glen Jackson Bridge from Portland OR back into Vancouver, WA with Mt. Hood in the background.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

New Moon

Last night was so much fun. I hosted a mom's only Twilight party in honor of New Moon being released in theaters. I'm not a complete Twilight freak but it was a fun excuse for a girls night out. We all tucked our kiddos into bed, put on our black shirts and red lipstick and partied it up. I had planned on doing games and watching Twilight, but we ended up just having some awesome girl talk, snacking a bit and leaving early to stand in line so we could sit together. I wasn't sure if I could even stay awake for the midnight showing. I'm so lame. I'm usually in bed by 9:30. It doesn't help that it gets dark here at 5:00 now. One thing that was sad though was . . . Jace. He was so sad that mommy didn't invite him to her party. He sad on the top stair for an hour with a sad look on his face. I finally let him come down and eat a cupcake. After that he was much happier. Right before the party started he told me this "Hey mom, if any of your friends asks for the last cupcake just tell them no and that it's for your child. Then give it to me!" He was so funny.

The movie was a lot of fun. It was so much better than the first one. Thumbs up for the special effects - they actually did a decent job this time. I guess I deserved this - being in a theater with Twilight crazed fans, and I know I may be lame, but it totally bugs me when people freak out and clap and cheer in a movie. Every time Edward or Jacob came on screen half the audience freaked out or when Bella would kiss Edward people started clapping. I was just annoyed. What was weird is that it you would expect it to be all these giddy high school girls but it was a bunch of 50 yr old women. Although, I do have to say that I may be switching to team Jacob. :) Just kidding. I'm team Craig! After seeing Taylor Lautner in Disney's Shark boy and Lava girl when he was like 11yrs old - I don't think I could ever look at him without feeling like a pedophile.

I had a fun time. Thank you to everyone who came! It was great to catch up.

Here's the spread. I thought it turned out cute.

We've got vampire cupcakes, werewolf kibble, buttered popcorn, carmel popcorn, apples (of course) and blood red soda to drink.

The whole group: Chelsea, Heather, Erin, Laurel, Ashley, Reese, and Genevieve.