Glasses

We are almost to February, and already there has been a big change in our house.  After wearing glasses for like 15 years, Chad broke down and got Lasik.  I was his driver and chaperone, and got to watch the whole thing go down.  It was pretty neat to watch, and after all the Valium and massage chair visits he got, it didn't look too scary after all.  (I was the nervous one; Chad was a trooper.)  The day after his surgery, the doctor said Chad already had 20/15 vision, which is better than 20/20, and that only 3% of Lasik patient's get that good of a result.  Chad is happy with the results, and I think that he is more handsome than ever, so I think it has been a win-win for everyone.


Before we retired Chad's glasses, we let some other cute people try them on for size.

Aren't they cute?  And, as we found out just this morning at Sam's eye exam, he himself will be wearing glasses in the near future.  I think he looks pretty handsome in glasses, and can't wait to see him in his own pair.  Who knew we would be trading Chad's glasses in for another pair so soon?

New Camera

I am very spoiled, yes I know.  I have been hinting to Chad for a little while that I would love a nice camera, a nice DSLR, something better than my little point and shoot.  It was not on my Christmas list, but after Christmas and paying off the van, we had some money left over.  After days of researching, and with Chad's blessing, I ended up buying a new Canon T3i.  I was so excited, I even bought a book that is written to give hints and tips exclusively for the T3i.  Well, it is a lot of info still to process, but I am learning.  I think it will take awhile to really feel like I know all the camera does, but already I have been amazed at the difference in quality.

Yesterday when Emmi was getting ready to go to dance, I asked her if I could take some pictures of her to practice.  Boy, did I ask the right kid!  She was posing and posing like a little diva.  I didn't have to tell her what to do at all.

Chad took a couple of boys last night too, because Sam was feeling a little left out.  There were some others, but this camera has such great detail in the pictures, that there were too many boogers, etc., for me to feel comfortable posting.:)  I am so excited! Now I just need some practice.

Big milestone

I am so very happy to tell you that we again have hit another milestone in our "Dave" program.  On December 30th, Chad walked into our credit union and paid the balance that we owed on our minivan.  For the last 10 years, (basically our whole married life), we have had a car payment.  This is big, big news for us.  We only have our student loans and our mortgage in terms of debt, and it is an amazing feeling.  I am very grateful that Chad has the drive and determination to get us out of debt as fast as possible.  We are slated to be able to pay off the student loans by summer, and I can't wait for that to happen.  Hooray for progress!

Visit from Grandpa B

My Dad was able to take a lot of work off for Christmas, so a few days after Christmas he was able to come down and spend some time with me and the kids.  We had pizza, movies and a lot of rough housing.:)  He even spent the night with us, and offered to watch the kids while me and Chad went to a movie, what a great Dad I have, no?  We sure had fun, and were sad to see him leave. Sam lucked out that it was not a white Christmas this year, so he was able to ride his electric scooter that Santa brought him, and it was nice enough outside to let the kids play for an hour or so with Grandpa.

Sam also asked Santa this year for a pogo stick, which Santa did indeed bring.  I didn't know that my Dad could ride on one since we never had one growing up, but he was more than willing to show me.  As you can see in the videos, he did great! Not bad at all for a Grandpa.;)  He is a lot better than me, that's for sure.  This first video is my personal favorite, purely for his end smile.

But, this was his best jump.

Sam is not too shabby either.  Okay Grandma B, you say you can pogo too, you are up next!

Christmas 2011

Christmas vacation started for us on the 23rd of December.  Chad had the day off and we had a big day.  First we took the kids miniature golfing and walked around Cabela's.  Then, since Chad and the kids wanted to take the train into Salt Lake, Jack and I dropped the rest off in Sandy at the station, and soon thereafter we all met with my parents at Hires downtown for lunch.  Next, we headed off to Temple Square.  It was pretty cold, but we were able to see the visitors centers and all the pretty lights before it got too dark or crowded.

My favorite part was this incredible model of the Salt Lake Temple that is on display in the South visitors center.  It was simply beautiful and so accurate.  The kids thought it was neat to see what the inside looked like, since none of them have been inside this temple. 

Then we went over to the Church History Museum and up to the children's wing. I know I have said it before, but it is so worth the time and effort to go over to the museum. This is just a small taste of what my kids were able to see and play with. We had a hard time, as usual, getting them to leave.

As is tradition, we slept over at Grandma B's house that night, and kicked off Christmas Eve with breakfast at Denny's and then a movie with the fam. That night we went over to Grandma Hess' to see Santa. This year all the kids were able to sit on his lap and get in their last minute Christmas wishes.  Thankfully, there was no surprises.  There were few tears (Jack), but not too bad.

Then we had dinner at Grandma B's house with the Thomson family, followed by opening presents.  Before it was too late, we headed back home with a full car and very happy but sleepy kids.

After our own Christmas and church the next morning, we got to spend the rest of the day with the Hunsaker's.  We had a super yummy huge Christmas dinner, and again, more great presents.  Kirk and Kim gave all the grand-kids these cute pillow pets with blankets, and they were so overjoyed.  We also were able to help Kim break in her new X-box and Dance Central, which was a lot of fun.

Emmi was enjoying her new blanket and pillow when all of sudden Jack walked over and planted a big kiss on her forehead.  It is a little blurry, but the smile says it all.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  Looking at the pictures, I am kicking myself for not taking more than I did, and in better quality (grr.. iPhone).  I guess there is always next year.

And the rest of the pics....

I really couldn't be happier with the way these turned out.  I can't stop looking at them.  Didn't she get the kids so perfectly?  I don't know how she does it.