Family pictures 2012….

We had our friend Janna take our family pictures this year and it was interesting to say the least.  The kids had all been sick the week before and Tessa had thrown up the day before, so it was risk.  But, Andy had the day off and so did my parents so we went for it anyway.  It was a battle to get Marin to smile and you could tell Tessa did not feel well, but we got the job done and it was worth it.  I never regret the effort and stress that comes along with family pics.

Because we can….

We decided to take a quick trip to Utah, now that we live so close it is so easy to just get in the car and drive down.  We had a great visit and had tons of fun seeing the family and friends.  On our way down we made a quick stop in Rexburg to see our friend Meghan.  The kids loved having her as our babysitter in Ohio so it was so fun for them to see her!  We were so crazy busy in Utah of course, but it's worth it.  We were able to have a giant family party and get together at the church to celebrate Oaklee's birthday.  The kids loved running around acting like crazies with their cousins.  Andy was the best and let me have a night off to go with a movie with the girls.  We went and saw Pitch Perfect.  Andy and I also got in some great time at the temple.  One morning KayLee and I went together which was very special.  Her and I have been working on family names together for a few years, so it is so great when we get to go together to see the work being done!  KayLee also was awesome and watched the kids while Andy and I met up with the Starkey's for dinner and a temple date.  It was so fun catching up and just hanging out!  We are so blessed with great people in our lives.  I am sure we will have many more trips like this in the future!

Introducing Helena's newest…..

The hospital puts on a New Physician Social every year to introduce the new doctors that have started within the year.  This time it was Andy's turn.  The event was held at the art museum and was very fancy.  It was so fun to walk around and meet other new doc's in the area and to sample the super yummy food.  My parents were also able to come which was so fun.  It was great to have their support that night for Andy.  Towards the end of the evening they ask all of the doctors to get up and speak about their experience in Helena so far.  Andy of course did a great job and even brought tears to my eyes, I am just so proud of him.  We are so excited to be here and to start this new chapter of our lives.

Carlee's 7th Birthday….

How my chunky monkey keeps getting older, I do not know!  The fact that she is 7 is crazy!!  This year was Carlee's family birthday year….but we still had to have a lot of fun with friends.  We surprised Carlee by taking her and some friends to get ice cream and then to see Hotel Transylvania.  It was such a cute movie and the kids all had fun eating junk food.

Then, of course, we had to make "the cake"!  Carlee wasn't requesting a certain kind of cake this year, so I just went with something fun.  We made a giant cupcake and frosted it in candy corn colors, it really was awesome and most importantly, Carlee loved it!

 

Dreams can come true….

Carlee has been dreaming of riding horses for as long as I can remember.  Now that we are in Montana and slowly getting settled, we decided it was time, the perfect time actually, because it is almost Carlee's birthday!  I found the sweetest lady named Candy to teach Carlee.  Her horses are very close to our house, so it worked out perfect.

Carlee was so excited when we got there, she just couldn't wait to get on the horse.  Ms. Candy was very good to put safety first and walk Carlee through all the basics of riding before she even got in the saddle.  Finally she got to ride a sweet horse named Coby!  She was such a natural and not afraid at all. I may have a future cowgirl on my hands!