Sun Valley

Sometimes Bryant and I just need to get away. Last weekend we planned an impromptu trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. It's our favorite place to go just the two of us. The scenery is so beautiful, the shopping is fun, and the food is amazing! We didn't even ski or snowboard. We just checked in to the Sun Valley Inn and relaxed. It was wonderful. We were able to shop, eat way too much, swim, and sleep.

My favorite part of the weekend happened at a restaurant at the Sun Valley Resort. We were seated for dinner right next to a grand piano where there was a man playing beautiful jazz music. We placed the wine glasses at the end of the table considering we don't drink, and the music slowly changed to a primay song! The guy was playing "Families Can be Together Forever." He smiled when I told him that I liked that song, and nodded toward the wine glasses and said "I thought you might." Despite the fact that there were a few other people eating in the restaurant that night, he played for us the entire time. Beautiful jazz mixed with hymns and primary songs-arrangements I have never heard before! He explained that he has played for the prophet and many general authorities when they have visited Sun Valley. Between the music, my wonderful husband and the fondue, it was perfect. I really felt like Heavenly Father was looking out for me and was reminding me that he cares. I love Sun Valley!

Busy, Busy Boy!

This little guy never stops except when he's sleeping. He has been sick pretty much from January until now. We have dealt with RSV, ear infections and pneumonia just to name a few. Despite all this, he is always going! He is so curious and happy all the time. Currently his favorite thing to do is to open the freezer and pull out everything that's in it. He also likes to bang metal bowls and pans together... can we say permanent headache? Despite the noise and melting ice, we love this little go-getter and we're so happy he's well. Here's a look into some of his more recent Briggsy adventures. Here he is with Grandma Trudy's glasses on (glasses are his fave):

 Just chillin in his Olaf jammies:

 He does Piyo with mom-he even tries to roll his mat up when we're done!

 Sick in the ER with RSV-poor little guy (this was in January)

 Standing in the kitchen drawers is way more fun than standing on the floor.

 Even in the bath glasses are a must.

 Anytime someone is out in the front yard, he's peeking out the windows and waving!

 Tripp dressed him the other day. This is the result.

 So one of my dreams has come true. Briggsy has curly hair! I am so in love with it! It is still his wispy baby hair so I don't know if it will continue to curl, but I have had so much fun putting gel in it and getting it like this:

 The only time he slows down is afternoon nap and bedtime. I had to wake him up to go to the bus stop the other day and couldn't resist getting his picture first :)

Briggsy is a Daddy's boy! He loves when Daddy comes home and plays with him!

 Sometimes he likes Mommy too-- if Daddy isn't home! :)

 He got a new bike this week. He scoots around on it and is learning to balance. If anyone else touches the bike he cries and wants to ride it himself. He's only 18 months old but he has it pretty much figured out!

Where has the time gone? I feel like he was just born. He is growing every day and loves to play with his big brothers who spoil him rotten. His favorite foods are milk, yogurt, and anything sweet (of course). He isn't talking a lot but likes to babble. Some of the words he does say are daddy, mama, Lainey, gamma (grandma), cheese, ball, die-die (diaper),  nigh-nigh, and hi. He loves to be held and to cuddle with the people he loves. We are so blessed to have our Briggsy!

If you asked me what my favorite thing was about this past holiday season, I couldn't tell you. Well, I might tell you that it was making this super awesome woodland themed diaper cake for Macey.

 

 I may also tell you that my favorite part was meeting Brice's cute girlfriend Sarah and having everyone over for Thanksgiving.

 

 

 It may be that I got to spend time with this most adorable husband of mine. :)

 

 

 Or, my favorite part of the holidays may just be that we waited in line for almost 2 hours to meet Santa, and as soon as the boys sat down he fell asleep-and could not be woken up for quite a while!

 

 

  It could be that I was lucky enough to throw Macey a baby shower that was woodland animal themed-so cute and fun!

 

 

 However, my one of my favorite moments has to be when Chantz wanted to home-make a Christmas present for his best friend at school. It was a hardcover book--so cute!

 

 

 

 My favorite holiday memory may be when we got to watch Tripp in his school program do a dance as a soldier in "The Nutcracker"

 

 

 Or when this little honey decided to dress up as an elf.

 

 

 If you were to ask me, my favorite memory of the holidays may have just been when Briggsy met his little cousin Lincoln. He loves his tiny cousin so much!

 

 

 Or perhaps it was when I got to first meet little Link! What a doll!!

 

 

 If you were to ask my boys about their favorite holiday memory, it may have been when our family sponsored 2 foster kids for Christmas. It was so fun to shop, wrap and give gifts to those kiddos and it taught our kids such great lessons!

 

 

 Tripp may say his favorite holiday memory was when I got him back out of bed late at night and he and I decorated the tree and drank egg nog. :)

 

 

 Or when he made his first snowman of the season!

 

 

It could even be that he started scouts! Look at that big kid!

 

 

 

 I'm sure all three boys would count Christmas Eve as a favorite memory. We watched the original "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," read "I Believe in Santa Claus," decorated cookies for Santa, and got new pajamas!

 

 

 On the other hand, their favorite holiday memory may be that Chase and Melissa came for 2 whole weeks! We love them so much!!

 

 

As you can tell, I am having a hard time pointing out my favorite memory this holiday season. I suppose that means that we are so very blessed and have had so many wonderful experiences! I hope all who read this know how blessed we feel to have you in our lives-whether near or far, friends or family, we love you!

It's Great to be Eight!

Our Tripp was baptized on his birthday last month! December 5 was quite the eventful day. His Daddy baptized and confirmed him and after that we came home for his birthday lunch and presents. The only things Tripp wanted for his birthday were new scriptures and white shirts/black pants and ties to wear to church. No more patterned button down shirts for him! He looked so grown up in his new outfit. He woke up with a smile on his face and was ready to go! He was so proud that he was the one who was able to make the decision to be baptized. This kid amazes me. He has always been sensitive to the Spirit and knows how to follow its promptings. He tries so hard to be like Jesus. My favorite part of the confirmation was when Bryant said that Tripp will be able to recognize the Spirit in his life and understand the importance of it, and will know how to find the Spirit. Tripp reads from his scriptures daily and says his own personal prayers before bed without having to be reminded. We are so proud of the responsible, kind young man he is turning into.

Right before we left for the baptism:

 Me and my little angels:

 Bryant and Trippster:

 The scrapbook page our ward made for us:

 Birthday celebration afterwards!

We were so grateful that Grandma Trudy came all the way from Idaho Falls to be with Tripp on his special day. Chase and Melissa came too-and we even had Chase give a talk! We also had many of our family members come who live locally and it was so appreciated. Our Tripp is sure loved!