I'm OLD!!

I am now 30!

I actually was looking forward to it and claiming 30 for a few months prior to my birthday.

For the last year I have been building up my 30th. Talking to Ryan about what we should do for it. He took all the not so subtle hints and surprised with a trip back to Reno for the weekend before my birthday.

For my first morning there the girls brought me 30 black balloons and gave me my fabulous presents before we headed off for breakfast. Then some of us spent the rest of the day shopping until it was time to meet up for the night.

First on the agenda, pedicures. Who doesn't love soft feet with freshly painted toes?

Next on to a wonderful dinner at the fondue restaurant The Melting Pot. Everything there is so delicious, but the company was the best part.

After dinner we went to a late movie. That is pushing it for 5 moms. The next day was again spent shopping, eating and going to another movie. Great food, great deals, and a good movie, my perfect day.

I had such a wonderful trip!!

I still miss all the girls. Ryan really knew what to get me for my birthday.



On my actual birthday Ryan and I went out to dinner and then on the next night he threw me a surprise birthday up at his parents.

My Dad and Me

The fabulous husband who made it all possible.

Ryan invited everyone. Both families were there plus lots of friends, old and new.

Breanna, Christie, Me, and Rosie

I have been friends with all these girls for over 20 years.

I had a great birthday week and appreciate all the work and love that Ryan put into it to make it so special. I love you babe!

Ellie's Birthday . . . Finally

Almost 2 months late isn't too bad right?

On January 22 Ellie turned 5.

This is the morning of her birthday. She had just finished her requested Micky Mouse pancakes and had moved onto presents. She got to open her new birthday outfit and some new fashion Polly Pockets

About 10 days before her birthday we had a birthday day with her friend Alexis. We had to do it early because Lexi was moving back to Reno and that is the one friend Ellie wanted to celebrate with. We started off the day at Kangaroo Zoo.

The girls had so much fun.

Typically Ellie, hamming it up for the camera.

After Kangaroo Zoo we went to lunch at Chili's, the movie Bolt, to Target for friendship necklaces, and then back home to play because they hadn't had enough yet. Those two get along great and 10 am to 8 pm was not enough time.

On Ellie's actual birthday I let Ellie pick anywhere she wanted to go for lunch. She picked Subway! I talked her into switching to Sensuous Sandwich, which I think is better but afterwards Ellie did not agree. Aunt Lindsay came with us to help celebrate.

That night the Hill's threw Ellie a Disney Princesses 5th birthday party.

Ellie with Grandma and Grandpa.

Opening presents.

Pinata Time.

Success!!

Now time for the cake.

Ellie had a wonderful birthday. Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate our wonderful 5 year old. She is truly one of a kind.

Skiing at Sundance

One of my New's Years resolution was to take Mckay and Ellie skiing. So one gorgeous Saturday I took them skiing at Sundance. We couldn't have asked for a better day. We hiked up to the bunny hill started skiing. Ellie wanted to go first. I had taken her skiing last year for the first time and she was really excited to go again. She was also a great support to McKay. Ellie is so brave and really did a great job. She has the idea with the french fries and pizza pie. She can stop and start all by herself.

She made is all the way down the hill without dad's help.

She had such a great time and I loved every minute of it. I think she did too.

Mckay's turn. He was so brave to do this. He is not one for trying new things unless it is fun. Mandy and I told him how fun it was and Ellie helped to. So here we go!

Standing in line for the rope tow. McKay was smiles the entire time. I was so proud of him.

Hold On!!

Ellie was having a great time playing in the snow while I was skiing with McKay. I love the look on her face.

Way to go McKay! You are skiing. He didn't want me to let go of his hands, but when I did he did great. He really caught on to the french fry, pizza pie concept. For Mckay this is huge. I can't wait to get him up on the slopes again. I'm so impressed.

Ellie and dad on the second run up.

Ellie wanted to hang on all by herself, but the rope tow was to hard to hang on to. Nice try!

Ellie was awesome! She really is a natural at skiing. She is working on her pizza pie.

McKay's second run down. I really wanted to see if he could go by him self, and he said that he wanted to try. So as we were skiing down, I wanted to have some fun with him. So as we were practicing his pizza pie, I wanted him to keep his arms up and so I had him make a growl like a T-Rex dinosaur. He thought that was so funny, but it worked, and he was skiing all by himself and loved to stop and growl. I have a video of this, but it didn't down load, I will have to try again. Again, I'm so impressed with McKay and Ellie, I love you both so much.

The kids and I only did two runs each, but the most important thing is that they had a great time, and they both want to go again. I love both of you so much and can't wait to go skiing again with both you of. I'm also very impressed with how brave McKay was, and how Ellie never lost the technique. Thanks again for making my day turn out perfect. I love you guys.

Christmas Bowling

I have been a complete slacker in the blogging department but I have no excuse not to post this one since all the pictures were already uploaded.

For the last 5 years of so my family has done an overnight in Salt Lake instead of presents. This year we just kept it closer to home and had a fun night at Fat Cats.





My nephews Morgan "Muggs", and Taylor.



Who knows what face McKay is pulling here!?

Clara with Angie and my mom. Angie introduced Clara to bowling. First Clara would just walk down with Angie every time it was here turn. By the end of the night she was really enjoying herself pushing her ball down the ramp and watch in roll down the lane.

Lindsay and Aaron hijacked my camera so I had to post the pic.

Annie and Ellie

Everyone got involved helping Clara bowl.

After bowling, the whole crew headed to our family restaurant, Guru's, for some dinner.

Grandma Judy, McKay, Alex, Annie, Ellie, Lindsay, and Aaron.

Cory (Angie's boyfriend), Angie, Hailey, Colton (Kim's boyfriend), and Kimberly.

Taylor, Morgan, Grandpa David, Kathy, Clara, and Me.

Clara enjoying her Quesadilla.

After dinner we went back to my parents for dessert and games. It was a great night with family.