Ahhh Christmas!

This year we almost skipped out on our Salt Lake Christmas trip due to a nasty fever and croup.  Stinky sickness! Luckily my mom took us in.  There's nothing like being with your Mom when your kids are sick.  Love You Mom!  Normally I don't take my kids ANYWHERE if their sick but when family calls---you'd better come!  Sooooo glad I did because it beats sitting home alone.  Unfortunately we couldn't visit with Chad and Karen's family because we didn't want to get Cooper sick before his tonsilectomy.  So instead we planned a conference call with both of my brothers.  We also planned a dinner out with my Dad which is always fun.  I miss you tons Dad!!! Brandon's family begged us to drop in to our Boulter Christmas party which we did for about an hour...we'd planned on skipping the whole thing so it was a nice surprise and fun to see everyone happy and well.

When we returned home, we invited Mr. B over to help us make carmels for our neighbors.  I didn't expect him to get right in there and stir for what seemed like an eternity...but he did.  I had to get proof.

Kimmie and Luki came for Christmas!  We enjoyed Christmas Eve dinner at Craig and Peggy's, a little drive to see the lights, then home to open one gift under the tree. Christmas day was one big lazy fest.  We were even lazy with the gift opening.  We probably finished around noon.  After Taya's and Kimmie's naps and Brandon's game playing, we made our luminaries for the front stairs and ate our Christmas dinner - Salisbury Steaks with Mashed Potatoes, Zuchini Casserole and Biscuits... holy yumminess! 

    

 

18 Months!

Can't believe it!  Our Baby Taya is 18 months old!  

This little girly is snuggly, spunky, tantrumy, and funny.  She loves wrapping her babies in blankies, stealing mom and dad's chapstick, pushing Halle's buttons, saying just about anything we ask her to say, squalking just like her big sister, and sitting in her favorite place....yeah YOU try to remove her!

Taya is a JOY to have in our home!

Christmas Happiness

Why is it that around Christmas time I feel like I have forty seven billion things to do and then I add a couple more.  I'm sure everyone is thinking the same as me.  Yes, it is a busy time but I'll completely miss it once it's all over so I'll stop complaining. Here are a few things that I've loved about this Christmas month so far. 

I loved helping a friend of mine sew aprons and chef hats for her girls for Christmas.  I didn't use a pattern, we just gave it a go. They turned out so cute I'm going to make Halle one.  Brandon was kicked out of the bedroom for 5 hours while we completed them over a two night period (one night working until after midnight), so I give my love to him for being an understanding man.

I love that Halle told me this morning that she was going to ask Santa to bring Taya a coloring pad so she doesn't keep coloring on Halle's.

I love that I've turned my bedroom into Santa's Workshop.  Yeah, really wishing for that 4th bedroom right about now. 

I loved being a part of the committee in charge of our ward Christmas party.  It was a lot of work six weeks prior, making decorations and planning for the big day.  It was an absolute hectic night!

I love that that Christmas party is over.

I love that Taya points to our Nativity and says "Thesus" (Jesus)

I love that Chad's family and Kimmie are coming to our house for Christmas.  How lucky are we?

And the last thing I'll mention that I love is....No More Homework For Brandon!!  He completed his Master's program yesterday!  This guy worked so hard to reach his goal.  I am in awe at how he has been able to do it all - work, his own business, homework, church calling, the gym, and still keep us number one on his list.  Good job babe!

Grays...Turkey...Snow - PERFECT

Thanksgiving weekend was quite exciting at the Boulter home. The Grays came to stay with us for a few days which we thoroughly enjoyed! I think one of our favorite sites was seeing Halle, Macky and even Taya crawling on all fours barking like puppies all through the house.

Thanksgiving morning Brandon and Ty headed out for a little Turkey Bowl Football game. We told them not to get injured. At least Tyler obeyed. Brandon pulled his hamstring in the last play of the game. Thanksgiving dinner was held at Craig and Peggy's home. Dinner was divine! One highlight was Ty and Nat heading out for some Black Friday shopping at 4 the next morning. NUTS, I KNOW! We waited in a half mile line to get some great deals at Target an hour before it opened. Kohls was next on our list. Lucky for us, we were quick to grab and conquered our shopping list. Once we were back home safe and sound, Ty graced us with a little of his breakfast cooking (who knew) ....pretty tasty!


Saturday was our traditional Christmas Tree Hunt. We bundled ourselves up and headed up the canyon to chop down a tree for Halle & Taya. Craig, Peggy and Sarah went along too. It was a perfect day, the roads were pretty clear and a light and fluffy snow was falling - LOVED IT! Since Brandon was injured, Nat picked out the tree and dragged it down the hill to the car. Luckily it was only a 6 footer. We live in a warm bubble here in St. George. It's so nice to drive 45 minutes to get our feel of snow when we need it.

T-R-I-A-T-H-L-O-N

Yesterday was race day for me. I competed in the SHAC Turkey Triathlon that's held here in St. George. I can't believe how much fun it was!! My six months of training really paid off because I felt ready and I gave it my all. This is me and Halle, my little supporter, at the finish line.
Thanks to my love - Brandon for all the time he gave up so I could prepare for this day.


My friend and workout partner, Heidi and our spin trainer, Tiffany. It was a bitter cold morning (especially for St. George...burrrr)

The swim

The bike - Maybe Santa will bring me a road bike for Christmas...hint...hint

The run

Me, Rakel, Hailey, and Heidi after the race.
What a beautiful day! Next Tri is in April and I am IN!

Halloween Weekend

Halloween came and went so fast...SO FAST! This year the Talbots celebrated Halloween with us and boy was it a party. It always is when they come. Friday we started off with a visit to Grandpa B's, then over to Snow Canyon High for some early Trick O Treating fun. Afterwards, we held our *second annual Pumpkin Carving and Pizza Party. That party had to be cut short so some of us gals could head out for Odessey Dance Company's Thriller at Tuacahn. Oh, so good! Saturday for dinner we had blood, worms, & eyeballs, then headed out for the real fun. Unfortunately Grandpa B spent his weekend in the hospital and so did Brandon, Karen, Brenda and Craig. We're hoping for a quick recovery this time. Halle and Taya are missing their Grandpa!

Our little sea creatures, Little Miss Mermaid and Little Miss Octopus. I'm hoping to get them back in their costumes for a second photo shoot. This one just wont cut it.

Now this woman is Entertainment at it's best!

Thriller is one of my favorite Halloween traditions. Year 4 is just as good as year 1. Especially when you bring the lady in the previous picture. Too bad she was taking a potty break (hiding out in the ladies room) when her friend here came by.

Our Trick O Treating clan. We visited the Ramirez' haunted house which was a huge hit and super freaky, then up to the Nobis/Cash scone party. We arrived a little late but were still served. Fabulous!

Owen & Taya getting to know each other again. We couldn't get enough of these little punkins. Taya literally clung to Jon the whole weekend. Mom was a little jealous!

Lov'n October

I know I know, I'm so behind on my posts. A lot has been happening and I just haven't had a second to think. I LOVE being busy so it's nothing bad. As soon as things cool down I'll get caught up. October has always been my favorite month - it just happens to be crazy this year.

BTW - Halloween is 10 days away! Yessssssssssssssssss......

Preschool

~Halle has been waiting for this day for a long time~


It was her first day of preschool - backpack and all. Four other gals in the neighborhood and I formed a mommy preschool for our three year olds. There are five kids total, so every fifth week I get to teach. The great thing is, the kids will get to know each other before kindergarten. We've been talking about doing it for a while now, so I'm excited it's come together. It's going to be great fun!

VISITOR

There's nothing like walking out your back door and seeing
THIS right in front of you.

Oh yes, it happened to me and I'm still having AnXiEtY over it.
Yesterday we were preparing to head out to Grandpa B's to help him hang his shower curtain and I spotted this tarantula under Halle's lego car.
I don't kill bugs or any living thing.
If I find a big spider in the house I put a cup over it until Brandon comes home.
I called Brandon at work because I knew he could calm me down enough so I could put a bin over him.
This morning Brandon took him into work and gave him to one of the Biology professors. Brandon said the professor was giddy like a school boy.

Spelunking the Bloomington Caves

Brandon had a little adventure planned for us Saturday afternoon. First of all, he didn't ask me if I wanted to go - he told me I was going. Normally I don't tolerate that kind of abuse, but I was actually quite excited. I believe caving is one of those things you have to do before you die. Plus, I figured I'd get to wear a headlamp - yay! Brandon bumped into an old friend from his frat days at a college event and he invited Brandon to go along.

There are two entrances to the caves and we tried both of them out after the first one took us on an almost vertical descent. The BLM claims you don't need ropes and harnesses but I beg to differ. We decided to turn around after about an hour. Our second entrance included a bat, some rats, and required a very long crab walk and belly shimmy. The inside was cool and damp about 75 degrees compared to the 105 temp outside. I thought I'd have trouble being in such tight quarters but I was surprisingly comfortable. Another bonus - we were there mid day on a saturday and we didn't see another soul.

The Bloomington Caves span a distance of 1.3 miles and drop 240 feet and a permit is required. The caves are not for small children. I'm sure we'll be going again so let us know if you want to come along.

Ride'n

I'm heading out for another little ride tomorrow with the gals. Every Saturday lately, a bunch of friends and I go for an early morning ride on our bikes. Last week was a ride to the college to run a 5K, then ride back. It was a doozy, but well worth it. We've also taken the Bloomington loop, and a ride to Washington Fields. Tomorrow is a ride to Ivins. This will mark the furthest I've been on my bike... I think. And, I think, I'm starting to really like this biking thing. My bike is now equipped with a speedometer/tripometer/odometer (10 bucks at Walmart) which for some strange reason is fascinating to me. Hopefully- I'll soon learn how to steer away from pot holes while working the computer. It's been quite exhilarating getting ready for this Triathlon. My workout schedule has been crazy and I have to hand it to my cute hubby for giving me SO MUCH of his valuable time. He's my rock and I love him! Other family members like Sarah, Craig and Peggy have also put in some good babysitting hours with my girls. Thanks to them! What I'm hoping for is to do a beginner race this fall, and then compete in the sprint distance in the spring.

We'll see....

D-E-L M-A-R

Our girls belong on the beach!

In fact Brandon and I do too. Too bad we live so far from that fabulous ocean air. We stayed Del Mar which is just north of San Diego. We absolutely fell in love with this hip and friendly beach town. We couldn't get enough in the 5 days we were there so it's in the works to go again next year. Hopefully, there will be no emergency surgeries that get in the way - Chad and Karen. We missed you!

Halle was OBSESSED with the sand crabs, shells and seaweed. After stepping on a bee and being stung, Taya loved the feel of the sand between her fingers and toes ~surprising.




That's my hunky man after his boogie boarding stunts.



A HUGE highlight for me was meeting up with my girlfriend from the old days. Ashley Johnson (now Dunaway) and I were best buds when we were growing up in Salt Lake. Now, Ashley lives in a beach house in Del Mar just a block from the beach...SPOILED!!! Ashley was our own personal travel agent - giving us beach gear, tips on where to go and eat - yum, and even offered to watch the girls so Brandon and I could have an evening to ourselves. YAY! Thanks Ash!





Ashley suggested we go to Quail Botanical Gardens with the girls. SO FUN! I wouldn't have missed it. It was BeAuTiFuL and there was even an area just for kids to play and learn about plants.

One day we biked around Coronado Island. We strapped the girls into the trailer and took off. We had no idea where we were going - could have been better prepared - but it turned out great. Unfortunately I forgot the camera that day. Too busy I guess....

The last day was spent at Sea World. I can't believe how well the girls did running from place to place. It was tiring but well worth it.

Goodbye HOT Desert!

Tomorrow we leave for the beach
Our destination...beautiful Del Mar, California
See you in a week

H-A-V-A-S-U-P-A-I

Besides a couple blisters on his feet and a huge bruise on his thigh, Brandon and the boys returned safe and sound from a great trip to Havasupai.


Along the trail, random horses wandered and welcomed hikers.

One of the steepest descents to a waterfall.

This hike is definitely on my to do list. We'll leave the H and T at home for this one.

Wish I was there too...

Missing my man!

Brandon and the young men of our ward set out for Havasupai last wednesday. How lucky is he?
The trail is approximately 8 miles long to Supai (Indian reservation), with an extra 2 miles added on in order to reach the campgrounds, and descends some 3000 vertical feet. They hiked down on thursday, and today I imagine they're swimming in that beautiful water.

~Jealous~

They hike out and drive home tomorrow. I think I'll plan a girls trip next month. Who's in?

Can't wait to get the full story on Sat!!

Peer Pressure

So...lately I've been having some ~crazy~ thoughts in my mind about a Triathlon. I say ~crazy~ because never have I thought seriously about doing one of these. To be honest, every time I think about it I kind of chuckle a bit. Yes, I love working out and staying as fit as I can... but am I a swimmer? No. Am I a runner? No. Am I a biker? Not really. So..... why am I training for this Triathlon in November? I'll tell you what it is - PEER PRESSURE! I have some friends in a spin class I attend and all they talk about are races. It's such a positive fitness environment I can't help but be hooked. In fact, ever since we moved to St. George I've felt the exercise bug. The bug runs thick here. The more I attend the class the more I think about this race coming up. And, having a set goal in my mind like this Triathlon has kept me going day after day. The training so far has been fun and very addictive, so hopefully nothing will get in the way of me crossing that finish line in November.

Walk

There's a long story as to why this hasn't been documented until now. Don't worry, I'll spare you the boring details and skip to the good part. About a week and a half ago Taya took her first steps on her own. Soooooo exciting for us!! She is walking and LOVING IT!


(Not a great video but it does the job.)

Catching up

Can you tell she liked the cobbler....or was it the attention...

It's been a busy few weeks since Taya's birthday so I'll quickly recap. We held a little get-together for Taya's day and enjoyed a little peach cobbler with our badmitton. We ditched the traditional cake and tried out our dutch oven. Thanks to all who came to help us celebrate...it was a fun night!

Here's Macky about to take a swing at it. Too bad our yard isn't a little wider :( I love this picture because Peggy looks like a little kid standing next to Hayden. Man...he's tall!

Here's me and my cute dad (Halle snuck in there too). Silver Lake was pretty and the temperature was just right.

We attended a Pratt family reunion in Salt Lake at my Aunt and Uncle's house. How fun it was to see my family again!! I love them so much and enjoyed the relaxing evening watching the kids run from the bounce house, to the putting green, to badmitton, and of course the delicious food. It was also great to catch up on those Pratt giggles.

She's One!

Today is Baby Taya's Birthday!

I guess we can't refer to her as "Baby" anymore. Taya is a true delight to have in our home. She and Halle make great sister pals, and love spending countless hours giggling together. Taya loves...

giving cheesy smiles
pointing at things she wants
playing in the sand (and potted plants)
Halle
clicking her tongue
her binky
hugging and patting backs
oreos
and being outside

We just love this girl!!