draggin...

Oh geez. I'm behind AGAIN.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to catch up.

Still need to post Disneyworld, Christmas, and inbetween. Although I do think I did most of Thanksgiving. Also need Tanner's tooth story, our anniversary, my birthday. Geez. I'm random in order.

Whatev.

Soak up this for now. That face. Uh-huh. To die for!

adventures

"Life is the best kind of adventure: the places we go, the things we do, and above all, the people we meet prepare us for our future."

I saw that statement on a girls blog and I loved it. So true.

Life is such a great adventure. I'm continually learning and shaping my life.

I love reflecting on the past and the experiences that have framed my thoughts and influenced my actions.

The fun, and the not so fun.

Some of the things this past year that stick in my mind are:

The time we lost Tanner on an island...

Not so fun. SCARY, freaky, horrible feeling. We were in the Bahama's and there was a pirate ship restaurant. Our cabana was only a few yards away, so we let him wander over and would shortly follow...well, when I followed, he was no where to be found. Panic set it, the tears flowed, and strangers soon became my best friends. He was found about 10 minutes later, which felt like HOURS. Frolicking in the waves...he knew where he was the whole time! He was never lost. lol.

It was a frightful experience, but one that made me love him even more! We couldn't imagine our lives without Tanner. We continued our family vacation having a blast and savoring each moment.

I think of the tantrums and out bursts that Kambrie exhibits...but also think of the growth that has occurred as this past year she's learned to walk, talk, and gain so much independence. Life must be hard as a two year old. I get so frustrated when I'm unable to express myself accurately, so I can't image the feelings she experiences as she's getting a grasp on how to live life and expectations that are set for her. She is so sweet, so funny, so loving and happy! We love our little Kam Kam.

I remember the heartache watching Tanner get sick and feeling helpless as I saw the pain in his eyes. I wish I could take on the hurt so he wouldn't have to suffer. And trying to get him to take medicine is the worst nightmare ever! He FREAKS out, HATES medicine in any fashion, and would rather wither in distress than attempt any form of healing that could be offered. But then I think of every other day and the health and strength that he is blessed with, and the ENERGY he exudes daily, and I smile.

I love my life. The bad days aren't fun, but they make me appreciate the good days so much more. I know my cup is half full, and when I stop to count each blessing, my cup runneth over. I have so many blessings. I believe we all do in this life. It's whether we choose to see them or not. I'm grateful for the past year of my life I've been privileged to live.

2011 was full of so many great memories...

Our family cruise to The Bahama's, Landon and my get-away to a beachside resort in Mexico, our family trip to Florida and experiencing DISNEYWORLD with the kids, celebrating each family members birthday, enjoying the excitement of every holiday, watching the boys para sail on the Lake, Tanner loosing his first tooth and then a second and third, making cookies with the kids, going to Miner Mikes and riding Kambrie's favorite "choo choo", two separate girls trips in Texas, having FHE and playing horsey, going fishing at Rockbridge, playing in Branson, tucking the kids in bed each night, giving family kisses and hugs, sewing projects with my mama, being with our extended family at Thanksgiving, visiting each great grandparent and witnessing a cousins baptism...

the memories are endless and abundant.

I can't wait to experience 2012 now, with these three people I love most!

chug it down

Where in the world did she learn that!? ;)

More catching up with Utah

Thanksgiving break events:

Kam increased her movie time from about a 5 minute attention span to around 30 minutes. Wahoo!!

Yay for movies and quiet time ;)

OUR HERO FLIES

Daddy, like the superhero we knew him to be...

learned how to fly!!

He looks like a stud in his superhero outfit!

And the kids had a blast watching him fly...Tanner was his judge. He gave him 10078249 points. Well done dad! That's better than a perfect 10.

Daddy rocks.

It was a piece of cake for him. Unlike the guy who "attempted" to fly after him. It was pretty comical. It does take some some concentration and technique, but Landon had it in the bag!

Super cool experience.

SANTA CLAUS

The classic family picture with Santa Claus!

"But she's not smiling..." the attendant told us when picking out our picture.

"Perfect" we exclaimed!

We love the sad faced, scary eyed perplexion from Kambrie. It's a classic kid meets Santa documented experience. ☺

Kambrie wasn't thrilled to meet this old, round, white bearded, stranger who chuckled in her face, for some reason...and especially not excited about trying to sit on his lap!

She wasn't havin' it. But Tanner loved it!

When asked what he wanted, Tanner replied "a pirate ship, and a Merry Christmas!"

Yah baby. Making it easy for Santa this year!

MEETING GREAT GPA KIRK

This is Landon's grandpa, Lee Kirk.

He has lived in Idaho until this Summer, he was moved into an assisted living facility in Logan.

Landon's other Gma, and my Gma Gwen were also placed in assisted living facilities this Summer too! And we were lucky enough this trip to visit my (Jill's) only living grandparents on each side, Gma Ruth and Gma Gwen, and Landon's only living grandparents, Gma Nuttall, and Gpa Kirk.

How awesome to be able to see each one of them and spend some time with them.

Seeing Gpa Kirk was especially neat because the kids had never met him before! Gpa Kirk was thrilled. He cried happy tears when we saw him. And he knew our names too! I was so impressed.

Kambrie had fun playing with his wheelchair and walkers...and Tanner had fun eating his poppycock popcorn and hearing his stories.

We're so grateful we got to visit Gpa Kirk!

GIRL TIME.

Mom, Shauna, and I had a morning of pedicures, shopping and lunch!

There's always time for girl time!

It was super fun...well at least for me. Not so much for Shauna. She's prego and was nausted the whole time. I got to eat her leftover pretzel bites though...so that was awesome.

We're excited she's having a baby boy this Summer. Adding baby #5 to the clan.

She's super mom. Kinda like MY mom below!

We always LOVE visiting Utah. We love visiting family on each side. We love having fun adventures. We love playing with cousins. It's a perfect vacation.

Thanks mom and dad for always giving us room and board, meals and entertainment, a vehicle, letting us destroy your house, and much much more while smiling all the while!! ☺

WE ♥ UTAH

snow in Utah

The day after we arrived in Utah, it dusted some snow. The kids were eager to get their snow angels on! However, we weren't fully equipped with attire. I didn't have any snow boots for Tanner and I knew he wouldn't last long...so now the only problem was trying to ward off Kam from wanting to go out too.

Obviously, she got a little angry. But she was entertained watching Tanner for the few minutes he was out playing. Luckily I didn't have to deal with too big of a fuss because the timing worked out well! Phew.

I'm constantly amazed at the emotions these kids arouse in me. Sometimes my level of frustration is super high, my tolerance is super low, my patience can diminish quickly and my energy is zapped. But overall these kids bring me the greatest joy, everlasting happiness, and my heart couldn't be filled with more love. They rule my world. Even the bad days are good, but the good days are AMAZING!!