45 Minutes Past Bedtime...

Little Ballerina

Today was Samantha's very 1st dance class. For Christmas Grandma & Papa gave Sammie dance lessons. We bought new leotards, tights, skirt, ballet slippers and tap shoes. I wasn't sure if Sam would actually listen and follow directions...but turns out...I had nothing to worry about! She did awesome! Ms Susie is her teacher and led her in all the ballet positions and steps. They started with a stretch and warm up. Then they did bar work and different combinations across the floor. I've gotta learn the names of these steps!There was plenty of twirls and curtsies after every move...little girls are so fun to watch! They love to be on their toes!

At the end of the ballet session, they did a group activity.

Then, it was time to put on their tap shoes! Sammie has been wearing these for the past 24 hours straight...my scratched up wood floors are proof of that. They made raindrop sounds that Sam said sounded like fireworks.

It was a great day and quite an emotional parenting moment to watch her be such a big girl!

Here's to a Another...

Happy New Year!And, Happy Birthday to Me!

Snow, Snow & More Snow

Thankfully, Sam loves snow.

Gratefully, Aunt Dawn brought all the gear!She sure made a cute and happy purple monster!

Sam may have gotten a little too much snow. On the eve of New Years Eve, we were heading to the church for basketball and races. Sam was so excited that she threw up all over the entry/foyer as we were leaving. She seemed ok and insisted on playing...so we continued on. Halfway there, she started yakking, again. Awesome. We pulled over and asked her if she if she felt ok and if she wanted to go home. She said, "I'm ok Mom, don't turn around, just wipe me off, I wanna play." The best part of that statement is that we listened to it! What a bunch of fools! We got to Grandpa Holidays and she spit up again...at this point there was nothing left to throw up. She finally conceded and said, "maybe I want to go home now...but just for a little bit and then come back and play." Me, a bit wiser...took her home, gave her a bath and she went to bed!

Introducing Bryce & Heather Newbold

The purpose of our trek to Utah was for Blake's oldest niece's wedding. She was a beautiful bride!They were married at the Mt Timpanogos Temple...in the snow. It was cold, but absolutely beautiful. It's a shame I didn't stick around long enough to take more pictures. Her colors were red and black. With the white temple, white dress, white snow...she had a touch of color with red umbrellas...what a great idea!We had a great time at the reception. When Sammie wasn't overwhelmed by the shear number of cousins... she buddied up and bullied Grant and Garrett.Yummy! Red velvet cake...Sam's favorite! There was lots and lots of dancing!We also got to meet the newest member of the Holiday Clan.
Blake William Holiday.
Wait a minute...we already have one of those!

We're on our way...

What are we thinking venturing out into the dreary, frozen tundra of Utah?! Samantha doesn't even own a coat!
But, she does have her suitcase! We had this thing packed full of things to do on the plane ride...little did we know, she would spend 3 full hours app'n on the new iPhones.How ever did we survive as kids with silly coloring books and dolls! Welcome to the 21st century!

Christmas Day

Santa! You brought a slide! Hooray!We had a great morning playing with all the Santa presents and opening tons more. We ate homemade cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs for breakfast...and lots and lots of candy. Samantha enjoyed opening everyone else's presents. Papa and Blake installed the slide...while the rest of us watched movies. Good thing we got a new popcorn machine for the media room...all we need is a mini-fridge and we'll be all set!

Grandma slaved away in the kitchen making a traditional Turkey dinner. It was great since we missed out on it over Thanksgiving. We ate on our new dishes...thanks to all the Grandmas for sending us money so we could buy them!