Christmas in Boise!

My camera arrived, and I have downloaded the pictures I took over our Christmas vacation. We had such a fun time! We spent about 10 days there. I swear it seems like we're there only a short week. Jake was loved on the entire time we were there. He was so spoiled. He followed Dylan everywhere! Dylan is the best. He played so much with him. And when Dylan's friends would come over they'd all play with Jake too. He was so happy to be playing with the "big boys".

This was the first year I'd spent in Boise over Christmas without snow. It was cold, but not too bad. There was snow one morning, but it quickly burned off. The boys were able to play golf a few times, and us girls were able to get our coffee's, massages, lunches, and even some shopping. It was nice and relaxing.

We went to a nice church service and even went back and met with our pastor there. Pastor Tom is great! It was nice to catch up and tell him all about what we've been up to. We even talked about dedicating our next son over the fall. It's nice to have someone to talk to about things that are going on, and have someone pray with you. I just wish we could attend his church more regularly. Who knows what the future will bring, right? ;)

Well, after those 10 days, it was time for us to head home. Grant needed to get back to work, and I needed to get myself and Jake back on track. After spending that time with my family and seeing Jake play with another boy, I'm so excited to have my next son. I know that the 17 month age difference will be hard, but I know that they will be best friends. I'm so happy to be having another boy. I love watching him play, and get into things. The exploring is so exciting for him... it makes me a little nervous at times... but, I'm never too far away.

Thank you mom, dad, grandma, and Dylan for making our trip so fun! It was one of the best Christmas's to date! In fact, this year as a whole has been so fun! Every holiday just gets better with having kids and a full house. Thank you each and every one of you for making 2011 so memorable. Cheers to a new year full of blessings!

Here are some pictures of our trip:

 My dad gave him a few gifts to open on Christmas Eve.

 The family came down to this... my mom is so talented! She needs to be an event planner! Maybe we'll do something in Boise next year??? ;)

GORGE!

 Our family of 3... or 4 actually! 

 Getting help with all of his presents.

 Jake got so many toys! I had to leave most of them... and ship the others!

 Silly boy.

 Jake was so spoiled by his grandparents!

 Hugs!

 On way to a family breakfast in downtown Boise.

Our favorite... GOLDY'S.

 Grant and his boys.

 Pop Pop and Ya Ya with Jake.

 On a walk around the city of Boise.

 Pop Pop carried Jake everywhere!

 Inside the Capital of Idaho. My stylish little dude.

 My little brother Dylan. Isn't he cute?

15 months

Jake is 15 months old. He's such a big boy! He loves to explore and get into everything. It's funny when you look back at pictures from just a few months ago and see how different they look. They do grow up fast, so I'm just trying to take it all in. Not only does he have 4 teeth now... but, he's also getting 4 more in! His teeth come in 4's. Poor little monkey! He's doesn't even complain about them. I heard the molars are the worst though... Bracing myself for that one!

Grant and I have actually been utilizing our passes to Disneyland! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Have I mentioned that before? I have been really excited to head there for all the decorations! We have only been going in the morning lately. So, our next trip will have to be in the early evening... I heard it's snowing on Main St! The only snow we'll have down here unless we head to the mountains, or fly to visit family. ;)

I just wanted to share a few pics. Jake is REALLY big into giving kisses right now. I guess it's a combination of him seeing Grant and I kiss... and Grant and I kissing him. Grant literally has this little guy come running up to us kissing us! It's adorable. He's so cuddly. I just love the affection. Hoping he loves his brother this much in March too! Wonder if they'll look alike? Or maybe this baby boy will look like me? What are the chances? ;)

 He's loves the Tiki Room, Small World, and EVERYTHING in Toon Town. He mainly loves to run off on his own and explore. Now that I'm 6 months pregnant, I need Grant to go and chase after him. I just take pictures and push the stroller. he he.

 Jake marched right into Mickey's house. Here is Jake sitting on Mickey's chair! That kid LOVES Mickey Mouse. He officially has 6 Mickey's. Yep. No lie.

 Yesterday we went to South Coast Plaza to see Santa. I made sure I did a little research first though. Santa's have always scared me... just a little. This Santa didn't look so scary. He was pretty friendly as well. It's not like Victoria and Jake can tell him what they want for Christmas. It's more for the memories we can give them later. Remember when... right?

Here is Jake and his best friend Victoria. They are 3 weeks apart. :)

Cheers,

Decorating traditions

Does it seem like this year has flown by? I swear this year feels like so much has gone on and it just zoomed by. Fall/winter are my favorite times of year! So much fun is scheduled around this time. My son's birthday, my birthday, dad's birthday, Thanksgiving, CHRISTMAS, and New Years! Growing up Christmas was such a huge deal with my family. My mom would start getting ready for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. It seemed like every room in our house was decorated except our bedrooms. I am like my mother. I can't help it. I LOVE TO DECORATE! The only reason I only have downstairs decorated this year is because I'm so busy with my newborn... or else... The whole house would have garland and lights!

I have always followed suit with what my traditions are... In fact, last year I was going about my business buying and organizing Christmas decorations that Grant stopped me and asked if we could do some of his traditions. I felt terrible. Did I make Christmas all about my family and my traditions? At that moment I realized that Grant and I will have our OWN traditions. 

What are our traditions now? We go together to get our tree, and then Grant puts the lights on the tree. Funny story about that is we were buying the lights and Grant walked up to the cart with colored lights... the look on my face must have said it all. He turned around and said he'd be back. He came back with the all clear lights. I think colored lights are great... it's just my OCD spin on having everything match. Then I really go to work. My families tradition... or my moms way is to decorate like its a model home. I follow her path until next year. Grant is ok with my tree looking uniform and perfect, as long as we put up ornaments that are sentimental to us. Sentimental? WE decided that every year we will pick an ornament that we like and we will continue to put them on the tree for as long as we celebrate this wonderful Holiday. Once our kids are old enough to choose which one they want they can pick one every year too. 

Stockings. WE decided that the stockings we buy will be the stockings we will use forever as well. This was a tradition both of us had. Grant had a stocking that was red with his initials (GBS), and I had a kitty cat stocking. So, I bought ours from Pottery Barn. Since Pottery Barn offers the same stockings just about every year this will be good if we add an addition to our family! ;) 

The rest of the house... Grant doesn't care what I do... Just as long as I keep our new traditions. And continue to create more along the way. Compromise. This makes us both happy! Who doesn't like new traditions that can be passed on?

Here are a few pictures of our house:

Cheers,

Brooke

Sneaky peeky...

I can't help it... And I know one day he will be mad at me for showing these pictures. Is it just me or is anyone else creeped out at the Santa's at the malls? Well, I'm not a fan of having my little guy sit on Santa's lap... instead... how much cuter is my little guy as Santa? Just sayin'. 

We have a wonderful photographer that is GREAT with kids. Her name is Jessica Lake. These are Jake's 3 month pictures. I have already heard from several moms and family members about how many photos I will have taken of Jake... But, come on people... He's my first baby! And it helps that he likes having his picture taken (ok really ... everyone knows I'm the Brookarazi)! hehe. Anyhow, I will have pictures taken again for Valentines Day... DUH! 

Hope everyone is having a great week... Enjoy the weekend! 

Santa Boozie

I mean... I know!

More pictures to follow! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Brooke