Christmas 2007

I'm so sorry for neglecting our blog lately. We have been so busy with school that I just haven't made nor found the time to blog. For those of you who don't know, both Justin and I graduate in April! Yahoo! Justin is still doing research for a professor and is only taking 7 credits up on campus and 1 Independent study class. Even with less classes this semester, he manages to stay super busy since he is watching Ethan pretty much the whole day... can we say "Mr. Mom??" I am in what they call my "cohort" semester of teaching. This is where I am both teaching in the schools 3 days a week ( which starts in Feb) and also taking 6 theory classes up on campus ( I am also trying to finish up 2 Independent Study classes as well!) I'm still working as manager of the Women's Locker Room on campus so I'm gone pretty much everyday from 9am to 6pm, and that doesn't even include homework time. I love the classes I am taking so it makes my busy schedule much more bearable.
For Christmas we went down to AZ to see The Smith side of the family. This was my first "real" holiday experience with them. The last Christmas that we were down there was right after we were married. We flew in Christmas morning from our honeymoon in Hawaii and then had our open house reception a few days later, which didn't leave to much time to just relax. So this time I got to experience the whole she-bang! We had a spiritually filled Christmas Eve with the Chapman grandparents and then Christmas day we had double dinner duty with both sides of the family! A few days after Christmas we drove to California with the family to go to SeaWorld! It was a blast! It was so nice to be with family and just take a break from the hectic life of school and work! Thanks to Justin's parents for making our Christmas vacation so fun and memorable! Here are a few pics...

The family opening up presents
Ethan's new toy from G&G Smith
Justin got some binoculars
Ethan and Nathan

Christmas 2007

The Mesa Temple Christmas lights! I love going and seeing this every year we can! I know you can't see us very well but without the flash really allows you to see the beauty of the temple and all the lights.
We put Ethan in one of the swings at the park near Justin's house.. as you can tell.. he loved it!
Ethan and Justin's little sister Chalene

Christmas 2007

Here are some pictures of our trip to Sea World!

Shamu and friends...


The Dolphin show! This was one of my favorites! Ethan didn't watch a single bit of it though, he was more intrigued with a brochure of Sea World than the actual thing...

Christmas 2007

Over the break we fed Ethan rice cereal for the first time. At first he wasn't too sure how he felt about it, as you can tell from the picture below. I'm pretty sure that over half of it either ended up all over his face or his clothes... ..

But now our little munchkin LOVES rice cereal! Yes, it still usually ends up all over the place but he gets so excited to eat it!

Christmas 2007

In LA we all went out to eat at a fun restaurant called Medieval Times. It is such cool atmoshpere! For those of you who have never been there it is a place where you can eat and watch knights take on each other with different activities ( including jousting!) . There isn't even any silverware to eat with so even the way you eat dinner is medieval! FYI: It's a bit pricey but everyone should experience it at least once!

Lets Play Catch-Up!

My Birthday! I know that this was awhile ago but at the end of November I turned 22 years old! I know, I know.. I'm getting pretty old...I've noticed with age that birthday's aren't near as exciting as they use to be. Ever since I have been in college I have either had to attend a full day of classes, take a midterm, or so both on my birthday. This year proved to be no different but nonetheless it was a good day. My sweet husband surprised me with beautiful roses, a Willow Tree figurine (which are my favorite gifts to get) and a sweet note that of course made me cry! Here are a few pics...



Justin actually gave me these flowers a few days ago for no other reason but to say "I love you"...pretty sweet huh?!