Happy New Year!!!!

We just got back from a great time in Las Vegas with all of Mike's family. It was nice to see everyone and meet the newest cousin, Dallin. Nicholas had a blast playing with all his cousins and Mike and I were glad the baby cooperated and didn't come early. We checked out the strip, went to a show, saw all the animal habitats at the different hotels, and went the aquarium. While we had to bail on the Hoover dam trip (traffic was too terrible), we did get in plenty of family time together and were so happy we decided to make the trip. Now we're just anticipating our little boy's arrival sometime in January. We'll keep you posted. Happy New Year!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

  

 

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful Christmas at our house.  Mike and I loved seeing the joy on Nicholas’ face as he found his Santa presents and then opened up all his other ones.  Cheerio didn’t like wearing his Santa suit but he enjoyed getting a Christmas crocodile.  We were so blessed to be together as a family and can’t wait until next Christmas when we will have another boy joining in all the holiday activities.  Now off to Vegas to see Mike’s family (and hoping little one will stay put until January…don’t want any surprises on our trip : )  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Have a Beary Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrie’s latest creation – polar bear cupcakes!  Merry Christmas!

Cake Time

 

 

I finished up the last course in cake decorating last week (3 1-month courses in total) and have put some of what I’ve learned to use.  The top cake is the final cake I made for my fondant/gum paste class and I was happy my mom was here to share it with us (her favorite color is yellow so that’s why I chose that design).  It was a lemon cake with raspberry mousse filling.  The bottom cake is what I made for our ward Christmas party.  It was chocolate with peppermint filling and icing.  Thanks to my sweetheart for supporting me in this learning process…he does admit the end products are yummy : )  For me I’m taking a little break (the baby doesn’t need any more fat and I’m tired…each cake probably takes about 12-15 hours).  All fun though!

Temple Hill

 

 

When my mom was here, we decided to go see the Christmas lights at the Oakland Temple.  Nicholas loved running around the grounds looking at everything and we enjoyed going in the visitors’ center to see some wonderful pictures and listen to some great music. 

Now I Know My ABCs

 

Last week, Nicholas passed the ABC test he and Mike had been working on since September.  He had to correctly identify and say each of his letters..and he did!!!  Mike motivated him with the promise of a good toy, and Nicholas worked his way to getting it.  Of course, we upped the motivation the last week by buying the toy and leaving it in the garage until he could do all his letters.  We’re so proud of him!!!  The next step is to work on numbers and then work on the lower case letters.   Thanks sweetheart for all the time you spent working with him and yeah Nicholas….you’re such a good student already : )  We love you!!!