Bradley's 1 year Pictures

Better late than never!

Snow Trip

To celebrate MLK day we had been planning on taking the kids to Mt. Hood to play in the snow since we missed the big snow storm here while we were in AZ for the holidays. It turned out to be the best weather we have had in a long time. It wasn't too cold and the sun even came out for a little bit. The first time in what seems like months. We decided to go to Summit Ski Resort to go sledding and so did everyone else in Portland but we still had a blast. On the way there Wesley was very excited and kept chanting "Moun-tain Hood, Moun-tain Hood,... and then pointing it out every time he saw it. I have to say the drive up there was beautiful I was even excited to see Mt. Hood with each turn. Wesley and Orrin did the sledding while Bradley and I watched and played in the snow. Bradley wasn't very fond of the snow or the cold. He had fun playing for a few minutes but then was done and had more fun playing in the lodge. Wesley did amazing! Orrin rode down with him the first time and then after that he wanted to go all on his own. I was a little nervous with him going down with all the teenagers that had come that day but he held his own and did great! He loved it. He even was begging us to go skiing and wanted to go up the ski lift. For lunch we sat in our tubes and ate lunch. It was a great way to spend time as a family while Orrin was off of school. I love "no school days". I am always counting down for the next one!

My Big 4 year old!

Wow now I am starting to feel old. I have lots of fun memories of my 4th birthday which for me doesn't see that long ago! While we were in Arizona for the winter break Wesley had a birthday and turned 4 years old!! I always feel a little bad for him in that his birthday is a few days after Christmas and it gets put on the back burner until the rush of Christmas is over. But even with the short planning time I think it turned out wonderful. He had such a fun day! We went to the park, played and had hot dogs and cupcakes. We invited our families to come too. We are so blessed to have the supportive family we have! You guys are the best! It made Wesley feel so loved to have them all be there at his party.
Later that night we had dinner at his Grandma and Grandpa Adams house with some more wonderful family. Wes requested a green Lego cake. He is in love with Legos!
I know Wesley will have some great memories of his 4th birthday thanks to all of you who made it special.

Home for Christmas and New Years

Before coming home for Christmas we had been thinking and making a list of all the thing we wanted to do while we were there. It turned into a huge list but we were able to accomplish almost all of it. Which made it for a crazy "vacation" but we had a blast!

#1- Attend Mackey Christmas parties
We arrived to AZ and headed straight from the airport to the Mackey Family Party. We made it just in time to help clean up and then play some basketball. It was fun to see all of Orrin's extended family again. We also made it to the annual Mackey "Sibling" Party (just Orrin's immediate family). Which is always a blast.The grand kids played a gift exchange game which was funny to watch because some of the younger kids had a real hard time giving up a present when it was time to exchange.

We also threw in one more party, a game night. The best part was it was a game night with no kids! We had so much fun playing card games and playing the Wii.


#2- Visit Great Grandparents
While home we were able to see and visit will all of our grandparents.

#3-Christmas Eve Dinner

My most favorite tradition during the holiday is Christmas Eve Dinner. I think I might even like Christmas Eve better than Christmas Day.

#4- Christmas Eve Nativity Story & PJs .

The boys were shepards this year! It was Wesley's idea to have the sheep(dog) and cane (golf club).

#5- Christmas Day

#6- New Years Eve

For new years eve we were able to go to dinner with the older members of my family: My Parents and My Brother Scott and his wife Jana. Then we went home and played the Wii on my parents big screen.

#7- Eating, Eating, & Eating especially at our favorite places in AZ
I think we had a little too much fun doing this. My jeans just don't fit like they did before we came.

#8-Play with our new Christmas toys

My dad got all of us girls pasta makers for Christmas and I was so excited to try it out. It took almost half the day to figure it out and make the best dough but I think we got it down and it tasted so good.


#9- Enjoy the sunny warm weather
It was cloudy there a few times while we were there but it was so nice on those days that had sun and were warm. If there was some place that had AZ winters and OR summers we would be there in a second. We also got to enjoy a few AZ sunsets. So Beautiful!

Preschool Party

Today was Wesley's Preschool Christmas Party and Also Wesley's birthday day at preschool. Since his birthday is during Christmas break they celebrated it today. He got to bring the snack, a show and tell toy and be the line leader all day. They had cute activities for the kids to do, we sang some Christmas songs with the Pastor, and then went to see St. Nicholas. It was really neat to walk into the church's chapel with the beautiful stained glass windows depicting Christ and his life, lit candles, and St. Nicholas sitting on his big chair. St Nicholas tried to explain that he was not Santa Clause and talked to the kids about giving and the true meaning of Christmas but I think the kids were a little confused. They all said "no, your Santa!" Which was a little funny.

Wes was the last to leave St. Nicholas. He just sat on the stage and wouldn't leave. Silly Boy!

Gingerbread Houses

For FHE we got together with some friends and made gingerbread houses. The kids ate and ate so much candy which they thought was the greatest. What is better than lots of candy and spending time with friends.

Griffith Park Ward Party

So this was a party that we have been planning for a while now and I think it turned out great. The best part was that Santa came to visit. As I was preparing for the party Wes kept asking me if it was time for "Santa's Party". It was fun to hang out as a new ward and get into the Christmas spirit.

Wes sleeping while we set up

Wes in Reindeer antlers