Happy Valentine's Day! 2016

So by the time we got home, we all got sick - yucky coughs, noses, and fevers here and there.  Ross had a pretty rockin' voice though...

That's what seems to be the case after traveling in the cold, on airplanes, and small children.  Totally worth it though.  Nothing beats family. :)

Also - look at this ADORABLE dress I got Ruby.  I can't get over the pink belt, the stripes (I have a think for stripes) and the pockets!

And she's just gorgeous :)

I started a diet to kick start my health back into action and found this yummy recipe for cauliflower breadsticks that is actually delicious!

Grammy Joanne gave the kids matching outfits for Christmas and they looks fantastic! :)  If only they would all look at me at the same time... and stay in the same place.

And this is the best I could get!  Not bad though :)

And we had a Happy Valentine's Day!

 Ross was really excited to pass out Valentine's to all of his friends at school (and of course making sure their was one for himself).  I got Ruby and Ross little mailboxes and they each got a Valentine waiting for them that day. :)  Nothing like spreading the love to everyone!

Grammy Joanne sent some pretty cute Valentine's shirts too!

Steve was sweet and got me flowers that he picked out himself.  They lasted forever!  I just LOVE flowers.  :)
 

  
We went down to Springfield to the Longhorn Steakhouse where they had their Valentine's specials steak and lobster.  We met up with our friends, the Robbins, and had a nice time with our night away.  We forgot to take a picture, so here we are in the aftermath. ;) I just made him take the picture like 5 times till I was satisfied with the way I looked. ;)

A Winter-y Utah Visit

We went to Utah for a quick long weekend visit since we found flights for $15 and were missing family.

Waiting for our plane early in the morning...

Ross entertained himself with my phone...

I have about 20 of these...

And 30 of these :)

It was a great time to go because it had snowed like crazy!  I've missed the fun-playing-in-it kind of snow.  The kids LOVED it too. :)

We first went to the amazing Provo City Temple Open House and got to see our old Stake Conference building - the Provo Tabernacle Building that was destroyed by an accidental fire - now a beautiful temple!  Ruby got a yucky cold and needed a nap, but we enjoyed that time we had there.  I LOVED the cathedral windows, all the woodwork, and how they preserved the history as well.  A new favorite for sure!

Some cute boys at the open house...

We enjoyed going through the open house with my family and my cute prego sister and nephew Jaxton came with us!  :)

The next day  the kids went crazy for the snow...

Because tractors should totally get in on that snow action!

A well slow-paced snow ball fight with some fun uncles!

Ruby too busy posing to see the GIANT snow ball headed her way...

Forgot snow clothes for this kid....he didn't mind though.  More snuggles for Mom. ;)

A man's method of snowman building...

Steve's priority was sledding!  Ruby was...okay with it once.

Ross rocked sledding!  Especially on the tube!

The Group

Rowland likes his Daddy if you couldn't tell.  I also love Rowly's shirt...I always put it on him as soon as it's clean again.

Getting our dance party on...

Claudia had knee surgery just a few weeks ago and was still on the recovery road.  Steve was a good PT son, whipping her into shape. :)

Rowland's 2nd birthday party present time!!

From Auntie Beka and Uncle Nathan :)

What's a party with a glow stick dance off!

And sparklers!....so it was FREEZING and BLOWING outside so we huddled in the garage and did them...while everyone freaked out between getting sparklers too close to skin and getting them on the cars!  Haha.  The kids sure loved it though.

More cake! Rowland is wondering what the heck is going on!

More cake pops!

Enjoying some Grandpa and Cousin Jaxton time...Grandpa looks VERY uncomfortable right here ;)

Cousin time - the BEST!

We went for another round of sledding!

This boy was SOLD on sledding - a new love - just LOVE these eyes. :)

Loving me some GORGEOUS snow and my beautiful mountains covered in clouds.

Uncle Thom going for the jump...

And just like that...we were back on the plane for home...reviewing safety procedures...

And we were stuck on the ground on that plane for two hours....while they figured out a computer glitch....and THEN finally made it home.  These guys were troopers though...