Sister, Sister

Last weekend my little (20 year old) sister Roxy flew to Boise for a visit. I was so happy that she would spend her own money and time off of work and school to come see us! (She works for the US Postal Service, but no, she doesn't handle mail. )




We went out to eat at Goldy's, known for having the best breakfast in town.





We pampered ourselves with pedicures.






We nodded and smiled at all the right times when the Asian women at the nail salon said things to us that we didn't understand. (Does anyone else have this problem?)


I chose purple polish; she chose a lovely shade of green. (This will come in handy for St. Patrick's Day! )





We went shopping at Target and at the mall. We even saw the Weinermobile and had to document the occasion. (My bologna has a first name....)






I know you're singing the song in your head right now. Admit it! You are, aren't you?



We rented a movie (Nights in Rodanthe-I didn't love it), and we went to a movie (Confessions of a Shopaholic-it was cute, but it was late and I kept falling asleep). I'm not used to keeping single, 20-year-old hours!


We dined at Cheesecake Factory, we cooked dinner, and Roxy discovered that Addyson's hair is long enough to be worn in a ponytail! Who knew?





To follow tradition, we even got our photo taken in a booth at the mall.





Sadly, this was the best of the shots. Addy wasn't quite sure what all the flashing lights were about!


It was so great to spend time with my sister. She is so much fun and always make me laugh.

After Roxy left, I started discovering cute little notes hidden all over my house. I found this one in the laundry detergent box yesterday!






Just don't tell my brother.

Wonderful Weekend

My parents came to visit this past weekend. As usual, we had a great time. I realize that their visits have more to do with seeing Addyson than seeing me, but I'm okay with it. She adores them, and it's a break for me since my mom did all the diaper changing, bathing, and entertaining all weekend.





I promise that I do Addyson's hair every day. I even put in a bow. Will the little stinker leave them in? Of course not.



We spent the majority of their visit playing Guitar Hero, which is so much fun. (Thanks, Brooke and Holly for letting us borrow it!)





Even Addy gave it a try.





It was so funny to watch my mom and dad rockin' it out. At one point my mom was head banging. No joke.



We had to humor my dad and go eat at his favorite place, The Rib Shack. I'm not much of a carnivore, but they do have really great barbeque. Addy loved the ribs.




So did my dad. We also had homemade veggie quesadillas (my favorite), homemade pizza, and we ate out at a Thai restaurant. Mmmm. I love curry.





My dad and I went to the gym together and attended a Spinning class. He's gotten really into it lately and spins all the time, so I gave it a try. I decided that I really like it, even though my butt is bruised and sore.



My parents also took me shopping for my birthday (it's not for a few weeks). I wanted a new dress for church, so my dad graciously watched Addyson while I tried on what seemed like a billion dresses. Mom and I were dying with laughter in the dressing room because I tried on a dress that was too small and I was afraid I was going to have to cut it off my body. My mom is the greatest person to shop with...I always find something great when I'm with her. I ended up getting a dress that I didn't even like on the rack but loved after she convinced me to try it on.


The new dress


My parents left after church Sunday and I miss them already. I love you guys! Please come back soon.

Christmas Dissected-Finally!

Christmas Eve at Grandma Tapp's

We went to Utah for Christmas this year. In all the madness of packing up our stuff, our gifts and our snow chains, I took my camera but forgot the battery! All of my pictures are courtesy of Roxy...thus the reason for the delayed post.

We had our traditional Christmas Eve at my Grandma Tapp's house, complete with my mom's cheese potatoes (possibly my favorite food in the world) and a visit from the Big Guy himself.

Addyson wasn't so sure she trusted him.

My sweet Grandma (in the background with the dog) spoiled us rotten, as usual. All three of us got new pajamas. Addyson got a play kitchen and a cute stuffed turtle with a blanket inside. Brandon and I got a dutch oven for camping and new camping chairs.

We went back to my parent's house for Christmas Eve and my favorite part of Christmas....opening our "stocking" gifts with my family. We draw names and fill each other's "stockings" (even though there are usually way too many gifts to fit in a stocking so we don't bother trying). It's mass chaos and lots of wrapping paper flying. We got a new tent from my parents and lots of great stuff from Ty and Roxy. My mom surprised us with a nostalgic video we loved as kids-"Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special." It was so fun to watch, laugh and wonder what the world ever saw in that creepy guy.

Christmas morning we got up and drove up to the in-law's house for the rest of the trip. Before we left, Addyson got to open her gifts from Santa! (I've decided it's impossible to get any pictures of a one year old looking at the camera. Sigh. Maybe next Christmas.)

I have to admit Christmas is a thousand times better as a parent. It was so fun to enjoy it with Addy, even though of course she didn't get it or care.

Me and Roxy...Our attempt to take our own picture!

The best part of the trip was just hanging out with the fam. We ate lots of great food, went to a movie, played games, and went shopping. I miss you guys!

Brandon and I didn't exchange gifts this year, but I told him I wanted a heartfelt letter as my gift. He really came through, with a letter that made me laugh and had me crying the ugly cry in the bathroom at my in-law's house. I hope they didn't hear me sobbing.

So, that's our holiday in a nutshell. Happy New Year!

Family (Dys) FUN (ction) !

For Thanksgiving my whole family came to our house...my parents, my sister Roxy, my brother Tyler and his girlfriend Aubrey. It made for a full house and a whole lot of family togetherness!

The highlights of the weekend...

1. Our delicious Thanksgiving meal!



Of course, I ate altogether too much. We had turkey and the BEST gravy (courtesy of my Dad), mashed potatoes and green bean casserole (courtesy of my Mom), and candied yams, stuffing, green salad, rolls, and pies (courtesy of me). It's so great when everyone pitches in...it didn't even seem overwhelming! And I was pleasantly surprised at the way my pies turned out.



Brent carving the bird.


2. I finally got my Dad to play a game with the family. He usually refuses...but he gave in this time! We played my new favorite game, Things, and we all laughed hysterically! I think I may have convinced him that playing games is fun...we'll see at Christmas.






3. Playing Ping Pong. Brandon pulled our ping pong table out of exile and set it up in the living room. There were hours and hours of match ups (mainly between Brent, Brandon and Tyler).


4. Watching my favorite Christmas movie...National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It's a tradition. What's better than Clark W. Griswold trying to put up Christmas lights, cousin Eddie emptying the crapper into the sewer, and electrocuting Aunt Bethany's cat? Good times.

5. Trying out a new restaurant for lunch...Thanks, Dad!



Ty and Aubrey

6. Going to the Festival of Trees with Mom and Rox.

7. Just hanging out and spending time with each other. Although being with family in such close quarters is sometimes an exercise in patience, I love it when my family comes to town!


Brandon, Stampy and Roxy




Grandma and Addyson




We're already couting down the days until we come for Christmas!