the little loves of my life

The main event for my Idaho trip was my niece's first birthday. She was the most beautiful birthday girl I have ever seen. With every present opened, her face lit up with joy. This was also her very first taste of cake. She did such a good job with it too! She kept it as clean as possible and was sure to finish every last bite. I think it is safe to say that she thoroughly enjoyed her first birthday experience.

I brought my nephew a transformers costume. He literally wore it everyday. It just might have been one of the best gifts I have given him yet!

I just love these two kids to pieces. I don't yet have any kids of my own, but I truly love these two as if they are my own. I can't believe how fast they grow. It breaks my heart that we live so far apart. I miss them terribly already!

simply irresitible

Today my beautiful niece, Adelynn, turned one. I dare you to resist her adorable face.

More photos to come this week.

I'm headed back home tomorrow, see you soon hubby!

lights and ornaments and stockings, oh my!

This year we got a late start on Christmas decorating. Usually we stay up all night after Thanksgiving, put up our Christmas decorations and then head out for black Friday shopping. Since we were out of town for the holiday this year, we had to change things up a bit.

My brother came over and he helped Jason and I out. I was so excited all night. Every time I pulled something out of our Christmas box, I am pretty sure my face lit up. I just love this time of year.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

i'm leaving on a jet plane

don't know when i'll be back again. . .

(sorry for the bad quality airport photo. how dare they have such poor lighting! lol)

. . okay, that's not true. I will be back on Monday. Tricked ya, didn't I?!

I am headed off to the great Northwest to see my sister, brother-in-law and the kiddos.

I. Can't. Wait. to get there!

My niece is turning one this weekend and I can hardly believe it! Also, my nephew does not know I am coming. I just told him that I sent him a special package that will arrive this week. (the package is me, in case you didn't get that).

I am about to board the plane right now, so off I go!!! Wish me safe travels :)

p.s. i miss you hubby and i love you to pieces!!

happy birthday jack!

I can hardly believe our big boy is 1.

This year Jack's birthday was on Thanksgiving day, but we celebrated it the day after. I think he had a good time at his party. He was a little suspicious of the cake at first and took a while to actually eat his piece. I thought for sure he would dive right in, but I guess our little boy doesn't have a big sweet tooth.

We got Jack when he was 3 months old. We found him on Petfinder; he was posted by a local rescue group and that can be scary sometimes because you never know what kind of dog you might end up with. Needless to say, we were more than blessed. Jack is a wonderful dog. We couldn't ask for a better one!

Isn't he just precious?!