the best work christmas party ever!

Over the weekend, we got to escape for a night with Oliver in tow for Brandon's company Christmas party. And let me tell you, it was the most perfect Christmas party ever. I've planned a lot of corporate events, but this one takes the cake. And we want to go back. Right. Now. 

Just to compare, last year, they sent us to Wendover for dinner, a show and a night and it was horrible. We both got sick from the food and it was the most anti-Christmas event there ever was. We promised we would never go back. 

But they redeemed themselves this year 100000%. (Can you tell I'm still so giddy over this weekend we had?) Besides the fact that I didn't get the memo to wear a cute cocktail dress to the dinner, it was magical. 

(a really blurry photo of a really perfect night)

We enjoyed our non-alcoholic Sierra Mist and Root Beer at the cocktail party and then were seated at the Seven Summits Club around tables with Christmas tree centerpieces for dinner. The food was actually good (I'm picky when it comes to banquet foods).  Oliver slept int his carseat the entire time, giving us a nice chance to eat and socialize with some of his co-workers. The owners of the company were so nice and told me how appreciative they are for Brandon's contributions. I'm glad they value his hard work and they are so great at expressing that in various ways. For that I'm so grateful. 

After dinner, we caught a quick glimpse at the snow-covered trees and then were shuttled back to our room at the Cliff Lodge. We finally got around to watching a Christmas movie. We aren't very good at just slowing down sometimes so it was heaven. And the view from our room. Spectacular!

^traditional ring photo we get at the hotels we stay at

And then, as if it could get any better, we got to venture out in the morning to go skiing. One of his co-workers offered to watch Oliver since she loves babies. That's the first time we have left him, but knowing we were still close to him made it easier. 

We got outfitted and then off to the slopes we went. It was Brandon's first time skiing and my 2nd, but we had a blast. I kept saying over and over again how much fun I was having. Sometimes I get so serious in my mommy-mode that I forget that I can actually be fun! Ha! I guess we need to ski more often. :) I also couldn't get over how beautiful it was.

^a hot cocoa break at the lodge

We already can't wait to go skiing again together. And thanks to the Sundays for watching Blake and Evelyn so could have such a great little getaway. 

10 happy feet in the fall

(October 30th) After a few days of being at home, we all needed some fresh air. We ventured out (after it taking about an hour to get out of the house!) for a picnic and afternoon walk at the Lagoon trail. It did not disappoint! The leaves were gorgeous and it made us all happy being outside. Oliver of course slept through the entire outing (minus one photo-had to prove he was there!) I love Fall even more now. 

the great pumpkin walk

Brandon and I went to the Pumpkin Walk 8 years ago when we were dating and we finally made it back with 2.99 kids in tow.  That's a perk about baby boy not being here yet. There were over 1200 carved and lit pumpkins. Of course, the kids loved it and even more so since their cousins were there, too. We're certainly going to miss having lots of cousins around. We've been spoiled the past few weeks.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

We were so excited to see Blake and Evelyn after our anniversary getaway. We had a dinner party later that night, and I was kind of feeling bad we hadn't seen them much that weekend. So we decided to round up some pirate attire and go hit up Krispy Kreme for free donuts for Talk Like a Pirate Day. 

They were super excited to go get doughnuts, but not too excited to dress up. Blake really doesn't like dressing up lately. What will we do for Halloween? We got him to at least wear a pirate hat. Evelyn let me paint a mustache on, but her wiggles made it look far from great. But don't they look cute? I sure love my little pirates. 

We came home with 4 dozen doughnuts, many of which we ended up giving away. We had fun together and that's what counts! 

labor day outing

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."- John Burroughs 

We ventured up to Silver Lake on Labor Day for one last outing in the mountains this summer. I sure do love escaping to the mountains--even if the whole world was there with us that day. I am beginning to see my children fall in love with nature and that is what I would hope for! 

bowling!

Bowling is more than just throwing a ball and hoping (yes, hoping) that it knocks more than one pin down. It brings back so many childhood memories of loading up in the big gray van, driving to Weber State University Wildcat Lanes and bowling 1, or 2 games if we were lucky. I always loved wearing the bowling shoes. I'm still in search of my own pair! 

On President's Day, we took the 3rd generation Kings bowling together for the first time. It was a little crazy juggling the kids, especially since Brandon had to work that day. But, we all had a blast. I hope we can do it again when we're all together. 

And for the record, I got a 110. It's been years since I've bowled over 100. Even with all the practice as a little girl. 

january happenings

Riding the train to the city. We will totally be doing this again! It was a dream come true for Blake. 

Visited the Treehouse Musuem with our pass from Grandma and Grandpa Sunday. We didn't even get through half of it. We'll be going back soon! 

I was in charge of Mojo last week. Our theme was snow. We collected snow and did experiments with it and let it melt. Also melted jolly ranchers for suckers and made cotton ball snomwen and had music time. The kids were darling. 

We had Halle and Sawyer over one night to play. They were cute and goofy and had a blast together. 

We've taken a few walks lately. Blake insists on bringing his pack-pack along. 

And would wear his jersey every minute if we let him. He wanted to put it on over his church clothes so this is how he ate Sunday dinner. Funny boy. 

And funny girl Evelyn... somehow got ahold of the green marker twice and got it all over! Blake never got into things so this is new territory for us. Good thing she is so dang cute.