Sneak Peek

It's that time of year again...FAMILY PICTURES!  The men dread it, the women stress over it, and the kids can't wait until it's over!  We had photographer, Chelsey, capture out family and she did a great job!  I give props to anyone taking pictures of our family...13 people...including five children who have a hard time cooperating (good thing they are cute)!  Here is a little sneak peek.

The FAM BAM!

Favorite child pic

Sista-Sista

My gorgeous baby girl...folding her arms.  This picture kills me!

My hunk of burning love.  I seriously married a very attractive man!!

My mom insisted on individual photos...I guess just in case something ever happens?

 

Holiday Festivities

This last week, we celebrated Thanksgiving...just like the rest of you.  It has been such an eventful week, it is becoming all a blur, so I thought I'd write everything down before I forget!   We arrived in Utah one week ago, after leaving Orange County on Friday and spent the night in St. George.  We left the hotel early in the morning in time for me to get to a bridal shower in Bountiful.  My roommate, Maggie, is getting married in December and I won't be able to make the wedding so I wanted to make the shower.  It was so fun to see her, Mary and Liz (who I also lived with).  I defintely looked like I had just drove up ten hours!!

The next few days we hung out with my family and then Josh's parents arrived in Utah Tuesday.  We hung out with them all day and again on Wednesday.  We went bowling, walked on BYU and saw all the changes they have made to campus, ate yummy food, and relaxed. 

Attempt to take a picture in our first place together!

Eating Chick-fil-A at the Cougareat!

Bowling at BYU!

Wednesday night, we had a house full of people up at my parent's place.  Josh's family, Tyler's family, Alma, Audrey and Cabre, and Jim and Janice's family.  We all sat around visiting and ate pizza.  It was such a fun night to have everyone together!

My parents with both son-in-law's parents (make sense?)

Thursday, we had Paige and Darren's family over as well as the Whitmores.  I took most pictures with my camera (not my phone) and I don't have the capability to upload them right now, so all the pictures I am posting are strictly from my phone.  Sorry.  It was, again, a lot of fun and a big success!

Last minute grocery shopping on Thanksgiving.  Sorry Wal-Mart employees. 

I was in charge of decorations...centerpiece 1

Another centerpiece

Thanksgiving ended with some Black Friday shopping at 6 pm at Wal-Mart.  I couldn't believe the crowds.  Eve, Annie and I went.  We got seperated, found a couple great deals, and left quick.  Annie got in line for us which saved us a ton of time.  Up next....Target.  Another mad house!  We had specific things we needed to get for my mom.  It's always fun just seeing the crowds and crazy people.  The next morning was really sad, when Josh left for his long car ride across the country.  I hated that he was driving by himself, but he eventually made it and now is on his way to Louisville, KY to stay at his sister's house.  He starts training in Atlanta on Monday. 

Going for a ride with Gracee in the backyard

Leftovers with Grandpa

 Then at 8 am,  Tahnee and I ran to the outlets and Old Navy for some Black Friday shopping.  The outlets weren't too bad, but Old Navy was packed!!   Last night, we met up with Tyler's family and went to City Creek and then over to Temple Square to see the lights.  It was such a fun night.  There were a million people there!  It was so festive and really put everyone in the holiday spirit.  It was gorgeous and we were able to sneak in some last minute Black Friday shopping ;)

I have three more weeks in Utah and I'm sure a lot of blogging to do!!

In The Middle of Moving....

I went to Utah for five days!  I know there are some of you who thought I was crazy, but it was actually so fun and such a nice break (since I've been packing gradually for a while).  Charlotte and I had this trip planned since before we would be living in Utah for close to a month while Josh started work.  My parents wanted to see us one more time before we left.  Well, lucky them, get us a lot longer than that!!  I arrived last Monday night and came home Friday night.  I don't like being gone on the weekends away from Josh.  My mom and I shopped (house stuff) and I never made it to the outlets once!  I found that to be quite the accomplishment ;)  I was able to get together with some cousins and Josh's sister, Meg, do a craft and chit-chat.  It's always fun to see them.  We ate at the yummy Utah places (i.e. Kneaders, Shirley's, Cafe Rio (I know I have it here)).  Charlotte was in HEAVEN with BoBo the dog and all the kids.  She loved having other little people to play with.  She loved running around outside in the backyard.  One day, I hope to have that much space in a backyard for her, but soon as we move to Charlotte, I am on the prowl for a puppy to add to our family!  I didn't take the stroller to Utah, and it was so fun to have Charlotte walk through the stores and play with Grandma while all the other kids are in school everyday.  She loves her grandma and wants to be with her more than me! It will be fun to be with everyone before we make the trek back east/south.  

 

Shannon's Baby Shower

Some of the things I am really going to miss are going to family get togethers.  The Neilson family is big and it's just getting bigger.  I feel like I am going to miss out on the upcoming additions and it makes me sad.  Thank goodness for blogs and other forms of social media and technology to keep me connected to my ever so growing family!  Last night was one of those gatherings that I just love.  Once again, Desiree wowed us all and put together another great baby shower!  It's so fun to get with my cousins and catch up on each others lives.  Even though we see each other often, we all are very busy with our own lives that it takes these parties to get all caught up!  It was so nice of Kaitlyn to play with Charlotte and even make her a bow! I wish I would have taken more pictures but I wasn't the "designated photographer" this time so I didn't really think of it.  We are excited for Rob and Shannon and ANOTHER baby!!  

Aunt Jody, Patrice, Kaitlyn, Shannon, Grandma Connie, and Abby

Bow Bar.  Such a great idea!!

Charlotte wearing the bow that Kaitlyn made for her!

I didn't even notice, but Charlotte and I were matching.  It happens.

Melissa and Charlotte

Nicole and Patrice

Opening gifts.  That was my gift.  Shannon received some great gifts from everyone with adorable gift bags.  (I'm a bag hoarder.)

Pregnant cousins