Hollidays 2009

I know I am very behind on this but better late than never!

We had an awsome Thanksgiving. We spent it with the Mendenhall side. Everything was delicious and of course Mikes mom had the table set absolutly beautiful. Mikes dad even had a cute little turkey craft for the kids to do while the girls helped with dinner. We didn't get up early for the day after Thanksgiving sales but we did do a little shopping that day. It was a great weekend.

Christmas was spent with the Rudd side and everything was wonderful as well. My mom got some cute new Christmas dishes that she was very excited to show off. Usually we go to grandmas with all my cousins and have dinner and do all of our other traditions but because My brother and sisters are all getting older and married we decided just do Christmas with us. It was really nice. Although I did miss seeing my grandparents. Christmas day we got up (not too early) and opened presents. We were all very spoiled. Then we had the traditional breakfast- Orange rolls and breakfast casseroll. It was a wonderful Christmas as well.

Livvy got a doll and a stroller.

Caden got a train table with some new thomas the train sets.
My sister was mad because Santa didn't leave her the Ipod touch she wanted. But she did get it later.

We spent New Years with some friends. We decided to have a fondeu party. It was a lot of fun. Caden even made it until midnight. Poor Livvy was all tuckered out by 11:30. I am excited for this year I think its going to be a good one!

New York Trip

On the first of last month I had the opportunity to go to New York. I went with Mike's sisters and mom. First of all I just have to say how greatful I am to have the best in-laws ever! I am the only sister in-law but they make sure to include me so I feel like I am just one of them. Anyway, between my parents and Mike I was able to leave the kids for 5 whole days. We went to Visit Mikes sister Megan who lives there. I had such a wonderful relaxing time, but I missed my little family so much!

Here is a little rundown of what we did (warning there is a ton of pics!)

Suzan and I at the IF airport
Meg surprised us with a stretch limo for our ride to her apartment
In the limo
Our sleeping arrangements
Lesli and I on Canal Street
Megan helping me buy my subway card
My first ride on the subway
Brooke cleaning hot chocolate off me!
Times square
Megan and I in times square
Weird hand chair in times square
Street market watermelon
After the yankee's victory parade there was mounds of paper everywhere it was crazy!
This was a real man but you couldn't even tell
Me at battery park
Battery park
Wall street
Going to church. Megan goes to church in the temple it was pretty cool
Central park
More central park

More central park
The lion king which was amazing!
Hot dog place
Packed up and headed for home
Me trying to carry my heavy luggage down the subway stairs

Thanks Meg and Joe for letting us crash your place!

Halloween 2009

Halloween this year was so much fun. Caden is finally getting old enough to understand whats its all about! Melaleuca (where Mike works) has all the employees families come trick or treating and it is so much fun they have the place totally decked out. Each department has a different theme. It is really cute. Mikes department did a Jail theme.
We went up to Rexburg to do trick or treating. We started at my parents house and my mom made what she called witches brew and goblins guts. She makes it every year. Caden thought the witches brew was totally awesome

Livvy was a unicorn and she was absolutely adorable!

Caden was a doctor. He was very cute as well

For Family home evening we carved Pumpkins. We had Mikes mom and dad come over. We do this with them every year. Mikes dad can carve a pretty mean pumpkin!

The finished product

Happy 5th Anniversary!

This is us a little over a year before we were married.

I am really late on the post but things have been a little crazy lately! On September 25 was Mike and I's 5th anniversary. I cannot believe we have been married for 5 years already and I really can't believe that we have 2 beautiful children together. Mike was cute! First he put roses in random places all over the house so when I woke up I had a rose on my pillow, in the fridge ect. It was very cute. Then he took me to a cabin in Island Park for the night. It was a very cute little one bedroom cabin. we had such a relaxing, good time. There was a hot tub outside and we just sat there forever enjoying the cold air, trees and beautiful stars. Very romanitc. Then later he suprised me with a beautiful ring. It has caden and livvy's birthstone on it. We stayed up latethat night and watched movies and slept in late the next morning. It was a wonderful and relaxing surprise.

I love ya babe! I hope the next 5 years are as good as the last!

Preschool

Last week Caden started preschool!! It was kindof a bitter sweet moment. I came home from dropping him off and the house was so quiet and empty with just me and Liv. But it is going to be nice to have 2 whole hours 2 days a week to not have to worry about him. I just can't believe he is getting so big. I love every little minute that I get to spend with my funny little guy!

backyard campout

This weekend we decided to do a little backyard campout with some of our neighbors. We brought out the dutch ovens and made some delicous food. We had chicken, potatoes and cobler for desert. YUM! Then after we hung out in the backyard for a little bit while the kids played. The people next door have a little boy and 2 little girls that caden has become best friends with. We also had our other neighbors over and they have 2 adorable little boys. So then all the kidos and the dads set up a tent and slept in the backyard. Caden only lasted about 45 min. but its the thought that counts right! We are so excited to have such fun neighbors that we can be friends with and do fun things. Thanks walters and Allens!!

Mike's graduation and the big 25!

We have had a crazy couple of days. Mike graduated from college on thursday. We are so excited that he is finally done! It only took him 6 years We are so happy that he is done and we can close that chapter in our lives. I am so proud of him. Having a family, working full time and going to school full time isn't easy. He graduated the same time as his little sister Lesli and her husband Dan so it was really fun to see them all together.

Dan, Lesli and Mike

Mikes parents us and my parents

Then on Friday was my 25th birthday. I know I am getting way old. I had a great day. My parents had a little party at there house for me. I am very spoiled with all the presents I got. Mike got me a new camera! I was so excited. It is a Nikon D40. It is sooo nice. I can't wait to learn how to use it better. Thanks everyone for the wonderful day!

Then saturday we went up to the cabin. The Taylor side of my family had a little reuion up there. It was a blast. I just love spending time up there its so beautiful and relaxing!

My brother doing tricks on the wakeboard

Livvy and my cousin whitneys little quinton

Caden and aunt Tina catching crawdads

Then Sunday we went to a farwell for my cousin Ryan. We had a great weekend it was so much fun to see everyone again.