Arizona Sunshine

Thanksgiving was WONDERFUL! Lots and lots of good food and great company. I just realized I took a lot of pictures with Jennifer's camera, so this is what I have at the moment. Mason loved playing with his cousins and also quite enjoyed the fresh citrus, cows, chickens, cats, and dog! (he only ate the citrus)

A HUGE accomplishment to note: Miner won his 600th basketball game while we were there! Wow. WAY TO GO!

*Matt making use of the cornucopia, Andy's friend Ryan trying on footed pajamas in the middle of target --- not pictured: everyone hanging spoons from their noses at Thanksgiving dinner*

I braved black Friday for the first time ever - with Aunt Sarah and Jennifer blazing the trail! I think I am hooked. It was so fun! Thanks you two for introducing me to the 'sport'. :) This was the scene post-checkout at about 5 AM.

On Friday we went to the Mesa, AZ LDS Temple to see the lights be turned on for the Christmas Season -- it was beautiful and fun! As we walked around Mason pointed at all the lights.

Not pictured (sad day!) - we got to spend some time visiting with Mike & Tia!! They only live maybe 10 minutes away from Gilbert and it was GREAT getting to see them! Annabelle was cute as always and litte Asa was a doll (first meeting!) and we even got to see their new house they just bought. We miss them!

The new bridge being built at Hoover Dam - simply amazing. We were both awestruck as we rounded the corner and saw it. It is a few years behind schedule because 2 cranes crashed and fell into the river a while back. Whoops?

Finding a room in Vegas to stay in on the way down was a slight fiasco, so we booked one for the trip back. Amazingly enough, this Hilton was the least expensive. Here is a morning view of part of the strip and Mason lounging in the bed.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We are heading out to sunny, warm Arizona this afternoon, so I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving before leaving! We have much to be grateful for and I enjoy this time of the year that causes many to reflect on those blessings and remind eachother (and myself) to do the same.

May your holiday be safe and spent with loved ones!

Girls Afternoon Out

There is nothing like time with girl friends!

You might call this our second annual event, since we did the same thing last year... yep, we went to see New Moon and contributed to the 140.7 M the movie brought in the first weekend. We didn't make tshirts, but we did go out to eat afterwards! Cheers!

p.s. does anyone else think I look like a giant next to these ladies? And I was wearing flats! Next time we ought to sit to take the picture...

Dating

In the last few months we haven't been so great about getting out on dates alone. We spend a lot of time together and go out, but the little monkey has been tagging along everywhere. We finally decided enough was enough! We found ourselves a babysitter (thank you Meagan!) and out we went on Friday. We had so much fun! Matt planned the night and kept it a mystery for me -- and I was spoiled. Amazing sushi, the nickelcade, and then we shared a shake for dessert. The sushi was a fabulous idea since I couldn't have any all pregnancy and was leary during breastfeeding, meaning I haven't had any in probably 2 whole years.

We've recommited ourselves to getting out on date nights regularly once again :) It takes some planning, but it is definitely worth it and vital for a marriage!

*pretty awesome lips we got with our tickets from the arcade,
the aftermath of our sushi feast, & Matt wowing me on atari

The End

Matt just finished his 3 year term on the HOA board as of Wednesday night - around 2 years of which was served as the HOA President. Whew!

Ah, what memories...


The beginning is the best part: we had moved into our community maybe 2-3 weeks prior to the annual meeting. A neighbor found out Matt was a construction management major and so an HOA board member was born. At the meeting he was nominated and elected -without anyone having a clue who we were- and we didn't have a clue what we were getting into - and so it all began!

Even though there have been definite ups and downs, overall Matt enjoys this type of community involvement - even though he may not admit it at the moment :) Needless to say, I am quite pleased that he has one thing taken off his plate as we approach this new year that will most likely be filled with all sorts of upheaval (new job?, moving, selling our home, graduating college, etc). Thanks for the hard work babe and hanging in there all 3 years!

The first of many

We've had a tiny bit of snow this weekend, so I quickly bundled the kiddo and took him outside Saturday morning to experience his first 'real' snowfall (where he'd actually notice).

Luckily, he loved it!

*Cough Cough*

I couldn't pass up posting this video that I got from my friend Kristen!! Haha