Merry Christmas!

We have had a busy 2014. We began our year with a move to Bakersfield, California in January. We asked for a transfer so that Alex could be home more with us. On the way here we were able to stop and see the Grand Canyon. We froze if you can't tell by the pictures :) We were also able to stop and see our old neighbors from Idaho who have moved to AZ. Overall, we had a fun family drive here. 

In the beginning of February we had to make an unexpected trip home for a funeral. Alex's amazing grandpa passed away. I am so grateful that I was able to meet him. He took me in as one of the family and I always felt loved. He is missed everyday but I am also grateful that Tayson got to meet him and for eternal families. The knowledge that we will be together again is so comforting.

In March, Tayson fell off Alex and my bed and broke his arm. We knew something was wrong because he is normally so excited to have Daddy home and all he did was whimper when Alex walked through the door. We took him in and sure enough he had broken both bones in his left arm. So much for anther lefty in the family. Tayson quit using his left hand, his dominant at the time, and is now a righty.

 In April we were lucky enough to meet my parents and Alex's mom in Vegas. My mom turned the BIG 50 and so we had to celebrate! We had a great time even if the pool was a little chilly. So glad we could make that trip and spend time with them.

In June we made another trek back to Idaho for a couple weeks. Alex was able to stay the first week and we spent a couple of those days playing in the water and going down the water slides at Heise. We even camped! Yes I camped but was very spoiled because we got to use Alex's grandpa's old camper. NO sleeping in a tent for this lady! The following week I had a family reunion in Island Parka and Alex left for home. Tayson got to enjoy another airplane ride and was so excited to see his dad when we got home.

In July we found out we were expecting baby #2! We couldn't be more excited. We are expecting a little girl to arrive around March 10, 2015 and can't wait for her to join the family! 

Alex left for Qatar in August and my mom, sister and her kids were able to come spend a week with us while he was gone. We had so much fun which included a trip to Ventura, CA to the beach and then a drive down to the LA Zoo. Of course when we got back both Tayson and Ty were sick and so the rest of their visit wasn't much fun but we are still glad they were able to make it.

Janell came over in October when Alex got back from Qatar and was able to spend sometime with us and enjoy General Conference. We were able to go explore the new shopping outlets that had just opened and had a great time.

In the first of November we went down to Escondido and spent time with my grandparents, parents, aunt, and cousin and his family at my grandparents condo. Tayson started cutting his 2 year molars, of course, and was sick most of the time we were there. We were able to spend some time in the pool, which was cold, and were even able to venture down to San Diego and spend some time in the temple. It is BEAUTIFUL! If you ever get the chance to go take it! You won't be disappointed. 

We are expecting to have Janell, Scott, and Kylee here to help us welcome the new year and can't wait for them to arrive!

Only 2 weeks until Christmas! I hope you are keeping the Spirit of Christ in your homes as we remember the true meaning of Christmas this year. Merry Christmas and I hope your year has been as eventful and as much fun as ours has been!