Happy Holidays !!!

Christmas is by far one of my favorite times of year! I look forward to seeing my family and being able to buy and give gifts to others. I love the lights and all the decorations that get put up. This year was just that much better !!! Being able to watch my very own daughter enjoy the moments of the holiday. She didn't quite understand the whole concept of presents, but entertained us all with her amazing personality. I can't wait to see what the future holidays have in store for us.

We celebrate Christmas Eve at my Grandma Perry's house. Santa Claus comes and gives everyone a gift and then sings songs with the kids while all the adults take a million pictures. Our Santa is just that... our very own !!! I haven't the slightest idea who he is, but I do know that he has come to my grandparents house as Santa for aver 30 years !!! He has literally watched all of us grow. I am so thankful to have Santa as part of my Christmas.


Afterwards we go and have lunch at my Grandma Lukes' house. Unfortunately this year we couldn't spend a lot of time there due to me having to work. It is always a pleasure to be able to spend time with my grandparents, even if it was for just a few minutes.


Miridyan and Paityn are always interested in what the other is doing. I know I have said it a million times, but they truly are best of friends.

Christmas in St George

So... after we are finished with all the family visits up in Salt Lake, we all drive back to St George to celebrate OUR family Christmas. I had to work until 6 pm which is never fun, but I do what I have to do. We finally all gathered at my parents house later that evening. We had a lovely dinner (Thank you Mom) and then it was time...

The Christmas tree was jam packed with gifts. My mom usually designates herself as the one who hands them all out.


Miridyan was pretty worn out from all the holiday visits and the 4 hour drive home. But more presents were enough to keep her attention.


Donny was spoiled, as he is every year. He got just what he wanted... an I-Phone !!! I plan on not seeing him again for a few weeks while he learns all the funcions. ;)


We were so blessed to have Kyle as part of our family this year. He is such a pleasant young man. We our proud to call him ours.

We also were privileged in having Travis join us. We miss him so much and are so happy when he comes to visit. We ask him every time if we can just keep him.
Travis... you are welcome any time !!!

Yummy Macaroni !!!

Miridyan's first taste of Macaroni and Cheese !!!

She loved it !!!

Something else that she loves... hooking her toes on everything!
This is something that she has done since day 1.
There was even a time where we got her to hold her bottle with her toes instead of her hands.

Santa Claus

This was the second time that the girls met Santa Claus. Miridyan did surprisingly well. Paityn, on the other hand, was not loving him one bit.

I laugh every time I see this one !!!
It almost looks like Santa tooted and the girls are trying to escape.

They let Kyle, Travis, Morgan and me get in for the last couple of shots.
Thank You Santa !!!

Granny Great

My Great Grandma is truly an amazing lady !!! She will be 98 years old this coming February. Her sense of humor and wit hasn't changed one bit. She currently lives with my grandma and grandpa Perry who takes such great care of her. I know that she misses her own house and feels as though she is a burden, but I love that I get to see her more often because she is there. This weekend we had to go up to Salt Lake for one of my foster son's doctor appointments. I was able to take off a couple days of work so I stayed as long as could. I have the greatest relatives in the world. I just wish I could see them more often.
Miridyan loves to visit with Granny Great. I am so grateful that she has been able to watch Miridyan grow. Granny always sings Patty-cake with here and Miridyan claps right along. This time she was very interested in Granny's walker.

She even tried to help.
Granny Great thought this would help her practice her walking skills too!

When I went downstairs, I became concerned when all I heard was silence. As I went into my grandma's art studio, I saw that she had put my boys to work. All I could do was smile !!! They were sitting quietly, painting Christmas ornaments that my grandma had given him. It was actually quite nice to see a different, quiet side to them.

Meet the Band... The Inner View

Well... If you didn't know, Donny is in a band. I believe at this point in time they are calling themselves the Inner View (they have gone through a few name changes). Anyhow... Donny is the lead singer and also plays the piano/keyboard. Brandon is the lead guitarist as well as the back up singer and actually the lead singer/songwriter for a few songs, Race plays the base guitar, and Dave (my dad) is the drummer. They do a variety of music both covers and originals. I think that they are pretty dang good, even if I am related to half the band! Look for them in the near future ;) Feel free to give an honest opinion (just keep in mind that the recording is off of my phone).