Valentines Day and Playdates

Earlier this week we were able to get out and enjoy some cooler weather (upper 60s) at the park with some friends. Taija and Luke LOVE playing at the park!



Yesterday being Valentines Day we had a very special preschool day with Taija's friends Ella and Ellie.


And for my Valentines gift Justin made up some cute little cut outs of the kiddos' hands with pictures of them doing there 'Love you THIS much' and squeeze with kisses...here are the pics he used!

We survived!

The month of January has been a tough one for our little family...mainly because Justin has been working A LOT! This was his surgery rotation and he was with a trauma surgeon who is a workaholic! It was a great experience for him, but a LONG one for us. Most days he didn't get home until bedtime...if he made it home at all! But we survived and since I hadn't taken any pictures I thought I had better take some last night so that I didn't completely miss this month. The kids and I spent many evening playing outside in the dark...they LOVED it. The weather has been perfect - mid 70s so not too hot. Enjoy!

Lion Country Safari

While Grammy and Pa were in town they took us to Lion Country Safari. It was so MUCH FUN! First, there is a drive-through safari where we were able to see ostriches, giant tortoises, different types of deer, giraffes, camels, rhinos, and of course lions! While that was fun, the amusement park was more of why we came. Taija was able to go on a carousel, the ferris wheel, a splash park, a pantoon boat ride...ride a camel, and feed the giraffes. I think Luke's favorite part was the cafeteria-esque restaurant...and NOT just because of the food. This kid was in heaven just people watching. We sat in our little booth for about an hour and the majority of that was Luke watching everyone! Here are some pics...ENJOY!

CHRISTMAS 2011

Christmas was so much FUN celebrating with just our little family in South Florida. We missed everyone in UT, but are so grateful for technology in that we spoke with everyone on Skype. The minute Taija woke up she couldn't stop talking about Santa and she was so excited to see what he brought her.




Our little family all ready for church...thanks to Nana for the Christmas dress. Luke also got a suit with a red and white striped tie, but due to his physique ties don't really work.

Pa & Grammy at the Beach

Pa and Grammy have been in town to celebrate Christmas with us (well, the kiddos really) and so the first day they were here we took them to the beach. Where else would you spend the day on the 23rd of December?? Daddy was even able to get most of the day off and join us!

Not sure what Justin is doing in the picture...sun bathing??

Preschool Party

Once a week Taija and two of her friends get together for our little preschool. A couple of weeks ago we had a Christmas themed day...the kids were able to dress up and act out the Nativity. Taija was a shepherd (cutest shepherd ever if you ask me), Ellie was an angel, and Ella was Mary. Due to short attention spans it didn't last too long, but the important stuff was mentioned!

SANTA

We have met such wonderful friends while here in South Florida - we were able to get together with our friends from med school (the boys are the only LDS members in their year of med school) for a FUN night of Christmas celebration. Good food, good company and a SPECIAL guest. We weren't sure how Taija would do with Santa, as previous attempts have all resulted in an absolute tantrum. BUT she LOVED it! At first she panicked and ran right to her daddy to hold, but once she warmed up she even sat on Santa's lap! Thanks for the gifts Santa!

DANCE!

Taija had her first dance recital and I couldn't be more proud of my little dancer! She was so CUTE and did such an amazing job! The quality of picture/video isn't the greatest, but you get the idea!





*Don't mind the fact that Justin zoomed in on the wrong girl to begin with...Taija has a pink top with a black bow and black tights. I was really amazed at how well she did, especially considering she was in the middle and the instructors were on the outside leading the dance!*

South Florida Style

This post is just some random stuff that we have been up to lately...nothing big, but wanted to remember!
Justin thinks these signs are so FUNNY...

This is one of the advent calendars I have been making for Christmas gifts

Yes my kids are wearing shorts with a long-sleeve shirt...it's 80 outside, but the only Christmas shirts they sell are long-sleeve!

Grammy came to visit for a few days (squeezed us in during her business trip, but don't worry she is coming back for Christmas with Pa)

THANKSGIVING

This Thanksgiving we decided we would quickly put together our food in the morning...then head to the BEACH! We had a BLAST! There were not too many people there at 9 in the morning, but it was PERFECT beach weather. The water was a bit chilly, but considering it was still warmer than any reservoir in UT we won't complain. The kids LOVED it. Luke was ALL about the sand, as long as he had a shovel (or two) he was happy playing. Taija is such a FISH, she was content to stand in the water with daddy splashin around. I think this might become a new tradition on Thanksgiving...at least while we are in Florida!

Mr CHUBBS

This post is for Luke and Taija's UNC...
The other day while Justin was watching the kiddos Luke spilt on his shirt so it prompted this photo shoot - Luke just trying to be like his UNC

My Cute KIDS

About a month ago our wonderful friend and photographer (Katrina) took some pics of my kiddos. She did such an awesome job considering Luke was being an absolute pill and wouldn't sit still for even a minute. And since I couldn't just pick a few to post I decided to post ALL of them! Enjoy!

**SLIDE SHOW COMING SOON...ONCE I FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE IT WORK**

YO HO HO

This year for Halloween Luke and Taija were PIRATES! The first few pictures are from our preschool party...thanks to Katrina for taking such FUN pictures!




On Halloween we were invited to a birthday party for Taija's friend Madi...it was so much FUN! We ate pizza, played games, sang the birthday song, ate some cake and then went Trick-or-Treating! It was Taija's first time doing the whole door to door way! She LOVED it!