Utah

This past weekend we went to Utah to attend the funeral of Brady's sweet Grandpa Clark. We really miss him. He was such a kind man, and had a personal relationship with each of his grandchildren. He made everyone feel so special. He was so encouraging, so loving, and really so much fun. I wish Sophie got a chance to know him like we did. While we were there we also went to the baby blessing of Sophie's new cousin Ryan, but because I'm a really bad picture taker, I have no pictures of the event, and no pictures of Sophie with any of her cousins or grandparents. This is Sophie last April with Grandma & Grandpa Clark. I'm so happy I have this picture.

Sweet Grandma Clark and us at the luncheon after the funeral.

Other cute pictures from the weekend...

First Haircut and Other Long Overdue Posts

I have completely neglected our blog and the entire blogging universe for a long time now, but I am back and ready to be consistent (maybe).
Sophie got her first haircut while we were in Arizona last week! My mom couldn't take the unevenness anymore, so she booked an appointment at Blossom salon! She got a cute little 'Posh Spice' do! It's long in the front, then goes to a stacked bob in the back! She looks really adorable and so stylish!

She was so good and still for most of the haircut!

She started getting a little antsy so Grandma had to entertain her with giant fabric flowers!

"Beauty is a Duty!" The blow dryer and round brushing scared her a little, and after about 3 minutes she really wanted to go play!

Christmastime!

We spent Christmas this year in Arizona. Sophie and I stayed for a week, but Brady could only join us for a couple days.

Sophie in her cute (not so Christmasy- can wear more than once) new dress!

She was so great last year, they asked her to reprise her role as Baby Jesus in the annual Christmas Eve Nativity (baby Hudson was asleep)! She got a little overwhelmed halfway through so her understudy (a doll) had to step in for the last half!

The wonderful cast and crew! My sister Melanie actually got all these costumes in the "Holy Land' when they went on their Church History tour last year.

Lovin' all the presents and her cousin Davis!

Polar Express

A couple days before Christmas Sophie and I went with some of my family on "The Polar Express" in Williams, AZ! It was really fun- freezing, but fun!

Sophie loves her little (bigger) cousin Hudson! She always has to hug and kiss him!

I love these gift shop hats! Don't worry- it's faux fur!

Santa gave every kid a bell! Sophie loved hers so much! She kept ringing it and trying to eat it!

With the Grandparents!

Sophie's first steps!!

"Jolly" Old Saint Nicholas!

We waited in line for 35 minutes for THIS?!

Sophie seemed excited to see Santa as we got closer and closer to the front of the line, but as soon as I put her on his lap she started screaming! Sadly, this was the best picture! I guess it makes for good memories.

Watch us dance!!

Click here!

Soulja Boy!

Last Saturday we went to Sequoia's annual Christmas party at the Westin in Pasadena. They throw a great party! There were about 200 well-dressed people, great food, great entertainment, but most of all, GREAT DANCING!! My inhibitions went out the window, and I found myself acting a little crazy on the dance floor! It all paid off though when I won $100 gift card to Best Buy for doing the Soulja Boy dance (solo) on the dance floor in front of all the guests! I am now so embarrassed! I thought everyone was doing it (because how could they not!) Then I looked around and saw that everyone was staring at me! I started to walk off the dance floor, but then the D.J. told me to keep going, so I kept on going! It pays to know what kids are doing these days!

The wild bunch we sat with:

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

I love, love, love the Christmas season! I'm one of those people who start playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving. The other day we went Christmas tree shopping for a real tree. I am a fan of the pre-lit artificial trees (no loose needles, no watering, no messing with lights) but Brady wanted the real thing!

After about a million mini-lights I think next year Brady will give in to the fake thing! I was happy with how it all turned out, though. (It looks even better in person!)

Such Sad News

I am so sad to report that one of my best friends Catherine Rowley Hill's husband Clint passed away last week. He was only 26 years old and died of cancer. It is so awful to see someone so young and with so much potential pass away. I went to the funeral last weekend in Idaho Falls. Catherine is not sure what she is going to do. Right now she is still staying in Idaho Falls with his family. My heart just breaks for her. She is such a beautiful, kind, creative, talented, funny, sweet person and I hate to see her go through this. If anyone wants to send Catherine a card just let me know and I can give you her address. Please keep Catherine and her family in your prayers.