Three Year Anniversary

Three years ago from yesterday, I made the best decision of my life! I was married and sealed to this boy for eternity.

I feel so blessed to be married to my best friend. Nathan is everything I could ever want in a husband: hardworking, kind, handsome, respectful, funny, sweet... and the list goes on and on. These last three years have been the best years of my life. I love you Nathan!

To celebrate our Anniversary, we dropped Annie off with a babysitter (thanks Zeeni!) and headed to Idaho Falls. After a little shopping, we went out to dinner at Snake Bite. The food there is DIVINE! We finished the night off with chocolate cake and a movie. Altogether, it was a perfect day!

30 Weeks Down...

10 to go!

Say Cheese!

This girl is constantly wanting her picture taken. She will find the camera, bring it to me, and say, "Cheese". Luckily, the camera loves her back :)

Christmas 2010

We had such a GREAT Christmas yesterday! It was our first Christmas we had with just the three of us. We spent the day opening presents, eating amazing food, and spending quality time together. Annie and Nathan both received new hats and they both wore them all day long :)

It was a perfect day.

I am so grateful for my Savior and the chance we have to celebrate His birth every year. Merry Christmas to all!

Crochet Flower Headbands

Now that Christmas is over, I can finally post this. I made these for my sister and a few of my sister-in-laws for Christmas. They were the perfect way to keep myself busy!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Even though the quality is not that great, because it was taken on my phone, I couldn't pass it up to post on the blog :)

Salt Lake

Tuesday morning, we took a quick trip to Salt Lake. I was able to be a bridesmaid at my prior roommate, Brittany's, wedding. She looked amazing and I am so happy for her!

We decided to stay one night to make a quick family vacation out of it. After all of the wedding festivities were over, we spent that evening walking around temple square admiring all of the beautiful lights.

Perfect way to feel that holiday spirit! I love Salt Lake during Christmas time!

Christmas Shopping

We started yesterday's afternoon with some lunch from Gator Jacks. This place seriously has some of the best sandwiches that I have ever tasted.

Next, was a visit to Santa. Annie was excited to see him, but once she sat on his lap, she turned shy and was a bit unsure about the whole situation.

After spending some time in the mall, catching up on all of our Christmas shopping, we ventured over to Sports Authority. Nathan and Annie did a little putting... Annie even found a club that was more her size :)

BYU-Idaho Center Dedication

Yesterday we had the privilege to attend the BYU-Idaho Center Dedication. President Henry B. Erying dedicated the building with a beautiful prayer. Elder Russell M. Nelson and Elder David A. Bednar were also present. The main auditorium of the 435,000-square-foot building seats 15,000 people. This is only 6,200 seats fewer than the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

We feel so blessed to go to this school and take part in this uplifting event.

Snowflake Cookies

Annie and I made some snowflake shaped sugar cookies today!

Thanks to Brad and Katelyn, we were able to get them all frosted tonight too. Delicious :)

Ward Christmas Party

We have such an awesome ward! Tonight was our Christmas party. The night started with a delicious dinner, followed by some BEAUTIFUL talents preformed by members of the ward. Below is a picture of Bishop George with Annie. We are so blessed to have him as our Bishop.

After the party finished, Annie played a little one-on-one with her dad :)

She's a champ.

Fairmont Hot Springs

Friday night we met up with the Cope's for a quick family visit. We stayed one night at Fairmont Hot Springs. We went swimming, played games, and stayed up late talking and catching up. Annie loved hanging out with her cousin, Matthew.

Right before we left, we took a group photo in front of this beautiful tree!

Then finished the day off with an ice cream sandwich :)

It was a great visit, definitely worth the drive! Thanks for everything Copes! We had a blast and miss you already.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Dancing is one of Annie's favorite hobbies. With this particular song, she throws her arms up in the air every time she hears the lyrics, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

Animal Sounds with Annie

Bubbles...

She loves them.

The Christmas Countdown Begins!

During the month of November, most of my spare time was dedicated to sewing this advent calendar. I did all of the stitching by hand and finished it an hour before December 1st began. The pockets are stuffed full with ornaments ready to be placed on the tree!

Once Christmas Eve comes around, it should look something like this...

Here are a few of my favorites :)

Happy Christmas Countdown!

Daddy's Little Shadow

Annie soaks up every minute she gets to spend with her dad. Today I was able to capture a few of the moments. Nathan decides to sit on the couch and take a drink, so does Annie...

Nathan takes some time to organize his tools, Annie organizes right along side him... hat backwards and all.

They have a sweet connection :) Not sure what Annie would do without her daddy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving we spent the day with the Buies! The day was filled with fun festivities including:

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Yummy snacks and appetizers
Lots and lots of baking and cooking
Football, football, and more football
Delicious Thanksgiving FEAST
Pie and Cheesecake to finish off the evening

The kids were able to make these cute, little turkeys...

They also had their own pumpkin pie! Annie enjoyed licking it... she had no desire to actually eat it. I'm not sure why...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I've had time to think about all I have to be thankful for. The list is way to long to write here, so I'll summarize with my top ten.

1. I am thankful for this Gospel and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Both are constantly blessing my life and the lives of my family.
2. I am thankful for Nathan. I could not have asked for someone better than my best friend to spend eternity with. I love him more and more every day!
3. I am thankful for Annie and the sweet spirit she brings to our family. I'm not sure what we ever did without her. Such a blessing!
4. I am thankful for this new little girl on the way. I am grateful for her healthy development and growth through this pregnancy.
5. I am thankful for my family, Nathan's family, and our extended family. They have showed such great support and love.
6. I am thankful for great friends. It will be quite sad to leave them after Nathan is done with his schooling.
7. I am thankful for my health and the health of my family.
8. I am thankful for my calling in the church. I was called in August to be the Relief Society President and it has not only strengthened my testimony, but also allowed me to grow closer to the amazing girls in our Relief Society.
9. I am thankful for Nathan's job and education. He has some great bosses who understand the importance of an education, therefore, they work around his schedule to give him a nice amount of hours.
10. I am thankful for our apartment. I love the Spirit and warmth that is here. It makes me look forward to coming home.

There are so many more things I could add to this list! I feel so blessed to have the life that I have. I love you all and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Annie's First Snowman

We're loving this snow!

Ward Halloween Party

We had a blast tonight! Annie's ladybug costume was one of my first sewing projects. I can't wait to make more clothes for her!

After chili and soup, there were several fun games to play.

Annie had a ladybug painted on her face :)

They even had a little dance party for the kids! (Sorry it's so small and blurry! We didn't have our video camera with us.)

Straw Maze

Right outside of our local grocery store, there is little straw maze for kids. Annie has been several times and she LOVES it.

This morning she found this sick toy rat there... she had to carry it around for the rest of the time.

Running through the tunnel... with her rat!

Another Year Older

Yesterday I turned 24... The day started out with a delicious breakfast then sweet gifts and cards from Annie and Nathan. The rest of the morning I was able to sit back and relax as Nathan cleaned the house and took care of Annie's every need :)

Later in the day, the Jacks came to visit! We spent some time with them and went out to dinner at Applebee's. It was so nice to see them again!

The night ended with my favorite cake, Rainbow Chip, and a movie of my choice, Return to Me. Big thanks to my awesome husband, Annie, family and friends to making it a perfect day!

Johnny Carino's

Last night we met up with our dear friends, the Buie's, in Idaho Falls for an Italian feast! This is definitely one of my FAVORITE restaurants.

Despite the scowl in the picture above, Annie did have fun. She soaks up every bit of time she can get with Avie and Jackson!

Luckily, we have plenty of leftovers :)

Bring on the COLD!

The snow is almost here... I can feel it! Can't wait!

She's smarter than you think...

Nathan and I had the funniest conversation with Annie today. I had to write it down before I forgot it. It made our day!

Nicole: "Do you want some dinner?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Do want some oatmeal?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Do you want some macaroni and cheese?"

Annie: "No".

Nicole: "Do you want some candy?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Do you want candy corn?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Do you want some potato chips?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Do you want daddy's golf clubs?"

Annie: "No".

Nicole: "Do you want mommy's phone?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Do you even know what we are saying?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Are you crazy?"

Annie: "No".

Nathan: "Are you smart?"

Annie: "Yes".

We're Having Another GIRL!!!

Everything is healthy and right on track. No, we do not have any names picked out yet... wish we did!

Her little feet :)

We are SO EXCITED for this new addition.

My Fall Decorations!

Some people may carve their pumpkins... I glitter mine!

Annie's New Craft

Nathan helped Annie make these necklaces yesterday. There is even a bracelet to match! She is quite proud :)

Boise Family FUN!

Last weekend, we drove to Boise to meet up with my family for Shaun's football game. Shaun and his team dominated! Unfortunately, towards the end of the game, Shaun took a bad hit to the knee. Luckily, he's doing better now. We're so proud of you, Shaun!

(from left to right: Mom, Uncle Erik, Shaun, Nathan, Me, Annie, Dad)

We spent Saturday hanging out at my grandparent's house. Annie loved being pulled in the wagon!

Annie also spent quite a bit of time with her Great Grandpa Hill.

Annie's favorite activity was feeding the cows with Grandma!

Saturday night, we went to our first Boise State game! Special thanks to my mom for watching Annie :)

We had so much fun!!

Boise won (of coarse) 57 to 14.

It was so nice to meet up with family and create some memories! It went by too fast.