Great Nephew

This is Eli---Ryan's niece's baby---he officially makes us Great Aunt Amy and Great Uncle Ryan---aren't great aunts supposed to be old and smell funny??? I made this blanket for him---it took me so long, but I was happy to do it as a surprise for Heather. Eli is such a cute little guy.

Christmas 2008

Christmas this year was great fun. Ryan and I got a new camcorder. Ryan's big surprise from Santa was a new saw that he'd had his eye on. Good thing Santa understands tools, because Amy thinks one saw is as good as another and they are all the same. Amy's big surprise was a new refrigerator! WOW! Santa must have thought she'd been extra good.
We had dinner at my parent's house on Christmas Eve and Santa even paid us a visit and gave all the kids new pajamas (Ours were waiting for us under the tree when we got home).
We went to my parents again on Christmas Day for more food and presents. We ended up getting a really big snow storm and since we'd rather sacrifice a little sleep and comfort than our lives so we ended up staying the night on couches and an air mattress. My mom found toothbrushes for us and since we'd worn our pajamas all day, I guess we were set to spend the night.
Luckily the storm let up mid-morning and we were able to get home---of course Ryan did drag me for some after-Christmas shopping in my pajamas before going home. Luckily we only ran into one person I knew.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Tanner

Tanner's 3rd Birthday. What a cute little boy. He got lots of new toys, including a Spiderman costume. He loved wearing the costume, but hated the mask. Cannon on the other hand LOVED wearing the mask and kept it on most of the night. Such cute, funny boys. We love having Tanner in our family.

 

Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of this wonderful event, but wanted to mention it anyway. Since we've been married, Ryan and I have been lucky enough to attend the Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert. Tickets for this event are a hot item and hard to get. Luckily, my dad has some connections and usually is given tickets to the event. I love going and listening to the choir ---especially at Christmastime. Each year, the Choir invites a guest artist to perform with them, this year's guest was Brian Mitchell Stokes. He was amazing!! I think my favorite song was "The Friendly Beasts" (which coincidentally was a favorite of mine to sing in Primary). Ryan and I got to the Conference Center early and were able to secure seats on the 3rd row!!! We were so close! Tickets are assigned a section and not an actual seat or row. We were also fortunate enough to be close to the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and Elder M. Russell Ballard. Hopefully our Christmas tradition will live on for many years to come.

Christmas Dinner

This year my mom got all the adults in the family tickets to see "The Savior of the World" production at the Conference Center. It's a musical that talks about the birth of Christ and the events leading up to it and then skips forward to Christ's Resurrection and the events that followed. It was our first time seeing it and was really good. We liked it a lot. It really helped us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Before the play, my dad treated us all to dinner at the Alta Club, a swanky member's only club in downtown Salt Lake. It was pretty warm for December and so we didn't freeze while walking through main street plaza and looking at the lights. It was a great evening that really helped get Ryan and I into the Christmas spirit.

 

Molly Mouse

Lindsay is our little ballerina girl. Tonight we went and saw her ballet studio's production of Molly Mouse's Sugar Plum Dream. It's a take on the story of the Nutcracker only everyone is a mouse---meaning they all wear mouse heads and you can't see their faces. Lindsay was pretty identifiable because she was Molly Mouse's little sister.

Thankgiving Dinner

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas with Ryan's parents. We had a pre-Thankgiving meal at the Pizza Factory in St. George---one of our favorites. His two sisters and their families were present as well. It's always fun to get together with family as I get to know his neices and nephews and siblings better. We saw the movie "Australia" which I loved and highly recommend. We also did a little shopping on Black Friday. On the way home we stopped to eat at El Pollo Loco--one of my favorite fast food restaurants that I miss now I'm back in UT. I was quite excited to learn that there is now an El Pollo Loco in Lehi---so excited that I almost caused Ryan to crash as I screamed out in excitement as we passed an El Pollo Loco billboard----I know I'm a little crazy, I get excited over chicken. But really, it's great. Thankgiving provided us with a nice little break as well as a reminder of all the things we are thankful for.

 

Zermatt

Each fall the Attorney General's Office sponsers a Fall CLE Conference. This allows us to get all together and attend lectures that fulfill our continuing legal education credits. This year the office splurged and we were able to attend at a resort in Midway, UT, the Zermatt. It was beautiful, even if it was a little cold outside. Most of the attorneys stayed in the main hotel where the conference rooms were. However, I was sent far far away---ok, it wasn't really that far, only a 5 minute walk, but I felt left out as everyone else in my office was in the main hotel. I was the lucky one though. My room was MUCH larger and WAY nicer than any of the guys I work with. I had a huge bathroom with a jetted tub and a balcony off the bedroom that overlooked the mountains. NICE! Of course I got teased relentlessly about being a princess and all the guys wanted to know how I got the hookups. I was sad that Ryan had to stay home and work and wasn't able to enjoy the fun surroundings. But in reality as I was in class all day long, it would have been pretty boring for him. They've already reassured us, next year's conference won't be as nice.

 

Halloween Parade

I took an early lunch on Halloween so that I could go to Lindsay and Josh's school and see their Halloween parade. Emily, Tanner and Cannon were also dressed up. It was fun to get to see all the kids in their costumes. Ryan and I answered our door for trick-or-treaters for a little while and then headed out to see a movie. Halloween can be pretty boring when you are an adult. :D

 

Picking Fruit

One of Ryan's students invited us to her house to pick fruit. It was fun and something I'd never really done before. We got peaches, plums, and grapes. I canned some of the peaches and some of the plums, juiced the grapes and made peach jam and plum jam. It was my first time canning all by myself. I think I did a pretty good job. I think my favorite is the plum jam--YUMMY!

 

Lindsay Birthday

Lindsay turned 8 years old this year. I can't believe she's already 8! Her parents planned a surprise party for her at the Mayan---one of her favorite restaurants. The food is OK, but the atmosphere is pretty fun, the kids especially like the divers. We love Lindsay so much! She is such a sweet girl.

 

Happy Birthday Ryan

Ryan's birthday wasn't too exciting---his wife didn't plan a big party or anything. He did get a lot of new clothes though. Lucky guy! Happy Birthday Ryan! I love you

 

3 down eternity to go

Wow! 3 years down! I'm sure Ryan could argue that it seems MUCH longer. We had a fabulous dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Ryan got me a beautiful necklace with a heart and a key because I hold the key to his heart. His present from me wasn't quite as romantic, he got Smallville Season 6. We also got each other bar stools for our kitchen and a fabulous clock, it's supposed to go outside, but it's so darling I keep it in the house. I love you Ryan!

 

La Missiona Italiana di Padova

My mission president was released just over 10 years ago, so some former missionaries decided to have a 10 year reunion at the President's Family Farm. It was great fun to see people with the spouses and children. I was discouraged I couldn't remember everyone's name. I got to see 4 of my 7 companions, Denise, Erin, Susan, and Melanie. 2 even traveled far distances to be there. It was so fun. Erin tried to make Denise and I recreate a picture of the 3 of us in the train station in Firenze, oh how I've changed :( I was a little nervous to go, but glad I did, plus it's always good to see my mission president and his wife. I can't believe 10 years have passed, I'm not THAT old.

Baseball's Magical Mud

Tonight we went to a Bee's game with some people from my work. I have been taking a class called Baseball 101, from the Carmelo School of Hardball. Anthony is the professor and Ben, Linda and I are his students. (That's right, your tax dollars hard at work.) I am of course his star pupil :). It has been fun learning more of the ins and outs of baseball. One of the things I learned about is this special magical mud. Lena Blackburne who played for the White Sox and then managed the Philedelphia Athletics discovered this mud in New Jersey that when rubbed on a new baseball would take the shine off the ball, but not dirty the ball like regular ordinary dirt or mud would. He began marketing his mud and now 80 years later all Major and Minor League teams use the magic mud, the exact location has never been disclosed and remains a family secret. I am FASCINATED with the mud. We had awesome seats--front row, right behind home plate, (Thanks Dad), so I asked the ball boys about the mud and even got them to let me hold the mud (I promised not to contaminate it) so I could take a picture. They thought I was so wierd. But then again so did my husband, brother and co-workers. I however LOVED it---anything for a picture, right KC?! I was even more excited when I read the label on the mud and it even said "Baseball's Magic Mud" I knew it!!! It really IS magic! I must say the evening was loads of fun---just how big was my hot dog?

Morgan

Little Morgan--or Mo-Mo as her siblings call her is getting so big. She was playing with Josh's cowboy hat and I just couldn't resist taking her picture. I love all her dark curls---she reminds me of a fancy movie star from the 20's with her curls and (usual) headband with big flowers.

Tooele County Fair---Aunt Amy's day of fun!

While Ryan was out of town working hard putting in carpet and hardwood floors in Las Vegas, I played. :D I had Lindsay and Josh out for a sleepover and a day at the Tooele County Fair. We had a pizza picnic on the family room floor while watching High School Musical II, and stayed up late---until at least 10:00 ;D. We had pancakes for breakfast and the kids talked me into stopping at CAL Ranch store on the way to the fair. Lindsay got a pink cowboy hat and all Josh wanted was a real live cowboy belt. He loved it! We had a great time at the fair: we rode horses, watched the pig auction, did a bungy trampoline jump, rode a wild bull, saw sheep and goats, and rode bumper boats----well the kids did, I just watched and took pictures. On the way home, we of course stopped at McDonald's for lunch. We ended the day with swimming at grandma's. Lots of fun!!

Happy Birthday Amy

This year for my birthday(and Ryan's) I was lucky enough to get a piano from my parents. (Ryan wasn't as lucky since I got a piano for his birthday too) I love it and it looks beautiful in my house. It's a nice way to relieve stress and relax. I need to find time to play more. I got some piano books from my siblings and nieces and nephews. Ryan gave me some things I've been wanting for the house, plus he took me to Chili's. YUM!

Sun Valley--Bar Convention 08

Ryan's first trip to the Sun Valley and the Utah State Bar Convention. It was great! We got to stay in the lodge the first 2 nights ---very nice. We even got chocolates on our pillows at night. It was lots of fun bike riding, roller blading, swimming, picnic, family bbq and fair, and the Bee Movie. Ryan is great to indulge me while I follow my dad around and meet all the powerful lawyers and judges in the valley. It fun to see some of the judges not in a robe sitting on the bench. I just need to learn to use my camera more and get pictures of more than just the BBQ

 

Houston, we have grass!!!!

When Ryan and I bought our house it didn't have a yard. Had I known the pain it would be to put in a yard, I would have insisted on a house with an existing yard (and a 3 car garage--but that's a different issue). After living in our house for a little over a year, we decided it was time to finally do something with our dirt and weeds. I think our neighbors were glad to finally have all our weeds cleared out. After our vacations we got started on all the work---luckily we have nice family and friends that helped us out. I couldn't believe how much work went into preparing the dirt for the sod. WAY more work than I ever want to do again, EVER. At our sod party, Tanner kept using a magnifying glass to look for bugs--he was lots of help. We did get to run in the sprinklers after :D Our yard looks beautiful. THANKS for the help. Ryan's parents gave us some trees for our birthdays which really helped make our yard look nice.

International Peace Garden

While Ryan's parents were in town helping us with our yard, we tried to have some fun. I had taken Ryan a few weeks previously to the International Peace Garden---of course without a camera---and he decided his parents would really like it. It was fun to have a little time away from our yard and relax and enjoy a beautiful garden.

 

Finally.....it's finished

I finally finished my first knitting project----a felted purse. It feels like it took me forever! --- especially making the I-cord for the straps. I took a couple of pictures to show before and after the felting. All in all it turned out pretty cute I think. I'll use it. Ryan thinks it looks like a rasta hat and likes putting it on his head----hmmmm. I was amazed at how little it got, it'll be perfect to put scriptures in for Church or when I just need a small little bag. I did enjoy making it and can't wait to start another project. Ryan recently bought me a knitting book, so I have lots of fun things to choose from.

Pizza Factory

We ran into a bit of car trouble (the A/C quit working---honestly, how did those Pioneer's do it?) So we decided to spend the night in Cedar City after attending the reunion. It was always a possibility, the car just helped us make up our minds. The reunion was a good time. It's always good to see Ryan's parents and as an added bonus we got to see aunts, uncles and cousins too. I even got to meet some more cousins this year. Hanging out with my husband is always so much fun. I love it when we get to have "Amy and Ryan Day of FUN!!!!!!"

Grand National Staircase/Escalante

Ryan and I had to leave Lake Powell a day before everyone else so we could get to the Leavitt Family Reunion. (Ryan's mom's family) near Zion's National Park, but the backside, not the St. George side. The closest "big city" is Kanab. After consulting many maps we decided the most direct route (and hopefully the fastest) would be to take a small little road from Lake Powell to Escalante and then to Kanab. It certainly was a portion of Utah I thought I'd never see. Most of our travels were through the Grand National Staircase. It really was pretty and scenic. I am glad we went the way we did. We spent the night in Escalante---cute little town. Here are some pictures from the drive--part of which also took us through Bryce Canyon.

Lake Powell fun

We got to spend a week at Lake Powell with my family. My family started a tradition of going to Lake Powell during the summer---luckily we own part of a houseboat to make our time more comfortable. I am the one behind the camera so fortunately no pics of me in a swimsuit ;D Ryan likes wakeboarding, I like the wave runners we both enjoy the water, the sun, the warmth, and the beautiful scenery. This year we got some excitement at the dock when a group of scouts came in with a propeller injury. I was glad I didn't have to move our boat as I was the one at the dock and the waves and wind were raging---I think there would have been more accidents. It made me glad we are extra extra careful whenever people are in the water. My parents have done a good job teaching us water safety. Thanks for the great fun and memories.

End of Season

Ryan's season of coaching soccer has come to an end. The Orange Chihuahua's did OK. They started out the season well but things started falling apart as the girls quit coming to practice. Ryan had a lot of fun and enjoyed the experience. I liked the chance to catch some rays from the sidelines. This is picture day with Kiera and Meghan.