Another year . . .

Well, it's now obvious what kind of blogger I am. Yes, pretty much a non-existent one. But, just in case there's anyone that keeps on checking, I thought I'd do a recap of the last year. (Sorry it's been that long.)

Brig turned 4 years old last May. He had a his first "friend" birthday party that had a pirate theme and loved every minute of it. He is such a cute 4 year old and has been so much easier this year. Hooray!!!

A random, yet, oh so cute picture of Jessa. I just can't get enough of those chocolate brown eyes - Yummy! What a princess!

Another fantastic trip to Lake Powell. It is so beautiful down there and the kids loved playing in the water and sand.

Hiking Bryce Canyon on the way home from Lake Powell. (Love Brig's sunglasses!!!)

And, plenty of camping trips during the summer. The kids really love exploring the outdoors and think it's so much fun to sleep in a tent, eat smores, and build a fire!

Brig learned to ride his bike without training wheels early this summer too. He was so proud of himself and picked it up really quickly. He's really good at obeying our rules for wearing a helmet and loves riding on our street with his friends!

Our darling kiddos on the 4th of July. We got all dressed up and went to a parade this year. (Jared even seemed to enjoy it ;) or at least put on a happy face while there.) The kids loved the fireworks and bbq with family that evening too.

I can't get enough of those smiles!

Jessa turned 2 years old at the end of July. She is growing up so fast. She loves princesses, baby dolls, playing with Brigham and being a big girl. She is a little chatterbox just like her brother and wears big-girl underpants. (Successfully most of the time. :))

Such a cute 2-year-old!

Jessa also figured out how to climb out of her crib and has enjoyed her big-girl bed.

Brig started soccer in the fall and had a lot of fun with it. He isn't the fastest, but sure can elbow his way in to try to get the ball back. GO FIREBALLS!

He also started preschool. It's his first and only year of "official" preschool without mommy doing the teaching. He's really enjoyed it and loves his two teachers and all the fun that he has with his class.

We had a fun Halloween together and the kids had so much fun dressing up as a Bat and Minnie Mouse. I think Brigham dressed up 5 or 6 times this year for Halloween - it was a crazy, fun week!

After much shopping around on KSL classified, I found a steal of a deal on a gently used piano. We have LOVED having a piano back in our home and felt really blessed to find one that felt like it fit so well for an awesome price. Yay!

p.s. My brother, Mike, (in the picture on the piano) is currently deployed in Bahrain.

We're so proud of him and miss Uncle Mike so much!

Christmas was fantastic this year! The kids were so full of excitement and loved everything about the holidays. It's fun to see their faces light up with all of the magic of that season. We're so lucky to have them!

Just another random picture, but they looked so darling that I just couldn't help myself!

We also loved Valentines again this year. They looked so cute all dressed up for the holiday!

We had a FANTASTIC family vacation to Mexico recently too. It was 10 full days (including travel) and we totally could have stayed a whole lot longer. The kids were so good and had so much fun and it was wonderful as parents to enjoy focusing entirely on our family. It was so fun and relaxing!!!

Jessa chillin' at the beach

Brig holding a snake at the Crococun Zoo - what a brave kid!

Visiting El Meco ruins just north of Cancun

And last, but not least, having a reunion with my freshman year roommates from college. We had everyone but Lexie come over. (We missed you Lex!) It was fun to see all the gals, meet husbands, and their darling little kids. It was like we had never been apart. That was a GREAT year!

I love you gals!

Well, there you have it - or at least a brief version of it. We've had another wonderful year! Hope you enjoyed the update. And, who knows... maybe I'll post again before another year has passed! ;) He he he

What a blessed life!