Santa in the water....

Meeting Santa

I don't remember talking to Josh about Santa last year. So this year was his first real exposure to the infamous guy. We watched some cartoons with Santa, Josh got into the "Dog show" (Snoopy) so when Santa was at our ward party josh said SANTA with some excitement. We had our Ward Christmas party on Friday Night (Dec 6th 2013) and Josh only liked Santa from a distance. It was the usual reaction when I threw Josh on Santa's lap- He jumped off while screaming NOOOOO SAAAAANTA.

 Terrible angle of Josh giving Santa knuckles

After the Party, posing?

We went to the Glendale Parade on Saturday and froze as we felt like we were in Utah again. Buuuuurrrrr!!!! There were tons of different churches parading and giving our their Christmas message on a flyer or business card and there were TONS of candy canes. After the first 5 people in the parade handed Josh a Candy cane, he started shaking his head NO to elves or wise men bearing those hard white and red canes in front of him. We have a miniature candy cane scrooge for a son, I don't really blame him. One is enough for the season.

 

Yes these are 70 year old cheer leaders. They had more energy than any 70 year old I've ever seen. They moved more than I do

Look at the tail dragging

All I could think about was Carrie's house in Richmond

Girl Scouts as Presents? Yes I like it

This float was done by a lady in our ward. Coolest float by far!

There were 4 or 5 of these guys. Those poor knees

Way cool Camel!

 

 

 The real party began when we went to Cabela's with the Larsen's. SANTA GOT INTO THE FISH AQUARIUM!!!!! IT WAS AWESOME. Josh was fascinated and glued to the glass watching Santa in his(is was actually a her) red suit, boots, beard, hat and all. Josh gave Santa bones (he calls um knuckles) and talks about "Santa water" all day long.

November in Utah

November in UTAH!

I got to spend a whole month in Utah with my family and friends. It was fantastic! Josh loved playing with all his cousins and seeing his BFF Pac Man and girl friend in 18 Years Charlotte.   

I FINALLY got to see and hold my new niece Brooklyn. What a doll! couldn't get enough

Josh loves playing rough with Uncle Dave

We got to go to the Dinosaur Museum with 3 of Mommy's Best Friends and Their fun boys.

Our Redheaded buddy didn't want a pictures taken, don't let his screaming face deceive you, the boys had a great time running around the museum of dinosaurs

Daddy got to go duck hunting with his buddies

When goes sees any ducks (flying or waddling) he says, "Duck daddy shoot gun...."

While pointing his curious "tinger" Josh says to chase "Duck, Doing?"

Evan eating the rival ship that got to leave port before us in tampa

getting off the boat in Cozumel between the other carnival cruise ship. I felt a little small.

Leaving the white boat to get on the yellow boat for 45 minutes to main land

sleeping on the yellow boat

a view from the Ruins

Tulum. So incredible! We had an amazing tour guide with the weirdest American accent. He taught us tons of awesome historical and religious thing. Such a cool experience!!! 

Stairway from Ruins to beach.

Just chillin on the rocks. Lots of Iguanas everywhere

getting back to tampa

 Ready for our last Dinner on the Cruise

a Beach in the Caymans

Beautiful warm water in Tulum

 

 

Snorkeling after the sting rays

Ferry back to the Cruise ship. Leaving Caymans

gloomy day at sea near the pool and water slide

first day at sea relaxing in the sun

walking the streets of Ybor. Fun old city with lots of history and shops.

Sun deck with hot tube

Evan petting a sting ray

 



 

 

Even though we went on a beautiful relaxing awesome couples retreat for 7 days alone, our temple experience was the most memorable and amazing moment of our whole trip home. The Brigham temple was BEAUTIFUL! What an awesome experience. What an amazing blessing for us to have the temple and Gospel in our life.  

Brigham City Temple, November 23rd 2013

 

More pictures to come of the Salt Lake Temple day