OBSESSED

Thanks to my incredibly talented friend Sharon Johnson I have the most amazing, incredible, breathtakingly beautiful, sweetest pictures. I don't care how nice your camera is, only someone with natural, true, raw talent can capture photos like these. I felt overwhelmed with emotion as I looked through these one by one, my eyes filling with tears as I saw the next one, and the next.These are little moments that I've always loved, but never thought to take pictures of. Well thanks to my professional photographer of a friend, she knew exactley what I would want out of this session. I wasn't too sure when she first suggested starting first thing in the morning, right after everyone woke up still in our jammies, "we all tend to look a little haggard in the morning" was my response... but, I thought I'd trust her since she is the professional here, and I'm glad I did! There's nothing better than little girls in their jammies (even if their hair does look like a rats nest) These just wouldn't be the same if they would have been dressed cute with their hair all done. There really are no words to describe these perfect pictures...



I am seriously obsessed with them- and there are more but I figure you get the idea from this many. I always knew this was what Sharon did- that's what's so unique about her photography. She comes to your home and takes pictures of your family in your every day life doing every day things and captures those every day moments that we love and never want to forget. I always liked the idea, but thought my home wasn't "unique" or "cute" enough to do pictures. I just had plain walls, and weird colored baseboard, and felt like "where would she even take them" SO glad I finally caved and had her come do her thing. If you're considering getting pictures done any time soon, I highly recommend going with Sharon Johnson Photography. She also does birth stories which I regret not having her do Lia's more than ANYTHING!!! And now she's moving :( So, if you want to get these one of a kind, "in your home" pictures of your family you need to call her and get them done soon! You will not regret it. Can you really put a price on moments like these?

TIME OUT!

.....for women. Have you heard of this? Why have I never heard of this 'til I moved to Layton? Anyway, Time Out for Women is an LDS? event for women. Where we all gather together and listen to different presenters and music artists share their message of inspiration. You don't have to be LDS to go, but all the presenters were and the majority of women that were there.

I invited my mother-in-law up to go with me, and I'm so glad she came! There were a few different messages and talks that we both needed to hear, and it's always more fun with her! Thanks to my good friend Jennie we were able to get tickets! She's the one who told me about it and she knew I'd been wanting to go, so luckily she got our tickets for us just before they sold out!

She was also nice enough to invite us to dinner the night before with her mom and her sister, Jessica. And her mom was SO nice to get there at 6:30 the next morning to save us seats! She sat outside in line 'til the doors opened at 8:30 and not only saved seats for her two daughters, but also me and Cath and a few more seats for Jessica's mother-in-law and sisters-in-law. Not to mention the seats were pretty much front and center! Seriously so thoughtful and sweet!They reallly made us feel apart of the fam! It was awesome. Love these ladies!

Cathie, me, Jennie, Willie, Jessica

So, the first night we got to hear from Michael McLean (who I've always loved, growing up going to Forgotten Carols every year) as well as another speaker and a few singers. Then Saturday was a day full of speakers as well as music and songs from the band "Mercy River" I had never heard them before but I loved them! Cathie bought their CD so we thought we'd go up and meet them during one of the breaks so they could sign it- and Jennie is friends with one of the singers.

It really was so much fun and I'm so glad I got to go! I was a little worried going into it, that I might come out feeling guilty for not being a better member of the church - because I know there are so many things I could be doing to be a better LDS wife, mother, advisor...but I actually came out feeling so much better! I loved it because I felt like each presenter related to someone in the audience, whether you were going through a hard trial, or struggling with your own self worth, or just feeling like you need to be a better wife and mom to your husband and kids.  It really strengthened my testimony and gave me such a better perspective on things. I really really loved it and recommend it to any woman out there LDS or not!

Then just a quick update on what's going on at the Goodrich household...

We finally finished the basement! Well, pretty much- still needs a few doorknobs here, and a fire alarm there, and maybe some shelves and rods in the closets... Okay- so there's still some to do, and the bathroom still isn't finished- but we weren't planning on finishing that 'til later anyway!

All I know is the walls are painted the baseboard and casing is up and the carpet is in! I was seriously so ecstatic I made all of us go down there and play the day the carpet was installed. The girls were running around and I was doing cartwheels! (maybe that's a little too embarrassing to admit?) It's pretty sick that I can get that excited about carpet- and I was even more excited to vacuum it! So I find myself down there the majority of the day and.. there's not even anything down there yet! Just cleaning toys and trying to get them organized. Okay- I know no one even cares, but I think it's awesome! So, I just had to post about it!

friends

It always seems like after Christmas we get together with friends a lot. Then summer comes and we don't see them very much 'til after Christmas again! I think I even posted about friends last year at this time.

This year Ty and Whitney threw our annual friends Christmas party at their house. You had to wear an "ugly" sweater in order to go.

We had some delicious dinner, a white elephant exchange, and everyone voted on the ugliest sweater. Dave won!

Then after Christmas I always get together with my girlfriends from highschool for a little "Girl's Night Out" and gift exchange.

This is pretty much the only time we get together all year! So, it's fun to see everyone and catch up!

We always invite everyone up for a New Years party, but every year, the only ones that ever make it are Craig & Nekell and Kelly & Melissa. So it was just the same six it's been every year for who knows how long.

...but it's always way fun! We do dinner, the girls chat and the guys talk, Craig wins every game we play, and we counted down the seconds to the new year with Dick Clarke.

Our friends Dave and Deb are pregnant with their first baby! So, Kayla and I thought we'd put together a little brunch to celebrate.

Poor Deb has had a rough pregnancy and is so ready for baby boy Luke to arrive! Melissa and Nekell are also pregnant with boys, and due in April. So exciting!

It was so fun to see Lisa at our Christmas GNO while she was in town, and she ended up having to stay longer than planned, and I really wanted to see baby Jack. So she and I planned a little lunch downtown at the Gateway.

We've already decided these two will have an arranged marriage in 22 years. I seriously love him! I think Lia does too. She tried to give him a big kiss when she saw him, but got the camera out a little too late! They're so cute!

These friend get togethers might not be happening as often with Lisa going back to Washington, and everyone having babies, but of course I'll have to go visit when they do!

2011 ReCap

What a year, what a year. Here's a little recap of our 2011.

Three trips to Vegas...

Just for fun in February. I went on a girls trip with my mom and sisters in April, and Ry ran the Summerlin half marathon with his brother who lives there.

Sara and Della started sharing a bed...

(this was their first night sleeping together)

Potty training Sara before Lia was born...

 (Della's also potty trained now too ;)

Had our third baby girl!

Lia Lyn, May 27th.

Celebrated our 5 year anniversary...

June 24th

Had some fun times at Bear Lake!

Tubing with cousins, fourwheel rides with Ry and my fam, and girls falling asleep on the tube.

Went on our first trip as a family of five.

Yellowstone with the Goodrich family.

Sara turned 3....

...and started Preschool!

Ryan ran three marathons; Ogden, St. George, and Desseret

...as well as 6 half marathons.

We blessed this beautiful baby...

September 4th

We took a trip to California to go to Disneyland, Newport Beach, and Seaworld.

...and Della turned 2 while we were there!

2011 was pretty good to us-
 but I must say, the highlight of the year has to be going from a family of four, to a family of five...

Thanks for a great year 2011!

We Survived Christmas!

Once again, does anyone else feel like they need like a 3 day nap after Christmas is over? Don't get me wrong, we love Christmas! Definitely one of the most wonderful times of the year! But it really felt like we just kept going, and going, and going, and going....

So as much as I'd like to re-live it all right now, I figure all these pictures pretty much speak for themselves without having to give some long, drawn out, detailed description of everything we did.

Ogden Lights

We went with our good friends the Burbidge's to see the Christmas Village lights in Ogden. We had never been before and it is really cute to see. Sara absolutely LOVED looking inside each little cottage/shop to see what was inside.

Goodrich Christmas Party

The Goodrich's threw their party while Dustin and Stacie's family was in town. Pretty sure this is one of the only times ever we've gotten a pictures of everyone!

Walker Christmas Party

My Mom's whole side of the family had their annual Walker Christmas Party a couple days before Christmas. Santa always comes and Sara's getting better at sitting on his lap, but the only way we could get Della to was by bribing her with the present.

Christensen Christmas Party

This year each family had to bring a bag of random/funny Christmas clothes/accessories then switch bags with another family and wear them bowling. It was pretty funny to see everyone dressed up. My Grandma's husband Gene had to wear a full on Santa suit. Of course it didn't last all night, but it was so cute 'cause random kids that were at the ally would run up and sit on his lap.

Christmas Eve

We always spend the 23rd with my family, that way we can spend the 24th with the Goodrich's. We always open our Christmas jammies, and Grandma Good just started a new tradition of making cookies for Santa. The girls loved it!

Christmas Morning

Guess who just had to get sick on Christmas... Sara. Luckily we took her to the doc a couple days before and got her on some antibiotics for her double ear infections, but it was kind of a bummer 'cause it really put a damper on her Christmas. She just wasn't herself, she was still excited, I just don't think she enjoyed it as much as she would have, had she not been sick. But Della and Lia were loving it! Okay, Lia was kind of clueless, but it was still way fun!

Christmas Day

We were hoping to be able to make all the rounds on Christmas, but only made it a couple houses. Sara and Della crashed at Ryan's Grandma and Grandpa Garretts the whole time we were there. They didn't even want to wake up to open their presents, so we just headed home after that. But it was fun while it lasted!

So that was Christmas for the most part! We also enjoyed an "Ugly Sweater" party with friends, Ryan's work Christmas party and the lights at Layton park! There was even more we wanted to do but didn't quite fit it in. Makes it a little harder when you have 3 little ones to drag around, especially when one or two are sick! But at least we can say we survived Christmas!

DISNEYLAND!

My Dad plans a trip every year with my whole family, and this year he planned a trip to Disneyland! With such a big family it's sometimes hard to get everyone to be able to go, this year Terra's, Tawnya's, and Ty's family were able to, plus us and my mom and dad. Here's is a picture of all the grandkids/cousins that were there.

Chloe, Gwen, Malia, Noah, Sara, Savannah, Amiya, Kasin, Della, Alyvia, Hunter and Lia

Has anyone ever felt like they need a vacation from their vacation? Because man this trip was a lot of work!! It was way fun too! But after, I felt like I almost needed a vacation, even though that was a vacation! I felt like we started as soon as we got there, and didn't stop 'til we got home! When we got to California our rooms weren't ready to check in yet, so- we got all the kids in their swim suits and thought we'd let them go swimming at the pool 'til we could check in. Sara and Della loved it!

 The next day we all woke up bright and early to go to Disneyland! I don't know who was more excited, me or the kids- but I was so excited for them! We got in and went on our first ride "Peter Pan" which me and Della loved, but made Sara a little nervous. She seriously cried on her first ride. Well then we went on "Toads Wild Ride" which Sara didn't cry, but Della did. (this was going to be a long day)

So then of course we had to go on "Dumbo" which they both loved and the first thing you see when you get into "Fantasyland" is the carousel. Della was absolutely dying to go on it the whole time. "Horsey Ride! Horsey Ride!" So, I took the girls on it, and of course, it ended up being their favorite. Nothing like driving all the way to California to go on a ride you can find at Southtowne Mall.

So, "Pinochio's Darling Adventure" was right next to the carousel and I thought we'd hit up that ride next. Well, "Pinochio's Darling Adventure" wasn't so darling. I went on it with my sister Tawnya and her 3 year old, my sister-in-law Whitney and her 3 year old, and I took Della. What a disaster that was. All of the girls were screaming crying practically the whole time! So, ever since that, it took a lot of convincing to get Sara to go on anything! She went on the tea cups fine, and made it through the "Storybook boat ride" fine once we got through the whale's mouth.

But I guess you could say Disneyland didn't quite go like I had planned. LoL Della loved pretty much everything but "Toad's" and "Pinochio" They loved "Casey Jr." and a few others that weren't inside rides. But I felt like I couldn't take them on a bunch that I wanted to. Even Lia got to go on a few rides with us, which was nice so one of us didn't always have to sit out. It's funny 'cause out of all three girls I was most worried about Lia- but she was actually the best out of all of them!

 After a couple more rides, some lunch and a nap in the stroller it was time for our "character dining" where we get to go eat at Goofy's Kitchen and meet some of the Disney characters! Sara was the most excited just 'cause she kind of understood what was going on and who she was meeting.

 And Della didn't know what to do when she met Belle. Della loves Belle. She is probably her all time favorite princess and couldn't believe she was meeting her. She was somewhat in shock and so Belle gave her a hug to try and make her feel more comfortable. So cute!

 Then Lia couldn't really figure out what was going on when this giant chipmunk came and said hi to her. It was hilarious. 

 The next day we started at "Toon Town" to see everyone's houses and meet Minnie!

We did a couple more rides then headed over to the submarines to go on the "Finding Nemo" ride, which was super cute. But, of course- there had to be at least one scary part! Then we went back to the hotel for naps and met back up with Ty and Whit and their fam for some more rides like "The Little Mermaid" at California Adventure.

 Once that park closed we headed back over to Disneyland to watch the fireworks.

 What a great way to end the night. Everyone loved the fireworks, even Lia. It was so cute the whole time we were watching them she'd randomly grab my face and give me kisses. I was loving it- definitely one of the happier moments at the "Happiest Place on Earth"

The next day was Della's birthday! Everyone had a pass for a third day at Disneyland but us, (2 days was plenty) So, they went to Disneyland that morning for a half day and that's when we went to Downtown Disney to do "Build a Bear" for Della's birthday. After we took the girls back to the hotel for a nap a group of us got together to go to Newport Beach.

It was the girls first time ever seeing the ocean...

After walking around with dad and feeling the water on their feet, they didn't waste any time and got straight to playing. Sara was loving the sand! Just building sand castles and whatever else she could think of.

Della just loved running around. She'd play in the sand for a little bit then get up and just run around and around loving life. It wasn't easy trying to get her to stop long enough to take a picture!

I was really glad we took a day to go to the beach 'cause I think it was one of the girls favorite parts of the trip! And one of the most relaxed for us :)

But the fun didn't stop there!! The next morning we woke up, and the same group of us that went to Newport drove to Sea World! I had never been before so it was a first for me and the girls.

We started off by seeing the walrus and the penguins, then met up with the rest of the clan to go see the shamu show.

I thought it was SO awesome! Pretty sure I had a permanent smile on my face the entire show. How do they teach the whales to do all that? I was loving it.

We tried to get it all in! I think we went to every show and only missed one exhibit. We took the girls on a couple rides there and by that time, it was dark and time to go. So we loaded up and headed out.. to Vegas. We thought we'd stop there to spend a night and kind of break up the long drive home.

Now does anyone else see why I feel like I need a vacation? No, I'm kidding. It really was so SO fun! I really loved it! And was so grateful I got to go and spend time with my family as well as extended family. Thanks to all of them and all they did to help us out with the kids when we needed it, and thanks to my dad for planning such a fun family trip! Can't wait for next years!!