Post Christmas: Temple Day

Michael's sister received her mission call a couple of weeks before Christmas. This gave us the opportunity to attend the temple with her over Christmas break. I opted to wait in the visitor's center with the kids. While Rebecca was holding Elise I held down the fort with four kids under 4. Luckily it was early enough in the day that the visitor's center was basically empty. I don't think we disturbed too many people.

Nathan and Miriam listened quietly to a movie about the Book of Mormon.

Abby and Simon tried to climb over the bench during the movie.

Miriam and Nathan got a kick out of trading shoes.

Abby and Simon crawled around the floor.

After the rest of the adults got out of the temple we went to a nearby restaurant for a quick dinner before heading back to the temple to see the Christmas lights. We bundled up the kids and took some quick pictures before deciding to call it a night. It was a long day for the kids, but they were so good and patient. It is always so rewarding to see your kids excitement for the temple.

The Best Five Years Yet

So much to Celebrate

What is the best thing to do when you have something to celebrate? If you said EAT, you are correct! Like three restaurants in one week kind of eating... that is how we like to roll. Let me start at the beginning. Michael's sister, Elizabeth, came into town as a surprise for his sister Rebecca who graduated from high school. Last Friday night we decided to get together by going to Nagoya for some yummy Japanese cuisine. The kids loved seeing the fire in front of us as the chef made our food. Unfortunately Michael was working in Arlington and didn't make it in time for dinner, so I made our wonderful announcement for him about his promotion. During dinner Michael's Dad also said that he was promoted at work. How exciting two promotions in one day.

With so much to celebrate why not go out again the next day? We headed into DC last Saturday to eat at Fogo de Chao. It is an all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat fest. Very delicious. I remembered my camera and got a couple of pictures. Miriam loved eating with the tongs that were supposed to be for grabbing meat.

Sunday Rebecca graduated from high school. Way to go Rebecca! We are glad we could be there to see you receive your diploma. Now on to BYU!

Last, but not least, Michael's Mom celebrated her birthday last week. We headed off to eat at Thai Basil, home of a Throwdown with Bobby Flay. (Can I just say that I love Bobby Flay? One of my favorite celebrity chefs.) Anyway, we had some delicious Pad Thai before heading back for some dessert. All in all we had a celebratory, delicious, and cultural week full of food and family.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's in our lives. Thanks for all you do for us and the great examples you are for us. A special happy day to my dear husband who makes Miriam, Simon, and I so very happy. We are one lucky bunch. Michael was informed last week that he got promoted to Senior! We are so excited that his hard work is paying off. We are so proud of his accomplishments at work. Michael, congrats and we love you more than words can say!

Mother's Day

 

We had a great day together as a family.

I am so glad that Mother's Day is on a Sunday.

I love attending church and celebrating women with my three favorite people.

I am so blessed to be a mother.

Happy Mother's Day to the wonderful women in our family!

(A special thanks to Michael's parents for a wonderful dinner)

Birthday Celebration

Before Michael came home from work yesterday, we went out and wrote him a birthday message in chalk. The kids had fun getting ready to surprise Dad.

As soon as he came home Miriam wanted him to open her card... well actually she wanted to open his card for him. She was just too excited to wait.

After she got that out of her system we could talk about my surprise. Michael's Mom lovingly agreed to watch the kids while we went on a date. (Our first since our anniversary in December.) She took the kids to Chick-fil-A and we headed to Fireworks Pizza. In Michael's words when asked what he wanted to say about our date, "we ate very delicious pizza". After we got back Miriam and Simon helped him open presents. (Rebecca and Mom joined us, but Dad was in NYC and missed the celebration.) He got some really exciting stuff including a wireless router and butane fuel. Michael's parents got us tickets to the National Aquarium in Baltimore so we look forward to that trip soon.

We finished off the evening with some homemade ice cream made with a vanilla bean (brought back from Mexico). It was so rich and delicious. Michael had a very happy birthday indeed.

My Wildest Dreams...

...have finally come true.

Yep, that is me and my kids driving away in my new mini van!

Holla!

All who know me well, know just how deep this excitement runs!

Thank you so much Michael!!!

Christmas

We started out Christmas morning at home with the kids. Santa left a little something in our stockings, but took the rest of the loot to Michael's parents (we didn't get a tree this year). After breakfast we got ready for church.

After church we took some pictures in front of the Christmas tree...

After a few pictures Miriam couldn't stand it any longer and wanted to get the gift opening started. So away we went...

After all the presents were opened we decided we all made out pretty well. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful gifts. Our kids were definitely spoiled. We had a great Christmas dinner then headed home to talk to my family again. The excitement of the day sure made the kids tired. We enjoyed our very Merry Christmas... but next year I am starting Operation Slow Down Christmas!

Four Years Already?

one of our first dates

taking engagement pictures in the snow

really cold wedding day

still laughing after four years... can't wait to laugh for many more

perfect day

Happy Anniversary Michael. You make me better. I love you!

Miriam's Birthday Celebration

We had a great day for Miriam's birthday. We wanted to make sure she felt really special for her birthday. Thursday night Michael and I put up a bunch of balloons all over so she would wake up and be excited that it was her birthday. It worked. She kept saying all day, "It's my birthday". (Simon loved the balloons too!)

We asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday and she chose going to the library. After we spent an hour or so at the library she wanted to go to the big park (because it is right next to the library, so who wouldn't be tempted). It was a chilly day, so Simon and I sat in the car while Michael took her to swing for a few minutes. It was enough to make her happy.

After nap-time we finished making ice cream and cheesecake cupcakes for her "party". Her favorite phrase of the day was "Let's get my party started". We put on her party dress after we were done baking. Then headed outside for a few minutes to take couple of pictures. She really thought she looked like something else in her special birthday dress. I am going to have to agree with her on this one.

Her birthday dinner was pasta (spaghetti). After dinner we got ready for her party. Grandma and Grandpa Bishop came over with Elizabeth (who by the way just got her wisdom teeth out and looks amazing) and Rebecca (who looked amazing too) to celebrate. We opened presents, which took a while because she kept wanting to play with the things she opened. Then we ate birthday dessert and played with her new things. As I was rocking her before bed she asked me when it will be her birthday again. I will take that as a sign that she had a good day.