December Fun

I don't have many pictures from Christmas but here's a cute one of Belley in her Christmas tutu. She was so much fun on Christmas and enjoyed everything she got. Thank you to everyone for spoiling and loving our little girl!

Delainey is in town and we had a birthday party for her. She was a very good host. She kindly thanked everyone for the gifts and then passed out the chocolate cake she made after we sang to her. We don't get to see her much, but boy do we love it when she's around!

Mish Mash Mustache

PLEASE NOTE: 

I'm only posting these pictures out of love. Chris, Rian & Brady are absolutely crazy! They decided to grow a "winter beard" then on Christmas Eve they were to come in all their best mustache glory. Here's what they came up with! Don't kill my guys, I just wanted everyone out there to get in a good laugh like we did. 

P.S. don't do this again - it's not your best look.

sAnTa BaBy!

What age is it when kids are not afraid or embarrassed to sit on Santa's lap? Our culture has painted and maintained this image that "Santa" is a pleasantly plump life size teddy bear. Who, if you're good, will bring you what ever your heart's desire (within reason or within the family budget). All you have to do is sit on his lap, let your parents get that oh so cute picture of you and Old Saint Nick then whisper a few tangible items in his ear. Why is it so hard for our kids to grasp the idea? Isn't it ironic that an entire photo book has been printed of children freaking out while Santa tries to maintain his composure and friendly image?

Mr. & Mrs. Clause came to Grandpa Mitch's house to visit all the grand kids. Either the kids (Isabelle) were terrified or they were completely shy and hesitant to sit with the old man. Eventually Grandpa got on his lap to show everyone how it's done. Maybe we'll have better luck next year!

Christmas is Coming

Here's a few of our favorite family pictures we had taken at Star Mill. They turned out great, thanks again Heidi - you're the best!

For the first time in my life I have already started our Christmas shopping, and luckily I'm almost done! It's actually a really good feeling and if I have a choice next year I'm going to start early then too. This year we're not putting up any Christmas decorations because our house is still on the market. If by chance our house sells before the holidays I don't want to clean up and pack any more than I have to. So with Christmas shopping almost out of the way and no decorating this should be a mild and stress free holiday season.

Good luck to all and shop 'til you drop!

Coyote Springs

This Thanksgiving we went down to Mesquite, Nevada to Grandma Sharon's. We made it a quick trip but it was well worth it. On Thanksgiving Day the girls stayed at the house to cook and relax. While the boys went to The Chase at Coyote Springs for a round of golf. They said it's the nicest golf course they've ever been to and worth every penny. Here's some pictures of the fantastic game.

First Hair Cut

Isabelle was born with a full head of hair and it never fell out. So over the past year we've enjoyed having a cute little girl with lots of hair to curl and put bows in. But lately it seems like her hair has no shape, no style. Also, Brady struggles with doing his little girl's hair on Thursdays because he can't master the ponytail. So we decided it was time to face the facts, Isabelle is getting bigger by the minute, and it's time for a hair cut. We took her to Cookie Cutters, which by the way is the best place ever, to get a new makeover. She chose a Baby Einstein's DVD to watch and sat in the blue car while the stylist gave her her new do. Isabelle was so good, unlike at home I can't get her to sit still long enough to comb her hair. In about 15 minutes our little Belley had a new do, 3 new bows, moosing foam, and hair spray. Not much was taken off but it now has layers and is showing off some natural curl. She's so cute!

Thank You Veterans!

"A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors and the men it remembers." - John F. Kennedy

Veteran's Day holds significant importance to our family as we have many connections with the military. Jason, Brady & Matt have all participated in tours to Iraq with the U.S. Army since the war started and I am so proud of them . Being associated with the military comes the hardest obstacles and the most amazing responsibilities, but in the end it's all worth it. Military families are the strongest people we know. They continue on a regular basis to be tough and positive in a world that's filled with unknowns. Brady and I have made some life long friends that we would have never met if it wasn't for the military. The unique bond these men share is remarkable and they truly hold the utmost respect for one other.

Here's some pictures of Brady when he was in Iraq, I wish I had some to share of Matt and Jason too, but I don't have any. Thanks Beckstead Boys for all the dedication and service you have given to our country, we love you!

Little Discoveries

Our friend Melissa introduced us to Discovery Gateway last Wedesday. And Isabelle had an amazing time! While it was cold and snowy outside Isabelle and Aviry enjoyed playing in the grocery store and in the ball factory. Many thanks to Aviry as she showed Isabelle around and how things worked. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it. Isabelle was intrigued the entire time - thanks for the great idea Melissa!

Busy Weekend

We've had a busy weekend, it might not seem like much but it's more than what we're used to. So here's a recap of what we've been up to the last few days.

Thursday, October 30 - Rian & Ashley's wedding reception at The Old Meeting House. I didn't take any pictures there, I should have, but maybe Ashley can share some with me when she gets them back from the photographer. Here's a picture of them in Hawaii on the beach - what a cute married couple! Isabelle didn't last long at the reception, sorry Rian & Ashley. She's into everything and refuses to be held. Now that she's walking on her own Isabelle is little miss independent. Rian looked handsome in his tux and Ashley was gorgeous in her gown - congratulations again to the both of you! We wish you nothing but success and happiness in your new lives together!
Friday, October 31 - Halloween! Isabelle went to her Mom's work during lunch time so she could show off her cute devil costume. Then after work we took Isabelle to a few of our neighbor's to say "trick or treat." She got a lot of candy and surprisingly the neighborhood was pretty quiet for Halloween. Then we went to Brady's grandparent's house to surprise them with our cute little devil. And then the last trip of the day was up to see Grandpa Mitch. He seems to be doing good, get well soon! Isabelle had no idea what was going on during Halloween, but she seemed to enjoy getting small items to put in her bag. She was very outgoing and tried to go into every one's house when they opened the door.

Saturday, November 1 - The temple and dinner. Chris, Heather and Ki got sealed as a family in the LDS Temple. We met them outside and took pictures together as a family. Then we went to dinner at The Roof. The food was amazing and there was such a variety of delicious food. The last time we were there was for prom so it's been awhile. Congratulations Shelton Family!

Delainey Mae We Play

Our family had a great weekend playing with little Delainey Mae. We don't get to see her very often so anytime we can is so much fun! We enjoyed going to the park, drawing on the sidewalk with chalk and hanging out around the house. Grandma Sharon was in town too so Isabelle spent a lot of time with her while we were at work. Delainey is so big and has such a cute personality. She's shy at first but once you get her warmed up she's such a delight! Thanks for all the play dates Delainey, we love you!

On another happy note, Rian and Ashley got married in Maui on Monday. You'll have to look at their blog (The Newest & Coolest) to see a video clip of their wedding ceremony and some pictures of them on the beach. Congratulations Rian and Ashley. It's official Ashley - you're a Shelton!

Our Little Devils

Isabelle and Ki are so much fun, especially to dress up because they have no idea what's going on. We could dress them in ridiculous outfits and they'd still be cute. I bet you can't guess what they're going to be for Halloween? ~LiTtLe DeViLs!~ I was going to dress up Isabelle as an angel but the devil outfit seemed to fit her personality more, she's so mischievous now that she's walking and getting into trouble. This year she won't be able to say "tRiCk Or TrEaT" but we'll work on it for next year. HaPpY hAuNtInG everyone!

Who's Going to the World Series?

As you step up to the plate in life, like in baseball, you have no idea what the pitcher is going to throw. It may be a slider, a curve, or a fast one right down the middle but you've got to take whatever comes your way. You'll either get a hit or strike out.

I'd say in the past year alone we've been thrown some interesting pitches. Some we kept our eye on the ball and smacked right out of the park, others we struck out swinging and walked back to the dugout in disappointment with our heads low. But as the pitches keep coming I'm reminded of a quote and it becomes more clear each time I think about it: "Individuals carry their success or failure with them. It does not depend on outside conditions." -Ralph Waldo Trine

When we step up to the plate in life we need to take responsibility, be self empowering and take accountability for our actions. It seems like lately our society is afraid to do this and we always have a hard time admitting when we're wrong. If we do these 3 things when we have new experiences in life it might seem like we're vulnerable when we strike out but just think how amazing it will be when you get that hit!

As the 2008 MLB Playoffs continue may we all keep in mind: "Life is like a baseball game. When you think a fastball is coming, You gotta be ready to hit the curve." -Jaja Q

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice

We got Isabelle's 1 year pictures back today and we loved them all. She is so photogenic and looks completely adorable, but I know, we're a little biased. Thanks Heidi for doing such an amazing job at capturing Isabelle and her little personality. You have a terrific eye and so much patience. Here's a few of our absolute favorites, enjoy!

Where the Green Grass Grows!

We have done a lot to our yard this past summer, our plants look amazing and our grass is so green. Brady has done an awesome job at keeping it in tip top shape. In between landscaping and pulling weeds we have found that Isabelle really enjoys helping her Dad take care of the yard. She likes to sit on the lawn and gather up the leaves and pull out the grass. But she really loves to sit on the riding lawn mower and ride in circles around the back yard. She takes it so seriously and sits perfectly still. We know that she's having fun because she'll wave at her Mom as she passes by and talks the whole time. Here's some great pictures of our little miss Snapper baby!