Our Cross Country Christmas Road Trip

This Christmas break we decided to rode trip it to Utah and Idaho. We left on the 21 of Dec. and returned on the 30th. Our travels took us through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Idaho going over 3,200 miles. We got to see lots of friends and family and a lot of road. This was our usual arrangement for traveling, making full use of our TrailBlazer's space. We made Jason a special tray for his car seat that he could use for playing and eating. Momma got lots of leg room and Daniel got to have a seat next to her. Daddy'O drove the whole time keeping an eye on the mostly icy roads. Jason liked to wear his PJ's Grandma Jeanie made for him when we were driving.
Hey, I look pretty good for having been on the road for over a week now.
Potty Break on the return route home. Pant's are tricky things.
Honk, honk, Grandpa Dave's truck horn is loud. Jason got to go for a ride and press all the buttons in the truck.

Daniel was the first load in Jason's new Dump truck from Grandma & Grandpa Hogg.
We had a nice visit with the boys Great Grandma Ricks, it was Daniels first time to visit her.
Jason and Grandpa Ricks and Daddy'O went out pulling sleds around, but never made it to the hill. We got distracted making snow walls and snow balls.
One of Jason's many cool christmas presents was a Thomas the Tank Engine wooden train with add on pieces from the Ikea train sets (great way to add to the set without breaking the bank).
Daniel opens a present, his own toy train from Grandpa and Grandma Ricks.
Jennifer got a new bike for Christmas, but had to wait until we got home to ride it.
Christmas Eve at Temple Square was wonderful with all the lights.
Daniel and Grandpa Ricks riding the Trax Train for fun.
Jason had so much fun on Christmas Eve, he got to ride a train, see a big dig site with lots of diggers and loaders, hear a bag piper, see horses drawing carraiges and lots of christmas lights, a nativity scene, play with snow and stay up late when the family and Grandpa & Grandma Ricks all went out for dinner.
Daniel dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve to stay warm and look cute.
Jason and cousins Will and Anna play together at Grandpa's house.
While we were in Salt Lake we got to get together with our old college friends and see how all of our families are growing (most have had kids). It was a great visit and fun to see everybody and their families.

Meeting Santa Clause

Daniel got to go with his big brother Jason and meet Santa Clause for the first time. They were both a little shy, but I think Santa still knows what they want for Christmas. He does have a list.

Family Photo

Well, for all those of you who wanted a large family photo of us, here it is. It is a fairly good size and will print alright if you want to. We climbed up Eaton Hill and had a friend help with the shot.

Adventures the Day After Thanksgiving

Our Adventure Destination was The Devil's River State Natural Area.


It was a great adventure and a good way to work off some of that Thanksgiving Dinner that couldn't be beat. We also tried out the new double stroller. It did well on almost all of the terrain except the really lose river rock (it also converts into a bike trailer, nifty huh!).

Daniel Hanging Out

Daniel likes to have wiggle time on the floor and watch everything going on around him. He really liked snuggling his lamb today.

Happy Halloween 2008

Here we are all dressed up in our scary best, Momma Witch, Baby Monster, "Max" King of the Wild Things, and Daddy Scarecrow (the one on the right side). We had fun decorating the house and trick-or-treating. Momma had to work in the evening, but Daddy'O and the Boys rode on a trailer and did more tick-or-treating with friends. Jason had fun and would Roar at the doors and eventually started saying trick-or-treat. After the boys went to bed, Daddy'O sat outside with his scarecrow buddy waiting for unsuspecting kids to scare.

Our Pumpkin Patch

Daniel helps out with pumpkin carving.

Boo...

Having a Little Fun

Our Two Boys Snuggle, after Jason fell asleep we snuck Daniel in Jason's bed for a little calming time before moving him to his crib to sleep the night (or at least as much as babies do). 10-25-08

Jason loves to pretend and use his imagination and "kid muscles" these days. He wedged his truck against the wall and began fixing it with his play tools. 10-22-08

Daniel's October Update

Daniel and the family are doing well.
He is growing and getting more expressive every day.
His blessing is planned for Sunday, October 19th.

End of September Up-date

Playtime at the park
9-27-08

Jason is STRONG to hang on by himself as Daddy'o spots
9-27-08

A Monkey on the Bars
9-27-08

Daniel scrunches up in his swing looking cute
9-15-08

Daniel has been growing a lot and is filling out nicely
9-18-08

Jennifer and Daniel snuggle quietly
9-19-08

Jason really likes to give Daniel hugs and snuggles
9-25-08

Awake Time

Daniel woke up, wiggled, and lifted his head a few times looking around after being fed. Can you believe he has now been with us for over a week.

Daniel & Jason Hang Out

Jason snuggles up to Daniel while watching cartoons.

Bath Time

Daniel gets his first bath at home from mommy.

At Home with Daniel and Family

Daniel and Momma Snuggle.

Daniel is a natural at playing the air guitar, and is only a little bigger than Cabbage Patch Preemie.

Jason gets to hold little brother Daniel for the first time.

"this is what you do when baby cries"

Grandpa Ricks and Jason look at library books to get out and play on a rainy day.

Grandpa Ricks and Jason take a walk together.

Splashing in puddles on a rainy day.

Daniel James joins the family

Baby Daniel just a few minutes old on a warming bed.

Momma Jennifer and Baby Daniel after a few hours of recovery and feeding.

Our Newest Family Photo - Now There's Four of Us

Video - Daniel Warms Up and Gets Checked Out