Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas Card Craziness!

I was thrilled to get a great shot of the whole family last year for our Christmas cards. The kids were happy, the sun was setting, and although it was the second attempt, it took no more than a few minutes to snap that perfect picture. This year...different story. There had been three attempts (that's three different days of getting kids all dressed and ready!) and not a single card-worthy shot. AAAAHHHH!

It all started with getting the twins' passport pictures taken. Worst experience at the post office yet. Both kids were screaming as this strange lady (who was also in tears) tried to take their pictures while they were pinned up against the white wall. It didn't get much better when a few days later, I took them to get some portraits done at Target all done up in their fabulous Christmas attire. More crying, zero success. The manager taking the pictures felt so bad she has since offered plenty of coupons to come back. Not going to happen.

I decided that since my dad did such a fabulous job last year, we should go for the beach shot again with Tucker and I included. Check out some pictures that won't be on our Christmas card...

"Capri, look at Grandpa!""Sorry Capri, I shouldn't have told you where to look."Capri eating candy corn used to calm her down.Roman doesn't need candy corn, he likes rocks just fine.This was a cute picture of the two and I was tempted to use it!
So, that didn't work out as well as we had hoped. Next attempt was at home, in pajamas, all cuddled up in the kids favorite spot, mom and dad's bed. I am not going to show you a single picture because there wasn't a single one taken...lots of drama coming from that little girl and that little boy was having way too much fun jumping on the bed.

Ok, ok. What did we end up with? I am sure you are dying to see (actually I am surprised that you are still reading!).


And who knew all it would take was Polar Express in perfect view (moved the big ol chair right in front of the tv) and mom acting like an idiot with a monkey puppet on one hand and the camera in the other?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Kicked My You Kow What!

Never watched the show, but decided to try this baby out. I tell you what, I don't care what type of shape you are in, this will make you sweat!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I have been tagged!

This is the 4th picture in the 4th folder on my computer. Easiest tag yet! Shown here are Roman and Capri at the beach. I know, I know, nothing you haven't see before, but I was just following orders. Now I get give 4 other people these orders and they are:
Nicole, Erika, Julie and Steph!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Beacon's Beach

While everyone was in town, we decided to head to the beach and watch Richard surf, dig in the sand and just enjoy what the ocean had to offer. Roman is totally in his element at the beach and it has been so much fun to take him. No more eating sand (though he does tend to put rocks in his mouth sometimes), he just runs straight for the water, gets scooped up by daddy or mommy and then gets chased back to the dry sand. Repeat...over and over again!
Oh, and thank you Cheri for taking these pics!Capri, on the other hand, is happy to be digging with her shovel, finding sea shells and rocks, and keeping her feet covered. What? Yes, she hates being barefoot in the sand. I couldn't figure out why she wasn't doing all of her typical exploring one day, when just the week before was never in one spot for more than a second. It was the lack of shoes! She seriously wouldn't budge until she realized she was just one step away from the blanket...and that's where she stayed!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Private What?

Ok, so as you know I am going private. I have a question though. Do I have to enter EVERYONE'S email address, or just those who don't have a blog? Please let me know-it could seriously save me some time! Oh, and countdown to going private begins now so leave me your email address or send it to me at alyshanielsonatgmaildotcom. Thanks again!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thanksgiving Day

Ok, I don't want to toot my own horn, but I have to brag about our fabulous Thanksgiving. I was actually kind of nervous about putting on this huge feast because my mom has always done it with my aunts. This year, however, it was up to just me, my mom and Cheri and boy did we pull it off! There wasn't a single hiccup and everything turned out beautifully and absolutely delicious. Such a rarity in my family to be totally honest. We have had more holidays turn out like Christmas Vacation versus Miracle on 34th St, but so much fun even still. The greatest part of the day was just working together as a family-sounds cheesy, but my family really is the best.
The Cooks:


Check out the place settings and appetizers (thank you Tucker for delicious deviled eggs, yum!):
The Curtis, Ford and Nielson Families:
Me and my sweet Roman:
Our attempt to get a family picture...didn't turn out so well:
The boys:Roman was hangin' out with the boys while trying to forget about his cold:Capri with two of her favorite things, mommy's pearls and grandma:The best part for the twins, licking the beaters!

The menu included deviled eggs and spinach artichoke dip as appetizers, the most delicious yams ever (thank you Becca for that fabulous recipe!), my favorite stuffing that Tucker's mom makes, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course the most juicy turkey I have eaten! My mom soon realized we didn't have anything green so she through together some green beans, but I am pretty sure she was the only one to eat them. For dessert we ate pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls-my fave. As you can see, a pretty traditional meal put together while watching the traditional Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by the traditional nap and movie. Aren't traditions the best?!

In the spirit of the holiday, I want to let you know how thankful I am for my family, immediate and extended. Tucker is the most incredible husband, so willing to help out with the kids, works hard everyday, and is always checking in with me making sure I am taken care of. What else could a wife want? I couldn't imagine my life without him or my two little ones. Roman and Capri are the greatest gifts and Tucker and I feel amazingly blessed to be their parents. I am so grateful that I can stay home with them each day and experience so many things with them. They are learning so much and I love to witness it all. What I love most is how cute they are together. Their little conversations (that of course we can't understand), how they play together, how they laugh together, when they hold hands in their car seats, and the kisses and love pats they give each other...there is nothing better!

To all our brothers, sisters, and parents, Tucker and I love you all so much. You all have offered such great love and support to our family and we feel so thankful to have you play such an integral role in our lives, even from miles away. I missed all those who weren't with us this holiday, but can't wait to see you soon.

One last thing, I have to let you all know how thankful I am for being a member of the church. There are too many blessings to mention due to the gospel and I am just amazed at what a difference it has made in my life.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday as well and continue your "Attitude of Gratitude" (yeah, I got that from primary) throughout the holiday season.
P.S. I haven't gone private quite yet, obviously, but am going to this week, so don't forget to leave your email address or feel free to email it to me at alyshanielsonatgmaildotcom. Thanks!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Going Private

The title says it all-we are going private to be on the extra safe side. So, leave your email address...please! We would love to have any of you (seriously, even if you aren't on my list!) keep reading all about us, as long as we know who you are!

Backyard Buddies

I wanted to capture some of the fun my kids have just playing to their heart's content in the backyard. Some of their favorite things to do are...
Playing with the shovels-they each have one and know how to use it!Capri is really concentrating on moving the dirt from one spot to another.
I know Roman loves to play with the rocks in the firepit because he actually says the word "rock." Unfortunately, their hands are covered in black soot once they touch them!
Capri's new thing-"jumping." She squats and then shoots up trying to catch some air...but never does. She does it over and over throughout the house and outside and says "Oh!" each time. Very cute.Roman's obsession these days-opening and closing doors. He seriously can't get enough of it and absolutely loves it if someone will play with him by standing on the other side to knock for him to open the door. I think he particularly likes it when he can see you through the door!
Following in their daddy's footsteps, these kids know to listen for airplanes. Every time one flies over, they both point up to the sky and Roman will even use his hand as an airplane and pretend to fly while both of them will say "OOOOOHHHHHH."

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

What a morning...

Yesterday was started with a morning run around my typical loop-only 3+ miles but an insane incline for half of that. I always take the kids in the jogger and they are so good to put up with my huffing and puffing and keep my spirits up by talking and pointing at things. Because of the time change and the difficulty with my kids "new" schedule, they have been waking up by 6:30am every morning. Not fun, but it got Tucker running with me and he pushes the stroller! Well, we ran the loop in my best time of 36 minutes-I know, I know, not great, but remember the hills! Knowing I was going to be on my own yesterday, I wasn't too enthusiastic about getting out the door. However, as soon as I stepped outside, the sun was shining and yet it was perfectly cool so I got going. Finished in my best time while pushing the stroller of 39 minutes. Hooray! I was so proud of myself and yet that feeling didn't compare to what I was in for next. Capri had fallen asleep, dead asleep-again with the "new" schedule! For all of you that know Capri, she is the lightest sleeper and not so much of a cuddle bug, although she has gotten much better. That is why I was so surprised that when I picked her up she actually stayed asleep on my shoulder. It may not seem like such a big deal, but Capri is never dead weight like that and it felt soooo good just to hold her. She even snuggled up onto my chest, or lack thereof, and kept nodding off. It really couldn't have been a better morning!

Friday, November 7, 2008

The Surfer Dude and His Fans...

Like I mentioned in my Halloween post, my little brother Richard surprised us for the weekend. We had such a great time hanging out at the beach and watching him surf. It was too dark to get any great pictures of the guys going after the waves, but I got some great shots of everyone playing on the shore.
Richard coming in after hours of paddling...I mean surfing:
Richard and his buddy Adam:Isn't he just as cute as ever? And single!
My sweet mom and dad-don't you love that they are still cuddly?
Me and my girl:
Capri and Roman couldn't get enough of the waves coming and going:
Tuck and his boy:
Like I said, loving the water!
He wasn't quite as dry on the way home...
Capri had the luxury of wandering the beach with Grandpa close behind:

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

And I'm Proud to be an American...

Seriously love that song as cheesy as it is. Please don't mock me. I am proud to be an American and I am excited for Obama to lead this country as President. I watched McCain's concession speech and Obama's acceptance speech and was moved by both. It shows me that we truly are an amazing nation when we have people like these willing to take over the enormous responsibility as President of the United States, as well as the record number of voters doing what they can to make their opionions and ideals heard. I know there were some of you that were less than thrilled with the choice America made, but I feel that everyone seems to be taking a deeper interest in our goverment and country and will do what they can to support our leaders. I am sure with such spirit, we can all be excited for a fresh start come January 2009 and accomplish the new goals of this nation. Can we do it? "YES WE CAN!"

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Halloween continued...

Halloween was kind of rough with Roman and Capri getting their molars-not too happy! But, we still had a great day and so check it out-the last of our Halloween festivities:
I finally got a couple of pictures with Roman and his hat ON...but he was ready to take it off!There was never a cuter kid in green argoyle!We were desperate to get a picture of Capri and even tried giving her candy...here she is eating candy.And she won't look at me-but look at her-she was born for tulle!My kids were loving the neighborhood party. So many kids in costume running around, good food and fun makes for a fabulous Halloween night! Here is Capri not sitting still for a picture-she obviously had things to do and people to see.Here is Roman and our favorite dog Lilly. My kids absolutely adore her and I feel as though they get to see her enough so I won't need to buy a dog of our own!Our friends the Windsors-cutest family and so I had to take a pic. Too bad I didn't take any other pictures of our neighbors and the party...or even my family! It was pretty hectic trying to keep track of those kids!The kids absolutely loved the trick-or-treaters and here they are trying to join them! All in all, a good night, but the pest part came when Richard showed up! Surprise! He and some friends decided to drive all the way from Utah just for the Halloween weekend. More pictures to come from a fabulous weekend with Richard in town...