Celebrating Alyssa's 6th Birthday!

When Alyssa told me she wanted a "Frozen" party (the 2013/2014 most popular Disney movie), I thought to myself, "Our little non-frilly, soccer star wants a Princess party?  What in the world?"  It ended up to be so much fun and the perfect party for our girl turning 6!

I splurged and asked one of my friends to make Alyssa's cake.  Noelle did an incredible job!  The cake was gorgeous but what you don't know is that it tasted even better than it looked!  (and that is coming from someone who isn't a huge cake and frosting fan)

The party couldn't have been successful without the help of my two oldest children, Taylor and Jaxson.  They were super helpful in running the games and keeping the children happy and cared for. Hanging on one our cupboard doors was a list of the activities so we could keep 15 little ones in control.

First, we made our own crystals out of epson salts and water on black cardstock paper.  Next, we decorated crowns and antlers.  From there we moved to balloons and songs.  Alyssa's favorite activity was our 4th:  a FROZEN scavenger hunt!  The kids LOVED this and loved looking for the 13 clues from the song.  The last clue led to a pinata, followed by presents, pizza, and the cake.  Wow- what a night!

Oh, how we love our little baby girl!  She is like a warm fire that we gather around around for warmth.  Our home has been blessed by her being here.  Happy Birthday, Alyssa!

The cake- I'm not even kidding.  Best cake I think I've ever eaten.

When I'm not looking....

My kids love technology and they find little opportunities to sneak it and capture little surprises for me.  When I went upload pictures from Alyssa's birthday party, I found about 15 pictures of her.  They were probably taken by her sister. Several of them were blurry but I loved Alyssa's little face.  It wasn't a hard to choose to keep the pictures so I can  remember what it is like to have a little girl who loves her happy childhood. 

January Jewels

Jaxson- looking like a million bucks at the Orthodontist!

Austin, Jr. Jazz Player!

Lemonade Stand....in JANUARY in Utah!  Oh my!

Happy 40th Birthday to Über-Mench, YOLANDA!

 We drove to Provo to hide out at the Brick Oven to surprise Yolanda for her 40th birthday.  Yes, we did it!  She had no idea that friends and so much family would be there.  I ended up videoing her coming in so I don't have her initial face when she saw us all.

One of my favorite parts of the night was when Dana asked us all to share something special about Yolanda.  Meredith started to cry, Dave called her " a 2nd mother to my children" and I talked about how she is fiercely devoted to her family.  

We love Yolanda dearly and consider her part of our Cedar Hills family.

A Las Vegas Getaway for the Lindsays!

 Over Human Rights Day 3-day weekend, we drove south to visit Brandon and Charlotte in Las Vegas.  Our first stop was for dinner at the new Pizza Pie Cafe in St. George.  As always, a hit!

Vegas was super warm.  Although we have had an unseasonably warm winter in Utah, it felt so good to be in Vegas where it was really warm, in the 60s.  The kids tore into the park on our first full day there.  They loved the playground, frisbee, and just being with their cousins.

 Alyssa finally let someone do her hair cute! She and Sadie were twins for the day!

Sweet Baby James

Oh, and sweet he was!  He is the perfect cross between his parents and has the most wonderful little personality.  The kids carried and held him the entire time we were there.  I had to fight for some time with little James Christian!

When I Go To Church

The kids looked amazing for church.  Brevan is my favorite here with his green Halloween pumpkin, ready to go to church.  LOL

BOWLING

On our way back to Utah, we asked the kids what their favorite part of our trip was.  Overwhelmingly, it was going bowling with our cousins.  Dave and I typically bowl very well, but Austin beat us this time.  What a little athlete!

Breakfast at the Black Bear Cafe in St. George

We decided to leave Vegas early so we wouldn't have to drive in the dark and could be ready to go back to work on Tuesday.  We ended up texting the DuJardins and Hults, who had spent the weekend four-wheeling in St. George, to see if they wanted to meet up for breakfast.  We ended up eating at the Black Bear Cafe.  It was delicious.  We always have a great time with our friends.