What a December 2010!!

What a crazy December! After spending Thanksgiving with my in laws in Denver, I flew to UT for a unique opportunity to be with my family. I haven't spent this much time in UT in over 10 yrs and thought it would be a great time to catch up with friends and family. Unfortunately, I really only saw family as all kinds of sickness was introduced to us and I hesitated to expose anyone to everything we'd seen (i.e. pink eye, influenza, stomach virus, bronchitis and many strains of colds which included everything from runny noses to coughing to very sore throats.) Thankfully we only walked away with all of us having some kind of a cold and Scott and I both having pink eye.
We spent the first 18 days in UT without Scott but he was able to join us for the last 15. Although Samantha grew a bit during those 18 days, she still clearly recognized Scott and even did her first extended giggling for him once he arrived. Samantha loved meeting all of her cousins and especially enjoyed the afternoons where Parker would come over and read to her. She was also very loved by Gibson who would beg every few minutes if he could please hold Samantha again - I determined he was her biggest fan outside of her parents. Kenzie was one of the best at calming her and allowed Scott and I to play a few rounds of Ticket to Ride with Kim and Michael. (Scott played this soo much the last few days that he has been going through withdrawals back here in MD.)

One of the best parts of our trip to UT was that Samantha was able to be blessed out there by my Dad. Scott's parents flew into town for it and we really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with both sets of grandparents together. The day before the blessing my Dad decided to take advantage of the ton of snow we had and borrowed a few snowmobiles to ride in our front field. Scott's favorite moment of the day was when he saw his mom superman it off the back of the snowmobile as his dad supposedly took a fast turn. Fortunately she was just fine and enjoys having the story to tell. All of my siblings ended up being in town for the blessing as not only was Samantha blessed but so was her cousin Elise, from PA who is 2 months younger. It was so great to be with them all and meant a lot to us to have them there. The blessing was beautiful and we really appreciated what my Dad said. We too feel so blessed that things turned out ok and that we have such a beautiful daughter.
Here are a few of our favorite pics from the month...enjoy!

Samantha Loves the Jumping Jack!! Seriously!!

And Bumbo's

Being Held!! (It was awesome for her with all of her cousins, Aunts, Uncle, and Grandparents wanting to hold her 24/7!) Not so crazy about fashion shows Christmas is tough Work!! A Dad if you haven't notice, its FREEZING OUT HERE!! I have had a enough of this smiling thing!! Baby Blessing Day!! Samantha and Elise (Younger Cousin). Scott Having Fun on the Snowmobile (He was to crazy for Stacie and she had to get off) Scott's Parents before the superman attempt by Scott's Mother. PEOA!!

Scott's Attempt to Shoot pretty Pictures!