Christmas 2013

Christmas this year was so great with Ava. She loved the tree, the lights, the wrapping paper! 

Everyone was so generous and nice-

and it was so fun to watch Ava explore her new toys.

Ava was also so good about keeping on that Santa hat!

I wanted to get us all Christmas PJs but couldn't find anything I liked enough- so Ava was the only recipient. Maybe next year. Ava rocked those Santa jammies.

We spent Christmas morning eating cinnamon rolls, opening up presents, and watching Ava devour the wrapping paper. I'm really excited about our new video camera (thanks mom and dad!). 

It was also my 26th birthday! It's crazy that I'm that old. 

Both Jeff and my Dad got me beautiful flowers and everyone got me more presents than I deserve. My mom also made the most delicious birthday dinner. I love that I can be surrounded by my family on my birthday. My parents also had me and Jeff go out to a movie and a dinner while they watched Ava. We went in the week after Christmas and it was so fun! It was our first movie since Ava was born- also our first dinner out without her (we're not good about getting out). We were also able to fit in a temple trip to the Boise temple- the temple where we were married. Since we got married, they completely redid everything and had it rededicated. I've been back to this temple since then, but it was the first time both Jeff and I were able to go together to the Boise one together since we were married- it was so nice and while we were there we sat next to a couple who were just about to be sealed themselves. 

They couldn't stop kissing and holding hands lol 

I think I was staring a little too much. I couldn't stop thinking about how that was us 4 1/2 years ago....

I'm trying not to be too bummed about leaving Boise, but I did cry on the way to the airport- I've NEVER cried leaving home before.... not even when I left for college! There was something about this time that made me really not want to leave. Can't we just be on Christmas break forever? 

#imissmymom #anddad

Christmas in Boise

Our trip to Boise got off to a rocky start- Ava and I flew in a week early, except on our way we had an 8 hour detour in Oklahoma City after our plane broke down :/  However, Ava was a trooper and we did make it Boise that same day. 

This was on our 3rd plane that day..... after our major delay in OKC  I had to find different flights to make it home- it was an adventure. 

We visited my Dad in his office- we brought him doughnuts, but I think he was more excited about me bringing Ava ;)

We spent a lot of time just hanging out with this cute face

My Grandma sent Ava a baby santa hat and a bib with her name on it.

 Adorable.

My Dad and Ava read a lot of books together. Sometimes naked.

I love this red Christmas dress my mom got her <3 p="">

I kind of want one in my size.

So cute and happy together. They really love each other. I really wish we lived closer to my parents! It was so nice to their help watching her while we were there.

Such a happy girl  :)

More books with Grandpa

Before church on Sunday

I chopped off my hair and dyed it brown. I think I'm going through a phase of hating my hair. I would've shaved it all off but.... I don't think I could pull that look off.

Look at that cute Grandma!

and that studly Uncle

We went on a lot of walks down by the river. It was so nice to get some fresh air!

First piano lesson with her Uncle Cameron. My little brother is amazing on the piano.

Matt teaching her how to cool. Thug baby for life.

We went out to eat a lot over the break. Ava loved sitting at the big tables and people watching everyone around us. Such a good babe.

She had a lot of Uncle cuddles

Ava's going through a phase of hating getting dressed. Once her diaper's off she likes to break free and roam naked. I don't really let her do this hardly at all. Too dangerous.

Ava and Grandpa supporting BYU. Go Cougs.

Cameron brought back Ava a onesie from Argentina. Cam's been there for the last 6 months taking classes and backpacking.

Sigh. I feel like these last few weeks flew by! Can't believe I'm already back in Texas. sigh. 

#homesick

Matching Cousins

annnnnd I'm back in Texas. 

It's been an amazing Christmas break... but now it's over and it's back to real life. 

And catching up on blogging.

For Christmas, Jeff's mom got the cousins cute matching Christmas dresses. We were able to get some pictures with the Cooks here in Texas and then with the Bakers when we were in Vegas for Thanksgiving. I think they all look so cute! Even with Ava's sad face :(

This one of Logan and Ava is my favorite. Adorable.

Cute cousins