Happy Anniversary!

Eight years ago on a brisk California morning, Dan and I trekked to the San Diego temple to get married. The weather was cool with clouds, rain and sunshine.

This is how Dan and I spent our final winter break from college. I flew from Arkansas to Tucson and then drove over to San Diego with Dan's family. Dan drove down from Provo to San Diego. We married the 21st. We had a reception the 22nd in Tucson. Christmas with Dan's family. A drive to Arkansas for a reception. A final drive to Midvale, Utah (near Salt Lake) to celebrate New Year's.

My last semester at the UofA was torture because it was pass/fail. I hardly slept and I rarely ate. (That's how I lost the 20 pounds of pasta and gelato I had gained in Rome.) The most I did for my wedding was choose my colors, pick out the patterns for the dresses, and pick out which flowers I liked. So basically, everything in the picture above was my doing. Everything else June took care of. Becoming part of a family that was so loving and caring was an adjustment. Why would anyone else care about my silverware pattern? There were things that I thought weren't important that someone else did, and with time I've realized that although not crucial to our eternal marriage were important to my new family's traditions. Thank you June for taking care of the things I couldn't see were important from small architecture bubble I was housed in!

We had a long distance engagement. It was weird to see him everyday again after we were married.

Our photographer made us look so young and beautiful. Thanks again to June for finding him. We took family pictures on the beach with the same photographer immediately following these temple pictures.

Tucson reception. I may have met Mark twice before this event. Even though we didn't know each other then I'm glad to have this picture. He and I are the in-laws and we find comfort in each others presence at family outings! And Jason is my dueling buddy. I always make him play games with me when we are together.

And this is just one picture from my Arkansas reception. This is the archi crew that came for my reception. Mark, Deric, Heiko, Timmy, Meredith, Cheryl, Me, Steve, Ben, and BJ.

Thank you hubby for 8 great years. I love you and am so glad that our fates collided. I'm also glad that I had just returned from Rome when we met. I think it gave me an exotic edge that you were looking for in a wife! I agreed to marry you because the Lord made everything fall into place. (Oh, and I loved you. That too!) I know He is still blessing us (just look at our 3 amazing kids!) and will forever more. Te amo, Principessa Crystal

Christmas is coming

This Christmas brings something new for me. Dressing up a little girl in dresses! I'm having a good time putting together outfits with bows and tights. Macey first laughed on Sunday and laughed again yesterday. Guess who it was for? That's right; good ol' dad. Yesterday Alex said, 'I don't think I can wait for Christmas to come!' I asked what he was going to do; he said he didn't know. What fun to be a kid and have the anticipation of Christmas looming ahead!

We went to the Wrights to decorate Rice Krispie Treat houses and gingerbread cookies.

Ryan dumped the chocolates chips on top. He loves chocolate!

Alex made a very nice house. The boys had a fun time playing with their friends.

Ryan had a party at school on Thursday. He made Dan and I a gift and wrapped it himself. He desperately wanted me to open it right then. He'll be the guy that tells you what it is if you don't just open it when he gives it to you. Alex on the other hand is very good at keeping surprises. He came home from the Santa shop with gifts for each of us and he'll be mum until Christmas morning.

Here is Ryan in something a little nicer than sport shorts and an old t-shirt. This is Alex's uniform that he wore in kindergarten. No doubt, little brother won't be that little much longer!

Tooth Fairy II

Yesterday I took my sweet boy to the dentist. For those of you who do not have any young children, they now can put sealant on new adult teeth to prevent them from getting cavities. I'm not sure how fool proof this is, but isn't that amazing? Anyways, while under the gas Alex was also scheduled to have 1 tooth removed. However, two more would have to come out in the next 6 months so I requested that we do it now to save some cash later on. Dr. Kelly said that was fine and went ahead and took 3 teeth away. Alex cried when he received the numbing shot and was a little loopy from the laughing gas when I rescued him from the back. He'll have to have soft foods today. So now he is waiting for two front teeth to come in at Christmas. Dad is on another business trip and missed the Tooth Fairy again. Drats!

Thanksgiving break

On the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving Alex had a basketball party at Peter Piper Pizza. His coach had very nice things to say about his skills. Here is his trophy and certificate.

My husband is very understanding about the pressures of having to take care of children all day. So the boys, Dad and Grandpa went out to give me some quiet time. They went back to the Tucson Children's Museum. Ryan likes to see the dino display and asks about going back a lot.

I'm not sure that I would let Ryan do any doctor work on me. This is a brave Grandpa.

Rock climbing. Where is Alex?

I love this picture because of how the guys are 'studying' this marble race.

The first time we visited this museum Alex refused to get on the police bike. Second time he did it. Maybe Dad pressured him?

If you know Ryan then you know he loves chickens. The perfect mask for my little big boy.

Thanksgiving day we went to the Bailey's. We had a large crew. Alex came down with a 24 hr flu that morning and managed to spread it to his cousins and Dad before the weekend was over.

Alex slept away most of the day and Ryan spent most of his day watching Tom and Jerry upstairs.

When he did come down he gave Zack no mercy. Sorry, but that is what you get for being the favorite!

When dark approached we went out back to play games and have smores. A nice ending to a great day.

We spent the rest of the weekend playing Lego Rockband, shopping, jumping on the 'jumpoline' and resting at grandma's.