Family New Years Letter

Hello Family and Friends,

This year we have decided to take our last winter in the New England area and enjoy what the season has to offer, especially since the power hasn’t gone out. We are so excited to start our own family holiday traditions while we are also planning on expanding our family in April. A little fun fact for you, this will be our first Christmas in the seven years we have been married that we will be waking up in our own place. We have always taken the break between semesters to stay with family and see everyone.

During Spring Break we were able to head down to the Outer Banks area in NC. What a pretty area, we could have stayed there. There we visited the Wright Brothers Museum, Home of the First Flight. Abigail loved the beach and chasing the seagulls, but she got a bit weary when the tide came back in. She scurried as fast as her little feet would run to get back to dad.

This summer we spent some time seeing sites as a family. Our niece and nephew came out for a few weeks as well. Abigail LOVED having her cousins out here and having them to play with. We were able to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant and the Sacred Grove. It was a great experience to be able to see such a wonderful and Spiritual place with family. A day was spent at the beach and we all had a blast: Abigail playing in the sand and making friends, the cousins playing in sand and seeing the ocean for the first time, burying Paul and chasing crabs. At the Children’s Museum in Hartford we all got to learn a bit about electricity and play with different activities showing us how to make circuits. The Boston Children’s Museum had so many fun things for the kids to do: climbing, creating, coloring, we stayed super busy the whole time we were there.

For our 7th Anniversary we found out that we were expecting and the due date is going to be in April. Why not add something else to the list? That will be a very busy Spring for us {Baby, Thesis, Graduation, Moving} but this coming year is going to be busy and exciting as we start the next chapter in our lives and family. 

That's right, Paul will be graduating this year and we could not be more excited!!! He has had a number of opportunities to design shows and to assist on many as well, from Connecticut to Montana.

Mindy has loved being home with Abigail and watching her as she discovers new things and her own personality shines through. 

Abigail turned two this year. Every time a package or letter came in the mail she would get so excited, the whole day was spent carrying the cards or toting everything around in her little laundry basket. She is a Daddy’s girl for sure, Paul could be gone for 20 minutes or all day but as soon as he walks in the front door, Abigail will stop what she is doing and run to the door "HI!! HI!!" grab onto her dads leg and not leave his side until bedtime.

We are looking forward to the fun adventures of the coming year and hope that you will have a great year with family and friends as well.

A Simple Thank You

Today I wanted to say thanks to family and friends.

We always loved getting together with the families when we were living closer. Sunday dinners at my parents house were the best, all my brothers, their wives, nieces and nephews sitting around the table laughing at funny stories from family vacations or stunts pulled by one, or a number of us, while we were growing up. Sometimes it surprises me that we all made it through our childhood, and with such great relationships now. Of course these are all things we can laugh about now but maybe weren't so funny when they happened. We would get together with Pauls' family and play games for hours. I have really missed getting together with all the family, watching as my nieces and nephews grow up or having my sister so close that I could stop by anytime.

One of my biggest worries about living so far away, wasn't even for me, but for Abigail and others children who would join our family. I was worried that because we wouldn't be able to go to every family gathering, birthday party or holiday event that family members would forget her. Of course we keep up with family over many different types of social media but what about her birthday, Christmas and other family memories?

We came home the other day after some quick errands and found a box at our front door. It was a Christmas gift from a Great Aunt! This is the same Aunt that sent her a birthday gift that she still takes around everywhere with her, it's a little doggie purse. When it was her birthday, Abigail got a number of cards in the mail with sweet notes from family. My favorite part was watching her. Once she noticed the brightly colored envelop she would gasp with excitement, tare it open then run over to me so I could read it to her and we could look at all the fun images on the cards. It was a week long of birthday excitement, waiting to see if and who she would get something from. Her grandma will usually send a card for all the holidays, letting her know that Grandma is thinking of her and is so excited to see her again. Right now Abigail is too little to get all sentimental about it and I'm sure it means more to me right now than her, but we love that others take the time and make sure she knows she is loved.

So, I wanted to say THANK YOU to all those who have and will continue to remember her when the families get together, as she reaches different milestones and as holidays come and go! 

A Busy Week on Vacation

This week has been another really fun one. Paul and I went to the Salt Lake Temple earlier this week and to the Draper Temple this morning. Wednesday we left Abigail with Grandma Yeates while we went to Salt Lake {our first time leaving her}. I'm sure she was so excited to have a lot of time with you. I have to admit I was nervous, she was doing so good on her schedule but would she do the same for someone else? I told Grandma what to expect from and was hoping Abigail would be good for her but she could have an off day and make a liar out of me. Well when we got back to pick her up, Grandma said that she did great. For today I was thinking she did so well for Grandma Yeates there was no way the same thing would happen twice in a row. Again, I told Grandma Nuesmeyer what to expect, the routine for going down for a nap and how long to expect for a nap. Sure enough when we got back my mom told me that I really knew my baby girl, she did everything I said she would. Grandma said she has the sweetest little disposition and personality. I would have to agree!! They also said her Great Grandpa Nuesmeyer asked if she had a good nap or was enjoying her bottle, Abigail looked right at him and shook her head 'yes'. They both laughed out load because it seemed like she knew exactly what he asked and had an answer for him.

Last night we went to Temple Square to look at the lights with one of me really good friends from High School. Katie thought Abigail was adorable and it was so great to see her, catch up with everything. When we were leaving to go Paul and I decided to take Abigail out of her coat and flannel pants so she didn't get too hot in the car and so that when she fell back asleep in the car we would not have to wake her up to take it all off at home. Well it kind of back fired. We drove around looking for a McDonald's to get a shake and fries and Abigail would not go back to sleep, instead she cried and cooed and fussed for a bit. Well that finally stopped and for a while I heard a slurping coming from the backseat, the same noise you made when Abigail is trying to suck on her fist. The noise was still going after about 10 minutes so I got in the back to her help her put her binkie in her mouth. When I opened up the flap to the car seat she had your left thumb in her mouth, her lips were open around her thumb and her tongue was doing all the work. It was the CUTEST THING EVER!!! We could say it was just a fluke thing but she did it again that night. I had to run into Wal-mart and when I came out she was crying again. I tried to give her the binkie but she spit it out and plugged her mouth with her thumb.

Bailly LOVES her new little cousin.

Your cousin Gabe loves holding you too.

Hogle Zoo Christmas Lights

Cool lighting shot for the lighting designer!!

More lights

 Us in an egg

 Temple Trip to Salt Lake

{our first time leaving Lady A with a sitter}

It was too windy and cold when we went to Draper so we didn't get a picture there.

Lady A, Me and Katie O

The Lights at Temple Square

So content!

 Kind of a dark shot but this is Lady A when she was sucking on her thumb.

To end the week we went to Paul's Grandmas house for her 85th birthday party. Abigail was a big hit. This is the three youngest Great Grand Kids and her cousin could not have been more excited to hold her. After the photo op, Lady A kept sticking her tongue out.

Ellington Fall Festival

Yep ~ Momma made the beanie!!

Well, we had our ward Fall Festival last night. With the power outage we got to know all of our neighbors a bit & so I decided to ask the couple with the two little bis if they would like to come since the boys missed out on their first Halloween. They decided to come with us & I was so excited. When we got to the church everyone was really welcoming. My neighbor even commented to me on how friendly everyone was. Their oldest is just over a year & I don't think he knew what to think of all the booths but I think he had fun.

It was a last minute decision to go & so I didn't have costumes ready for any of us. As cheesy as it is I had Lady A wear her orange beanie & I put a green flower with it. She went as 'the cutest pumpkin in the patch.' Next year I'll do better at coming up with costumes.

Happy 4th of July!!

The 4th of July has always been a great family holiday growing up. We celebrate our country's independence, my dads birthday and my brothers birthday. We now have a niece to add to the celebration. Paul and I weren't able to make it to last years party but we heard that it was a blast. This year the family went a step further and rented Sumo Suits. Paul was so excited then found out on Sunday afternoon that he was going to have to work the whole day of the 4th {I mean the whole day, 15 hours}. He did get a little break in the middle so he was able to come visit for about 45 minutes. Just long enough to get in the sumo suit and visit with the family!!!

The chase...

The hit...

One of our cutest nieces ever!!!
Her mom made her fun 4th of July dress.

Other activities included Volleyball

...and the slip n' slide in the sumo suit!!

The weather was nice and overcast all day, it was perfect for a huge party in the back yard. We even heard that some who were there turned down their own families to come and spend the day. I love my family and that they can make anyone and everyone feel so welcome!! There were extended family and friends from everyone there, I really couldn't believe how many people showed up. It was so much fun and a great Holiday party to be our last before we leave.

24th of July Weekend

A couple of weekends ago our niece and nephew came up to go to the annual Stake Activity at the water park {this is the 3rd year Bay has come up for the Stake activity} it has turned into a tradition that all of us look forward to and really enjoy. They came up on Thursday night so that we would be sure to make it to the party on Friday.

It seemed like Friday was dragging on waiting for the swim party. Dinner was at the park just down the street then it was off to the swimming pool. We were all so excited to get into the water ~ because we were all in the water we didn't get any pictures. Gabe had Paul take him up to the twisty slide when we first got there. Bay however, isn't as adventurous in the water as her brother. She was content to hangout in the shallow pool. I think Gabe developed a little crush on Bay's friend, it was so cute. When it was just about time to go Bay finally said that she wanted to go down the twisty slide. She loved it but the line for the slide was closed so we couldn't go again.

On Saturday we had lunch up on the balcony. It was a great spot to see all the floats from the parade come by after it was over. There was also the Pioneer Celebration just down the street at the park. The kids had so much fun at the festival. They were able to play in the fun house, watch some dancing and we even got a cotton candy that was half the size of the kids.

Look at how big that is!!!

Gabe is demonstrating some of the many different ways to eat cotton candy.

When we got home we started on our crafts. Check them out here!!

Paul loves to get right in there with the kids.

We even at dinner outside on the lawn, it was such a nice day out. The city also does the fireworks right across the street from our place. So we took some lawn chairs out to the sidewalk to enjoy the show.

Since we had to wait to finish the block on Sunday {they had to dry} Paul told the kids that they had to go to both of their classes if they wanted to finish their blocks. Wouldn't ya know ~ it worked!!! I never would have expected that.

After we were done we the blocks we got everything cleaned up for the kids mother to come and get them. It took a lot longer for them to get here. While we waited we had some friends come over to play games. Bay was on my team while Gabe watched Ghost Busters. As always, I had a super great weekend with the two of them up visiting. I am really going to miss having them come stay with us when we move.

I sure hope they know how much we love them.

The 4th on the 3rd!!!

We had decided to stay up at home for the 4th of July weekend and invited Pauls family up. We went up to the Minnetonka Cave and luckily got up there where we only had an hour wait. If we had gotten there even 20 minutes later the wait would be 2 hours or longer. I also invited a friend of mine who is here from Romania. This was her first 4th of July and she is only two weeks shy of being here for a year.

After that we stopped off for Raspberry shakes then headed home for a BBQ. It was a great time and when it was all over Paul and I had decided that one of the best parts was that we got to stay put and didn't have to drive an hour to get home like usual.

This is the only one we are allowed to touch.
So many people already had so it was dead.

The Wedding Room!!!

The group of us at the end of the cave.
Then we had to turn around and head out the same way we went in.

Here's the group of us waiting for our turn to go in.

Thanks everyone for coming. We had a great time!

St. Patrick's Day

This is the green Paul was wearing on St. Patrick's day because I kept on pinching him. It is such a ridiculous hat. I couldn't stand it any more and told him I would stop pinching him if he would just take it off.

Three Months Later

On Halloween night I ended up in the hospital instead of at the ward trunk-or-treat. I thought my cramps were just a bit more intense than usual and I wanted to sleep off the pain. Paul, however, took one look at me and told me he was going to take me to the hospital. Apparently the walls and I had the same white complexion. It didn't register with me just how much pain I was in until I was in the ER and my arms had been perforated so the nurses could find a good vein to get blood and run some tests.

Turns out I was having cramps, but of a different sort than I thought. I had been bleeding internally for a few days and lost so much blood that I was right on the fence as to whether or not they were going to have to give me a transfusion. A couple of days later when I went in for a check up the Dr. told me that I must have an amazing tolerance for pain and if Paul had let me have my way, he would not have been able to wake me up on Sunday morning. For the following week I sat at home watching movies (love the 5 Disc DVD changer) and having neighbors help me out when Paul had a class that he couldn't miss.

We decided to take some time for ourselves before we shared with others. We needed time to wrap our heads around what just happened and things of a personal nature like that, well I got teary eyed every time I thought about it let alone talking about it. It's crazy to think that it has been 3 months, even when I have talked to some of my family they can't believe how much time has past.

Over Christmas when we went to all the family dinners we had so many ask us how we were and what they could do to help. I want to say thanks to everyone.

I love all of you!! Thank you so much. And a special shot out to my friend in OK. I hate to know that she went through the same thing but it has been great to have someone to talk with who knows exactly what the last three months have been like.

Holiday Crafts

This post is coming a bit late - but better late than never. For Christmas, since things were a bit tight, we decided to do homemade gifts. There is something a bit more special about a gift that someone has put themselves into. As many know I took the opportunity this last summer to reteach myself how to crochet. Last year I made scarves and my mom absolutely loves hers. She said that people have given her so many complements on it and asked where she got it. This year we decided it would be fun to make a couple more for family. I hope they enjoy them.

I have come across a couple of cute beanie ideas and decided to put them all into one. With two new nieces in the family , who are just adorable, I decided to make all of our nieces and nephew a beanie. Of course the spiral design would not work for our nephew so I made it with a straight design and made the band a bit thinner.

Unfortunately I forgot my camera everywhere we went over Christmas break so I did not get any pictures of them in their beanies. However, Pauls mom sent us a couple. Oh my goodness I could not be more excited about how cute they turned out. Bailly already had a white one so I made her a grey one that would still work with her little flower clips. If I ever remember my camera I'll be sure to get more pictures and put them up.

A Sophisticated Dog

Paul has mentioned a couple of times that he wanted to try and put a pair of Mr. Potato Head glasses on Bentley, or maybe a pair of wire rim glasses. With the bushy eyebrows and goatee we both thought it would be pretty funny. Over the Christmas break we were able to go down and spend some time with family. One of our new nieces happened to get a doll that had wire rim glasses. Her parents took the glasses off the doll so that our niece didn't tare them off and try to eat them or pock herself in the eye. So we inherited them.

How handsome! I don't think Bentley was all that amused but the rest of us sure were.

A fantastic chip dip

For New Years it seamed like everyone we had invited over decided to stay 'home' ~ all those various places they went to for Christmas ~ and so it looked like it was just going to be me and Paul. A girl I used to work with, she was fired a couple of weeks after I was and we also know each other from school, said that her and her husband were going to be up and wanted to come over. Fantastic ~ so it would be the four of us but she said they were going to make a chip dip first then come over.

As I have mentioned before we borrowed some movies from my sister and the next thing on our list of movie series was Harry Potter. Paul and I only have 2 and 4, very random and I have no idea why we have bought those ones and out of order. So we loaded up the 5 Disc DVD changer. Paul had also turned out cable back on ~ there's no TV service without it, uhgg ~ so that we could watch the ball drop. Well our microwave must be a minute slow. When we changed back to the TV the ball had already dropped ~ we all know it is recorded and replayed because we are two hours behind NY - but we caught the last five seconds of a countdown on another channel. Then back to our movies.

I felt a little guilty because I could not keep my eyes open any longer and took about a 20-30 minute nap. Come to find out so did Paul and my friends husband, I did not feel too bad after that. We only watched the first 2 that night, then two movies the next two nights as well. Wow ~ I needed a break after that and so we have not started on the Star Wars movies just yet. Ya know I do not think I have ever watched them all in order so it will be interesting what I pick up on.

Back to the Chip Dip.
Amazing!!!!
Ummm the melted, slightly crisp cheese on top and the
spicy pepperchini was what did it for me.

Try it out and let me know what you think.

Christmas Meatballs

For the Yeates Christmas party every year someone makes a huge crockpot of meatballs. Paul absolutely loves them and so this year for New Years we made some of our own. The recipe is easy enough but like all crockpot meals, you have to plan the time to let it sit and cook. They are pretty delicious and the friends who were over for New Years said they really liked them as well. Give them a try and let us know what you think.

Just like my last cards these ones are ready to be saved and printed when you need them.
ENJOY!!!

More Birthdays - More Babys

We just could not help ourselves for the Fourth of July weekend, we ended up going down to visit with our families, celebrate the holiday and hopefully welcome another addition to the family.

This weekend started early. On Wednesday I took the light rail into SLC and had my sister pick me up. I was going over to spend some time with my brother-in-laws wife and their new baby. My nephew and my sister came in with me when they first dropped me off to see the new baby. When my nephew found out that there were little kittens there as well he spent the rest of his time trying to chase them down. That night, after my brother-in-law got home, we all went over to Grandma Yeates' for dinner. It was so much fun to be able to hang out with the new mom and baby. That night she only woke up once at about 4:30 then did not get back up until 9:00. Being that the baby was not even two weeks old she was still sleeping all the time but I noticed that for the time she was awake she was trying to look at everything around her and take it all in.

I forgot my phone that night so when we got back to their apt I noticed I missed a call from my mom. The next morning I called her back and she said that her, my dad, my sister and her two kids were all going to Vernal to visit with my grandparents. We have been trying to go and visit them for some time now but usually someone has been sick or the schedules just did not match up. Since the new baby was still just sleeping and eating there was not much I could do to help out so I had my dad come and get me. My grandpa and grandmas birthdays are in June so it was good to see them and visit. We also went to the dinosaur museum out there too. My niece and nephew loved it. All of the huge dinosaurs and the activities kept them really entertained.

The Fourth of July is such a wonderful Holiday to spend with family. It is also my dads birthday and my brothers birthday on the third. Every year we spend it together having a BBQ and playing games.