Christmas

The kids loved Christmas. They had so much fun waking up early and opening all of the gifts. Nick bought the kids these Boise State outfits, they wore them all day. We then went to grandma and grandpa Burr's house and they got spoiled all over again. The police department bought us a flat daddy for Christmas so of course Nick came with us. He sat in the front seat and the kids had me put his seat belt on. It looked a little creepy.

My parents bought Nick this Boise State golf bag. Nick can't wait to get home to use it.
Sorry so blurry. Brandy was laughing while she took the picture.

Not that I don't love Christmas but I am glad it is over, it was very tough having Nick gone. Luckily he was able to skype with us Christmas morning. Can't wait for next year when our family is together again.

Nick, this is a picture of mom's Christmas.

Sheryl Crow - There Is A Star That Shines Tonight

Missing you Nick and hope you have a wonderful Christmas and know we love you and miss you.

Christmas Program




Brayden and Jaycie's Daycare did a program for Christmas. My mom and I got to go watch it was very fun.

Happy Birthday Jaycie!

Jaycie turned 4 on the 11th. The day started out a little rough on the emotional side of things but by the end of the day she was happy. She got spoiled. Nick had flowers and balloons delivered to her during the day and a card that sings a song about her being a beautiful princess. I am surprised that card is still working. She sings and dances to it all day long. My family came up to see her on Saturday and she chose Texas Road House for lunch with a little push. I really didn't think McDonalds sounded good. She finally realized by the end of the day that she actually turned 4, just like her friend Ellie and cousin Mia. She was so excited. On Sunday we were able to have another party with the Edwards. She had a great birthday

The 4 things I love about Jaycie!

1. Jaycie is so entertaining. She loves the spotlight and loves making others laugh.

2. Jaycie is loving. She always wants to give hugs and care for others.

3. Jaycie loves helping around the house. She even uses Q-tips to clean the screws on the toilet seat. (Thanks mom)

4. Jaycie is strong willed. She knows what she wants and is confident. Lets hope this ends up for the better.

We love you Jaycie and we are glad you are you!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Christmas Tree Decorating

I know this is not the greatest of trees but I kind of wimped out. Nick and I usually do real trees for Christmas but I decided this year, instead of me having to figure out a way to get the tree out of the truck and standing it straight in a tree stand, I would put up the $20.00 tree Nick and I bought when we were first married. The kids don't know the difference and they loved being able to decorate it. I do think however, that I will watch the sales after Christmas for a pre-lit nice tree.

See it turned out cute, and look at all that space under the tree for all of those presents.

Just a few of the many Dignitaries to come!

Nick has had such an amazing time while in Iraq. He has been able to protect a few dignitaries that have come into Camp Victory over the last couple of weeks and there is still more to come. What a great opportunity for him.

This is Admiral Mullen the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff which means he is the highest ranking military official in the United States. He is considered DV-3 (Distinguished visitor). The only two people that outrank him are DV-1 (President) and DV-2 (Vice President). He was floating pretty high after this protection detail.

Nick got a coin given to him personally from Admiral Mullen for the outstanding job he did on the protection detail.


Lance Armstrong!

Robin Williams!


I am so excited that Nick has had such an unforgettable time in Iraq. He is definitely the man for the job. Nick (I have been told by many) is the best squad leader they have seen. He is a great leader and is very professional and well trained. I have also been told that he is an outstanding trainer. What an amazing husband I have.

Bring Him Home Santa

Thanksgiving!

We went to S.V. for Thanksgiving this year. It was very relaxing and fun. The kids had a lot of fun sledding down mom's road and on Kaiden's snowmobile. Now Brayden wants Santa to bring him a snowmobile.

A Rough Life!!



Apparently he killed it. He pretty much impressed all those watching.

Just A Thought

I talked to my wonderful husband tonight, and more now than ever before, am I grateful to live in the blessed land of America. I think I live in denial and innocence most of the time and have no clue what is really out there. The next time I begin to complain about life, here in this beautiful blessed country, all I have to think about is my husband that is truly sacrificing his life, every single day, so that we can continue to live in peace. He unfortunately doesn't get to have that peace for a long time and hopefully when he returns, things will not bother him enough to never get that peace back. I am so very grateful to him and to every other soldier for sacrificing everything so that we can have so much. You are loved Nick!!!! Thank you for all you are doing!!

Pictures from Kuwait!

Can't wait to see the picture of Nick riding a camel.

Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida!

I had the opportunity to fly to New Orleans to meet Nick on his four day leave. It was so much fun! We stayed very busy the whole time. The first night we stayed in New Orleans. We walked around the streets, down the river walk, and Bourbon Street. It was a whole new world there. Unfortunately I was a bit of a party pooper that night. I was so tired I crashed around 7:00. (Hey don't judge me, it was my let down day!)




Then we headed on our road trip through Mississippi and Alabama, to Florida.




In Alabama we stopped in Mobile for lunch. We took a tour of the U.S.S Alabama. It was very neat to be able to walk through such a huge war ship.

Mobile had some very cool buildings.

We made it!!!

We made a stop at Miramar Beach to see Bella, Shawn and Mariah's baby. Nick hadn't seen her yet so it was a must do. Then we headed to our hotel. We got there as the sun was setting, it was beautiful. This is a picture from our hotel room.

The first night we played a round of golf. Miniature golf that is. It was so funny. We had the choice of the easy, yellow path or the more difficult red path. Of course we chose the red path. We are expert golfers you know. We approached the first hole and both had to laugh because it was sooooo simple. I got a hole in one. Then to the second hole, again very simple. I got another hole in one. Nick was not so impressed. After that I had to play a little less perfect and let him take the lead. This course was so difficult Nick even lost a ball! After searching forever we ended up sharing my ball. Nick was a little too nervous to go ask the scary man at the ticket booth for another ball.


The following day we walked the beach to the pier. The sand in Florida was so pretty. It was white and very clean. Nick even made friends with a crab.





After walking so long we decided to rent a little scooter car. It was way fun. This scooter was street legal so we road it all over Panama City. I am not sure I have laughed that hard in a long time. We were getting passed like we were sitting still. The scooter didn't reverse either. So we had to use the Flintstone method to get around. We were honked at and laughed at by many passerby's. We drove our little scooter to St. Andrew's State Park to try to find alligators but didn't see any. We also went to Ripley's Believe it or NOt, and Wonder work, two very fun museums.




Then of course we had to eat. Unfortunately we struggled finding restaurants with good food. The best restaurant we ate at was the last night when we met up with Maj. Galley, Lt. Newell, and SFC. Miner. It was nice to finally be able to connect a face with the soldiers Nick talks about.




We had such a great time! I am so in love with him. He is still everything to me. I cannot wait until this year is up until we can be together again. Love you Nick and be safe. Come home soon!!!

Happy Halloween!!


It was a good Halloween. The kids had so many Halloween parties this year. Their daycare also did a party and when I dropped them off for the day I couldn't believe how amazing it was. I knew the kids would have a great time. We also went to a ward chili, trunk or treat activity and then over to Jen and Jesse's neighborhood for door to door trick or treating. We definitely have enough candy to last us months on end. It was a great holiday. I know this is pathetic but I only have to go to work 27 more days before it is Christmas break. But whose counting?

Happy Birthday Smokey!



Brayden turned 6!!! He has been waiting so long for this day to come. On Thursday we went to the Fun Zone with Kaden and Ellie. After that we came home to open presents. Luckily Nick was able to Skype at that time and watched Brayden open all of his gifts. It was kind of cool because Nick ordered his soldiers to sing to Brayden over Skype. What a neat thing to see over the computer. There were at least 10 guys standing in front of the camera singing to him. Brayden afterward said he was a little embarrassed having so many soldiers staring at him. But he felt very special. Brayden's birthday continued for the rest of the weekend. On Friday, Brayden got to play with Grandma and Grandpa Burr, Kaiden, Keira, and Kelsey. He chose the Fun Zone again, but this time we played miniature golf. Then on Sunday he got to play with Zach and Mia out at Nana's house. What a spoiled kid. We just think he is the greatest little boy in the world. It was kind of sad not having Nick around but luckily for us we have many friends and family to make things okay.

My favorite 6 things about Brayden!

1. Brayden is a peacemaker.

2. Brayden loves learning.

3. Brayden always does everything he can to make my life easier.

4. Brayden is kind and loving. He has such a soft heart.

5. Brayden is fun.

6. Brayden tries so hard to do what is right.

We love you so much and are so grateful you are you!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Intermittent Springs in Star Valley

We headed to Star Valley this weekend and had so much fun. Star Valley is beautiful all year round, but there is nothing more relaxing then sitting in my moms house on a cold, rainy day with the fireplace on. It is so cozy. On Saturday, even though it was way cold and cloudy, we decided to go for a hike to the intermittent spring, up Swift Creek, in Afton. We got there just in time to see the water start down the mountain, watched it turn off, and then re-start again. It was beautiful. The kids had a lot of fun.



These are a few pictures of the trail headed up to the spring



Sorry this one is a bit blurry.
On the way up the trail. (Okay so who am I kidding, most of these are blurry)

The water was so clear you could see to the bottom of this little pond and the trees that surrounded it were beautiful.
Always so cool!! The water was beautiful.
Kelsey had the best spot. She just tucked herself right in, and was ready to go. I can't imagine it was the smoothest ride.
At the base of the actual spring.


The spring started just as we were headed up the hill.


We waited there for 20min so that we could see it start back up again. (Kaiden and Brayden)
(Jaycie and Keira)

(Mom and Brandy) Mom couldn't even look down the hill or she would start tearing up. I thought we were going to have to carry her back down. She did great just took a bit longer than all of the rest of us.


You can see behind Jaycie and I where the water actually comes out at.
.