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| December 31st, 2017 And with that, 2017 is at a close. This has been such a great year with lots of ups and plenty of downs. It was quite the emotional roller coaster during the second half! But for all the bad and all the good, I wouldn't trade it. Having these guys by my side has been the best part of it all. I've loved the adventures we've taken, new family members we've added, and emotions we've experienced. I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store. I have a feeling I'm going to love it. |
Since January 1st, 2011 I have been taking at least one photograph a day. I love seeing my life play out in my photos - whether it was of what I did today, or of something conceptual and artistic. I believe it is so important to keep on shooting, not only to improve on my talents, but to document my life.
12.31.2017
December 31st
December 30th
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| December 30th, 2017 I spent my day in front of the computer screen trying to catch up with Picture of the Day while these two were having a grand 'ol time making a mess in the kitchen! Danny and Jones made a big batch of gingersnap cookies! They tasted pretty good, too! |
December 29th
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| December 29th, 2017 I got to photograph sweet little Nora today! I love this little niece of mine! She was so good the entire shoot! Jones on the other hand... well, let's just say he's in for a rude awakening whenever baby number 2 decides to show up. haha. |
December 27th
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| December 27th, 2017 Indy is still sporting that Christmas hangover. Me too, girl, me too. |
December 26th
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| December 26th, 2017 I started to put away Christmas today. Which was made sooo much easier thanks to Jones' Christmas presents! He sat and played in his room for hours! It was a Christmas miracle! |
December 25th
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| December 25th, 2017 Merry Christmas!! We had such a wonderful, family filled day! Jones was spoiled beyond measure and we are so blessed for all the thoughtful gifts we received this year. We spent Christmas morning with my family as usual and then we had lunch at Dan's parents. around 2:45 we got to skype with Julie! It was so fun to hear all about how she's doing! Thank goodness someone over there taught her how to do her hair and it was down and curly and so cute! Not like the knot of tangles she'd been sporting for the last year! hahaha! We can't wait to see her in May! |
December 24th
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| December 24th, 2017 Merry Christmas Eve! Here's our pajama picture! It was so nice having Christmas Eve on a Sunday! Danny is in the ward choir and our program today was all music. He even had a solo! His parents came to church with us to watch him and to sit with Jones and I. Jones loved having Grandma there to color with him! After church we finished up dropping off all the neighbor gifts and dropped by Rich and Sarah's to say hi and eat some snacks. Then it was back to my folk's house for clam chowder and beef stick! The dogs love having Belle to play with! Jones loves it too! He keeps calling her, "Indy!" |
December 23rd
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| December 23rd, 2017 Beth and Ron got the girls a puppy for Christmas! Meet Belle. Mom and Dad agreed to house her until Christmas morning so it could be a huge surprise. We all loved playing with that puppy, but it totally made me so thankful that Indy and Scout are out of that phase! |
December 22nd
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| December 22nd, 2017 Larsen family Christmas party! We had a pretty decent game of White Elephant, yummy waffles and lots of laughs. Poor Paige had nose surgery that day and was so out of it! She even started to fall asleep while eating. |
December 21st
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| December 21st, 2017 I decided to be a fun mom today and opened up the door to our little patio upstairs so that these kiddos could play in the fresh snow. After jumping out there with only socks on Jones decided he needed shoes and then ran back outside to feed snow to the dogs and himself. |
December 20th
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| December 20th, 2017 First big snow storm of the year! Danny took the pups and Jones on a walk in it while I finished up my painting for Mom's Christmas present. Jones loved the snow so much that he wanted to go back outside and play in it. But without his snow suit on he got pretty cold, pretty quick and came inside before I could snap a decent picture. |
December 19th
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| December 19th, 2017 Love these guys. Jones has figured out how fun it is to have pillow fights! He'll randomly pick up a pillow or two and charge us! |
December 18th
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| December 18th, 2017 I spent my entire evening dipping and decorating 500 pretzels into chocolate and sprinkles and peppermint! We got a late start to the neighbor gifts this year! |
December 17th
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| December 17th, 2017 Grandpa Santa came to the Jones house! Jones wasn't too sure about it, until he unwrapped his football with me holding onto him! |
December 16th
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| December 16th, 2017 Robbins' Family Christmas Party! Bill and Min hosted again and it was a full house! Amy and Talia came down with Ti and Darrell and Nancy and Russ and the boys came up as well! We had almost everyone there! After the party most of us headed up to Salt Lake to watch the new Star Wars movie! So good! |
December 15th
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| December 15th, 2017 Jones pushed the TV and now the HDMI ports won't work. So until we can get it figured out, this is how we've been watching our shows. Jones loves it even more since there are more buttons to push -_- |
December 14th
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| December 14th, 2017 In prep for Saturday (Robbins' Christmas Party) Dan and I got all our presents ready for the Kelson's. I painted Amy this world map and framed it for her. This is waiting for the paint to dry so I can rub off the masking fluid. |
December 13th
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| December 13th, 2017 About a month ago, Willow, (Julie's cat) went missing. They think she took a joy ride in the yard service truck, or someone took her. Ever since then, my family has been looking at the shelters daily and going on random excursions to ID possible Willow sightings. One such sighting they were convinced was Willow. Turns out it was an 8 month old kitten that looks EXACTLY LIKE WILLOW, but her face is a little more grey. The people were selling off their "oops" litter. Instead of just leaving without the cat that was clearly not our cat, my mom decides to ADOPT this little kitty! $20 and a car ride later and "Willow 2" aka, Lucy is the newest member of the Jones household. Jones feel in love with her instantly. She really is the cutest, most mellow cat! Makes me want to get a kitty too! haha! She let Jones love all over her while she just sat in our laps and purred. |
December 12th
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| December 12th, 2017 It was extremely foggy last night and we woke up to frost covering everything! It was so pretty! Everything looked like it belonged in a winter wonderland! |
December 11th
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| December 11th, 2017 I had a photoshoot down in provo today. It was for an 8th grade photoshoot. I'm trying to make 8th grade photoshoots a "thing." Afterwards, I zipped it back up to Sandy. The Huntings had invited us and some other ward friends over for some Christmas singing and goodies. The kids had a blast playing with each other and eating as many cookies as they could! The adults had such a fun time singing Christmas carols and enjoying each other's company. This needs to become a yearly tradition! |
December 10th
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| December 10th, 2017 We decorated our tree today! Well, the top half anyway! haha! And we pulled out the puppy gate to go around it! We for sure made it puppy and kid proof! It's starting to feel like Christmas! |
December 9th
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| December 9th, 2017 Lindsey was baptized today! It was such a party with all the family who came out for her special day. |
December 8th
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| December 8th, 2017 Christmas Card Pictures Attempt #2.5 We initially started out at the park again, but there was another dog there and that's all Indy and Scout could focus on. There was no way we'd be able to take off their leashes. So we went home and took them in our living room. For as much grief as they were, they turned out pretty cute. |
December 7th
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| December 7th, 2017 No tree is safe from Jones! Jones walked up to the tree and pulled an ornament off. He didn't know Danny was behind him so when Dan asked him, "What are you doing?" It scared him so bad he yelled, "No!" and threw the ornament back into the tree! |
December 6th
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| December 6th, 2017 Christmas Card Picture Attempt #1 We misjudged the time and got to the spot late. The sun had just set and we missed the golden light I wanted, not to mention it got cold quick! These three weren't having it. So we are going to try again on Friday. |
December 3rd
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| December 3rd, 2017 We had a nice, mellow Sunday after yesterday's craziness! Mom and Dad have their tree all lit up and ready to decorate. It's safe to say that Jones is a fan of Christmas. |
December 2nd
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| December 2nd, 2017 Our last day in Florida. We had a chill morning packing and getting ready for our flight back home. Once we were ready we met up with Bill and Mindi and one of the resorts for lunch. Gary and Annie had taken all of Bill's kids on a quick little excursion and were going to meet us there. We ate lunch at the pier and waited for the kids. After waiting awhile we finally got through to Annie; their bus never showed up! Instead they caught another one and were going to walk from Planet Hollywood to us - about a mile+ walk! Bill and Min left to try and meet them halfway. Danny and I had to go to the airport to return our rental car since we were already running behind schedule. We made it to the airport, ditched the car and got our boarding passes. The line to go through security was a joke! There were so many people that there had to be a break in it to make a hallway for people going the opposite direction. Once Danny and I made it to the switchbacks, they opened up all the stalls and all the people just started making their own lines! It was ridiculous! People kept cutting us and were being so rude! Luckily Jones was asleep! We decided to hug the wall that bordered where the handicap line was. We finally saw Bill and the kids and Gary. Gary was coming to help get us through security since Mindi was staying longer for the convention. It took forever to get to the lady checking our passes. We finally made it through only to realize the line bottlenecked into smaller lines to go through the security machines. Danny asked if there was anyway we could go up the handicap entrance since we had 5 little kids with us between the three adults. The lady said "no." we barely moved 3 feet in 20 minutes. The whole time I was praying and looking at my watch. We weren't going to make our flight. Despite getting to the airport two hours early! I said another prayer, said amen and saw a TSA worker. He looked like a grandpa, so I thought I'd ask him. Jones was still asleep so I asked him if I was going to have to take him out of the stroller once it was our turn to go through. - Hoping he'd have compassion and take the hint. He looked at me, looked at Jones and then the lady behind me and her stroller and said, "both you two and your parties come with me," and with that he opened the stall to let us through. I yelled and Dan and Bill to grab the kids. We were finally moving! Hallelujah! I said a thank you prayer. We were going to make our flight! We sent everything through and waited for Bill. Lincoln's bag was removed to be searched. Oh no. We waited for them to get to his bag, but they kept skipping over it. According to the time, they were now boarding our flight. We finally agreed that Danny and I would take Ash and Scar with Jones and get on the plane. We busted it to the shuttle and then to the terminal. We were board group D and they were on C! We were the last ones to board the plane, but still no Bill. Danny and I started Checking everything, the carseat, our suitcases, Scar and Ash's suitcases, everything to buy us more time! The TSA worker yelled out "Final Call!" Asher started to freak out and Danny said, "It's not really final call." to which the TSA worker replied, "Oh yes it is!" I started mentally prepping where the kids were going to sleep that night, and just as I'm taking Asher, Scarlet and Jones through the doorway we see Bill running with Linc and Cozy! I relax and take Scar and Ash to their seats. Holy cow they made it! Everyone boards and then we prepare for take off. Talk about the most stressful flight I have ever been on! Luckily the flight home was uneventful save for Jones peeing all over me since we didn't have time to change him before we boarded. Dad picked us up and we went home and slept so good. Come to find out that in all the hustle and bustle, Linc had a mini water bottle in his bag from the last flight over. In the process of getting it checked and booking it to the terminal, Bill left Cozy's bag at security. It had her pink blanket and all the kids' headphones except for Asher's. Luckily Bill was able to text Mindi and she swung back to the airport and picked it up. After all that I am so glad to be home! |
December 1st
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| December 1st, 2017 Epcot! Today we walked around the world! We ate lots of food, saw lots of shows and had so much fun! Jones even made a new friend! While we were eating lunch in France, Danny was walking around with Jones in a courtyard. There was a squirrel nearby. Dan tried to get Jones to look at it, but he was too busy doing something else. The squirrel then ran right in front of Jones where he stayed, looking for food. By now Jones has seen the squirrel and is trying to pet it through the bars. He gets close a couple of times and then before Danny can register what is happening, Jones grabs the squirrel by the tail and tries to pull it through the bars towards him! Danny had recorded the whole thing - and that is where it stops! hahaha! The squirrel was so shocked it struggled for a bit and then broke free and ran away! Silly little dude! |
November 30th
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| November 30th, 2017 Back at it again! This time we were at Animal Kingdom. The very first thing we did there was book it straight for Pandora's ride of the Banshee! Easily the best ride I've ever been on! It was like a mix of Soarin' and Star Tours that didn't make you sick! It really felt like you were riding a banshee! After that we bounced all around the park. Danny and I got to ride front row in Everest! So much fun! Luckily Jones loves Gary and we were able to leave him with G while Danny and I got to ride stuff together. When we went on the Safari all the bumpy road movements put Jones to sleep! The bird show was Jones' favorite thing we saw here. Because we had two wheel chairs we were front row! Gary even got to go on stage! Everytime a bird flew over us Jones would erupt with cheers and clapping. We ended the night watching the Lion King Show and then busting it over to the lake for a water show. There were so many rides we rode and things we ate (even though our favorite restaurant was in Pandora as well!) |
November 29th
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| November 29th, 2017 Rest day! It took a little bit for everyone to figure out what everyone was doing, but eventually we all ended up at the pool! So much fun swimming with all the cousins! Jones loved it! I did too! But it got pretty cold once the sun went down! Then we all got dressed and headed to Downtown Disney! We had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. During dinner it looked like Jones was working on something, so when it was time to go I picked him up to go change him. He was soaked! Apparently he had too much yummy stuff and peed out. His jean shorts looked like they were dark jean shorts. I hurried him to the bathroom where of course there was a line for the only changing table. It finally gets to be our turn when I start to strip him down. I then notice that he has also pooped. Not only has he pooped, but it is all up his back too. ugh. I finally manage to get him cleaned up with the few wipes that I have. Luckily I had an extra pair of pants in my bag. But no shirt. So I just zip up his jacket all the way and call it good. Oh boy. I haven't had to deal with a blow out in a while. After that fiasco Danny and I zip over to the the World of Disney store and buy Jones Mickey ears and get them embroidered. Once we have the ears we load up, go home and give stinky a bath! Whew! So much for rest day! |
November 28th
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| November 28th, 2017 Planet Hollywood today! Lots of shows, but we loved them all! Jones' favorite was easily Indiana Jones! Haha go figure! But really he loved all the explosions and jumping and he'd clap everytime something cool happened! Right before we went to Frozen's sing along we stopped to get funnel cakes. That's what we're doing in the picture, but Jones was more entertained with running around all the chairs. When it came time to start the sing along, Jones was singing with me the whole time! It even "snowed' at the end and he tired to catch the bubbles! |
November 27th
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| November 27th, 2017 Magic Kingdom! We opened the park up and closed it down! We all had so much fun! Jones loved everything and by the time we were done for the day he was exhausted! We set up camp near the castle and watched all the shows, ate tons of yummy food and I finally rode small world! hahaha! In all my Disney going experiences I have never ridden it! It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! ha! Jones loved it! We even got to meet all the Pooh Bear characters. We had brunch at Crystal Palace around 11. At first Jones was pretty freaked out over Piglet and Eeyore, but by the time Pooh and Tiger came around he was good, as long as they gave him a fist bump! Silly 'ol bear. |
November 26th
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| November 26th, 2017 Sunday Funday! We went to church with everyone to Gary and Annie's ward. After that we all headed to the beach! We played, buried children, dug holes and had a bonfire where we roasted marshmallows and hot dogs. Before the sunset I had Sarah snap a few pics of us. While we were all around the campfire, Gary and Annie passed out cards to all of us. They told us they were giving us Christmas for the next four years! We all got gift cards to Disney! |
November 25th
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| November 25th, 2017 WE ARE IN FLORIDA! After a red eye flight we pulled into Gary and Annie's at 7. Jones and I crashed in Katie's room. Danny was too excited to see everyone that I don't even think he slept! After our power nap we headed to the beach to take Gary and Annie's family pictures along with Rich and Sarah! I loved doing their sessions at the beach! Jones loved the beach, period! He took after his momma and began collecting all the shells he could find. By the end of the day his pockets were full! |
November 24th
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| November 24th, 2017 Happy Birthday to Mom! Yay for not having Thanksgiving be on your birthday this year! |
November 23rd
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| November 23rd, 2017 Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for my family and the joy they bring to my life. |
November 21st
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| November 21st, 2017 I don't think I can ever stop taking sleeping pictures of Jones. I mean, just look at that face! |
November 20th
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| November 20th, 2017 Here it goes! Our first full kiln firing of ornaments! I am so excited to see how these turn out! |
November 19th
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| November 19th, 2017 After church Jones decided he only needed to be in a diaper for his nap. haha. I am perfectly ok with that if it means I get cute pictures like this! |
November 18th
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| November 18th, 2017 Mini Session day! I had Makayla come down with me to be my assistant. The light was perfect and it was amazing being surrounded by so many Christmas Trees! It felt just like being in Oregon! |
November 17th
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| November 17th, 2017 Jones discovered the Swiffer Mop today. Luckily the fluid is empty because the button is the best part! He just loves to "help." |
November 15th
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| November 15th, 2017 We were having a relaxing evening playing inside when I noticed the sunset. It was so pretty and vibrant I grabbed Jones and my camera and went outside to capture it. |
November 14th
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| November 14th, 2017 Bananas are at the top of the list for Jones' favorite food. Be does this silly thing where he eats until it needs to be peeled farther and then feeds the stump to the dogs. They've caught onto it and hover more than they usually do when he's eating. |
November 13th
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| November 13th, 2017 I love watching my puppies play! Danny was throwing the ball for the dogs and Jones would get so excited he'd run through the alleyway of his play house to try and hide from them. |
November 12th
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| November 12th, 2017 Happy Birthday to these cuties! Clearly we are all great at singing! haha |
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