Hot Air Balloons

We've been trying to do better with having FHE so we planned out about three months of activities so it would be easier for us when Monday evening rolled around. One of our first activities was homemade hot air balloons. Keri is the expert on making them so she came out and taught us all how to do it. We had enough supplies for four balloons so we only had a handful of chances to make it work. It was tough to get all the candles lit without them burning holes in the plastic bag. We failed on the first three attempts, but the fourth time did the trick.

When the balloon finally took off, we were worried it worked a little too well because it took off down the street and drifted really high into the sky. I envisioned it landing on a nearby roof and starting the house on fire. Omai has good aim so I'm confident he could've taken it out with a snowball before it came to that. Fortunately it just drifted down the street and went out without making contact with anything.


Lighting the candles. It took all of us to make it work.

Aunt Keri and Bailey

Licy. It was way cold that night. It was perfect conditions for hot air balloons, but a little nippy for the nose.

Chris, Colley, and Licy.

Colley.

Chris and Licy.

Me and Keri.

Paige, Chelsea, and me.
Papa, Omai, and Bailey.

Chris, Chelsea, and Licy.

Check out some videos of our attempts and the fourth and final successful balloon.








Thanks everybody for a fun night!

Bailey's Christmas Dress

Our Stake held a clothing and toy swap after the Relief Society broadcast in the fall and I got a heck of a steal on a little dress that fit Bailey perfectly for Christmas. She looks so cute in it.

Bailey's 1st Christmas

My mom always worked so hard to make Christmas so spectacular every year, but sorry mom, this year was by far the best ever! Bailey woke up her usual smiling, giggling self in her adorable Christmas jammies. After Omai and I took turns setting out each other's stocking we brought Bailey down to open presents. We took turns helping Bailey open her presents and contrary to what we suspected, she loved her presents a little more than the wrapping paper and ribbons. It felt like we opened presents all day, but it was fun and we enjoyed every moment. Grammy came over in the afternoon after Bailey had her nap and was in the mood for playing. Bailey also opened her stocking where she found a rockin blue Buzz Lightyear cell phone amoung other things, but I think that was her favorite. She would of course rather play with a real phone, but that'll have to wait til she's 25 or married.

After all the presents were opened at our house, we headed to pick G.G. up to go to Grandpa's house for dinner and to exchange gifts. I think all the kids were on gift-overload as well as sugar highs. There was wrapping paper and candy wrappers strewn all over the place.

Christmas has brought on a whole new meaning to me with Bailey being a part of our family now. I look forward to many more in years to come.

Murder Mystery Dinner

The YW and YM in our ward had a Super Hero Murder Mystery Dinner and we all got to take part. It was really fun to make the costumes and get all ready for the night. I was Poetica - a crafter of clever words and phrases; Bailey was Princess Power Girl - creator of cuteness and adorableness; Omai was Light Boy - harnesses the paralyzing power of light. Omai came up with his own introduction that wowed the crowd. You'll have to ask him to play it for you. He wrote it himself.

Lil Stinker

(Just trying to catch up on recent events)

Bailey's first Halloween was really fun and she was completely adorable as a Lil' Stinker. She didn't particularly enjoy the costume but it was fun to show her off. We went to the Granite Ward on Friday for their Halloween party and got to see some old friends and catch up.

Here are some pictures of Bailey's photo shoot.





















On Saturday, Omai and I went to the Real game with Paige and a friend. They played Columbus Crew and won in the final minute. We headed back to the Graybills for yummy food and games.