A Reason to Celebrate

Since the last post Alex and I have had a lot of reasons to celebrate.  In February we celebrated Alex's birthday. It was on a Sunday so we went to a movie the day before but we had too much candy so we vetoed dinner afterward.  The next day Alex was on-call and had to work until 7:30. When he got home we had a halibut dinner.  I don't think it was Alex's finest birthday ever.  Hopefully next year we can make up for it.

The other reason we have to celebrate is that March 11, 2012 was our one year anniversary! To celebrate we went on a cruise for a week.  

It started out a little rocky.  For some reason there was quite a bit of "motion in the ocean" as the captain would say.  It lasted all day of our day at sea and left Alex feeling sick.  

This picture doesn't do justice at the size of the waves

The next day didn't get much better and in some cases took a turn for the worse.  We went to Cozumel, Mexico and lets just say Alex and I are not in a hurry to go back any time soon.  It started of the a boat ride to the mainland that lasted 45 min. and certainly orchestrated from that place below.   For the sake of those with weak stomachs I'll leave the details of the boat ride out and sum it up by saying it was traumatizing.  After the boat we got on a bus for another 45 min. to the Mayan Ruins.  They were really cool but it was a really high price to pay to get there.

After the Mayan we went to a Mexican lunch and swimming in the ocean but it was so cold and windy we decided to just hangout on the beach.

The next day we went to Grand Cayman and have one of the most enjoyable days ever.  It was a much needed day so we didn't wonder why we went on a cruise.  They did have to cancel the excursion we wanted to go on because of safety but we managed just fine.  We started our day eating a delicious lunch at Hard Rock Cafe.  After lunch we enjoyed a few hours of lounging at 7 Mile Beach and swimming in the ocean, not to mention the amazing coconut water.

 
The following day was our day at Jamaica and just as enjoyable as the day before but in a very different way. It was much busier but full of so many adventures.  The best parts were the playing with the dolphins and hiking the falls.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to take cameras to the dolphins or the falls.  But, we did have fun with other creatures. Every time I told Alex I would not touch a particular animal I ended up with it on my head or around my neck.

The following days were spend on the ship and it wasn't quite so rocky.  We were able to lay out on the  top deck and enjoy the views of the ocean.  Eat amazing food and feel very well taken care of.  

I was so happy Alex could have a fun vacation since they are hard to come by.  We really enjoyed the last 5 days of our 7 days cruise and I feel we both got a much needed vacation.

The last reason we have to celebrate and certainly the most important is that Baby Nelson is on its way. I'm almost certain this child has ADHD because if its not sleeping its going crazy.  We had ultrasounds twice this week and both times the baby was bouncing all over the place.  We also believe the baby is a thumb sucker as seen in the pictures below.

We couldn't be more excited about this sweet addition.  We are really looking forward to October 2.  We feel so grateful that in just a few months of this new year we have had more blessings than we could ever ask for.

The Holidays and So Much More

So I have been seriously slacking here on the family blog.  There have just been too many fun things that it overwhelms me a little.  First, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Alex was on home call so we were really limited with what we could actually do.  He ended up working most of the day and I spent the day feeling a little home sick watching the parade and preparing the food for dinner that night.  We went to a friends house with 5 other families and enjoyed a fabulous dinner and great company.  Since we had dinner with friends, Alex was a little stressed about not having leftover pie (apple pie). So I attempted to make my first pie ever.  Although it wasn't perfect, it turned out pretty darn good. Alex seemed to enjoy it since he ate 3/4 of the pie.  

The next fun thing to happen was my birthday.  I was so excited for my birthday this year.  I felt like that I was a small child and really anticipating a day that was going to be all about me and wondering what was in each nicely wrapped box.  Needless to say, Alex spoiled me (and that's an understatement).  I was so excited that I actually woke up long before he had to leave for work and he let me open presents then.  He had bought me the start of the Willow Creek Nativity (very few people know how badly I have wanted this), a pair of grey TOMS, and drum roll... a sewing machine!!!! I also got a sewing kit, a new coat, apron and the best spatula/spoon ever and money and gift cards to shop with!!!!

Love the sewing machine!!! Also, notice the cute sewing kit from my mother-in-law

When Alex got home from work he brought me these beautiful flowers

Alex was really stressed about trying to make this the best birthday since it was my first one married.  All I can say is that he has set the bar really high for the years to come.  

Naturally, the next thing to write about is Christmas! This being our first Christmas married Alex and I wanted it to be the best ever, it was.  We weren't sure how much money we would have to buy gifts but magically moonlighting became an option just in time.  Since the month started out tight we had very little money for an decorations. We knew we would need to buy a tree so we got our first tree. It was SO much fun to decorate it together while listening to Christmas music.

Because money was so tight at the beginning of the month, I knew if I wanted any decorations I would have to make them.  I fell in love with a wall decor item at Pottery Barn (which was WAY out of my budget) so I decided to make my own. I also made a wreath for the front door for $5.

Pottery Barns 

My version of the one above for 1/5 of the price

 Alex and I were able to do a lot of fun things all month to get ready for Christmas. One of them was to meet up with my sister and her family for the Macy's Christmas Land and Santa.  The line was never ending but after seeing their kids see Santa it was well worth it.  Plus the Christmas Land is fantastic.

Then the magical day came and we had so many gifts under the tree it took us hours to open.  Our family and friends were VERY kind to us.  By the time we got done it really looked like someone had robbed us.

Last but not least, came the New Year.  New Years Eve we spent with friends and it was a lot of fun playing games and snacking on treats.  Alex and I were the lame ones at the party and we left at 11:45 because Alex had to start a new rotation and he had to wake up at 6:00. New Years day was a bitter sweet day.  My sweet grandma passed to the other side of the veil that morning.  I was relieved she didn't have to suffer but heartsick she had to leave us.  I made a last minute trip to Utah to attend the services and see family.  I was very appreciative for all the love I felt from everyone.

Despite this rough start to the year I still feel incredibly hopeful for a wonderful year ahead.  I always love the power to start over and do good a new year brings.  If this year is half as good as the last year then we are in for some good things.