Nick and Cat's wedding

March 21-23 we drove from AZ over to CA for Nick's wedding. Nick and Matt lived next to eachother in the dorms freshman year at BYU. After missions they continued to play on soccer teams together and hang out. It was really fun to get to go to his wedding. We left the boys with the grandparents in AZ- so no kids! And we really liked seeing Aaron and Melissa there as well. Aaron is also a friend from freshman days that Matt continued to play soccer with after missions. In a side note, Aaron and Melissa lived near us in married student housing after they got married and even babysat Matthew as a baby. As a baby Matthew always preferred guys to girls but 'Ma-sha-sha' (as he called Melissa) was one of the few girls he liked. We spent most of the weekend with Aaron and Melissa.

There was also the beautiful CA weather to enjoy. Nick lives in Hunington Beach, outside of LA and rented a huge house on the beach in San Clemente for the week. But even with the weather and beach, we really don't think we'd ever be able to live there. I can't believe how crowded it is! Or how much homes cost. Crazy. The wedding was at the San Diego temple, which is absolutely beautiful. Afterwards we did a little touring around San Diego with Aaron and Melissa before heading back north for the reception at the Hyatt on the beach. It was the nicest reception I have ever been to. The hotel was so nice and the appetizers and multi-course dinner were all delicious. Dancing was fun. Everything was great. I can't even imagine how much everything cost, but we really enjoyed ourselves. Easter Sunday we drove back to AZ in time to catch church and send Matt back to the airport to go back to freezing Cleveland.

As for Nick, we couldn't be happier for him. Cat seems like a really nice girl. And since he was the last of their freshman crew (or Ghetto Dope) to get married, he is now officially back in the club. We are happy to have you Nick and Cat! Now to find some great team jackets... Any ideas, anyone?

Andrew's Birthday

Drew's birthday was a fun day. We had so much snow the previous day that we didn't even have church. So we just hung out at home all day. Matt was feeling sick, so he didn't get to do much, but Drew had a great day. He got to pick all the meals for the day (donuts, blue pancakes, pizza), he had presents, cake, and icecream- everything a little boy needs for a good birthday. He got a new bike, a kid-proof digital camera, some books, and cards from family. We also had all the snow to play in. Fun, fun, fun!

Anubis

So, this is our dog, Anubis. He is a chocolate lab who turned one in Jan. Matt brought him home last year for Drew's bday, so we've now had him a year. He acts like such a puppy still and he drives me a little crazy sometimes, but he is definately part of the family now. The boys love him. He can be a lot of fun because he loves to play so much. For example, he loves the snow. When we go out to play he runs around like crazy the whole time we are out. He digs and tunnels and rolls through the snow, never seeming bothered by the cold. He loves to play fetch and dig through the snow to find the stick. The snow from this storm was almost as tall as he is (and he is not small- 70lbs). He really had to jump to get through it. I just thought I'd post these pictures to help me remember that I do like him sometimes!

A couple days ago we got a ton of snow. They cancelled Matthew's school, which gave us the opportunity to go out and play in the afternoon while Owen was asleep. I don't know who enjoyed themselves the most (a toss up between Drew and the dog), but we all had a good time. Drew didn't want to come in at all, even for hot chocolate. He told me he wanted to stay outside and turn into a popsicle. He obviously has a higher tolerance for the cold than the rest of us. It is too bad that the snow was too dry to make tunnels or a snowman, but in Cleveland we may have another chance...

Valentine's Day 08

Matt came home from the clininc on Valentine's Day this year and worked for hours in the kitchen to put together a fantastic meal for the two of us. Each of the multiple courses took a lot of effort. Everything was so fancy it made me wonder why I cook dinner everyday! It was a great night- very romantic (especially since we ate after we put the kids in bed). To think, when I plan we do things like Globetrotter games! Not to be out done, I'll have to come up with something pretty good next year when its my turn!