Halloween 2013

Some of the greatest memories I have from my childhood are wrapped around, and connected to, the different traditions my parent's instilled in our family. Some of those I hope to infuse into my own little family, and others I hope to create myself (along with Robert of course).

This year, Halloween marked the first calendar holiday we had as a family of 3 vs. just a family of 2. It dawned on me...perhaps later than it should have...that now the tradition making portion of life falls heavily on me (and again, Robert of course). Even though River is only 3 months old, I think it is important to start these sort of things even now. Sure, they will probably morph and change over the next few years until we figure out what works best with our tribe, but figuring those things out is part of the fun; part of the adventure.

Last night, we invited a few of our friends, as well as Grammy and Grandpa J, over to our place to enjoy the seminary's annual chili cook-off. It was too...CHILI... (BA DAP BA BAAAA...) for us to care much about casting our vote for "Best Chili," so we just grabbed our grub and ran. Inside the warmth of our apartment, we all enjoyed our feast, as well as some warm apple cider, before the kiddos headed out to Trick-or-Treat. Robert and I hung back to pass out candy because...well...let's face it, taking a 3 month old Trick-or-Treating is basically Robert and I saying "Hey Jack, GIVE. US. YO. CANDY!"

After the kids finished, they returned back to our place to divvy up their loot, enjoy some more cider and cookies, and veg out a bit to "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!"

All in all, super fun night. Will any part of last night turn into an annual tradition? Who knows... but right now it sure is fun figuring it all out.

PS: Yesterday also marked 3 months of life for little River. Here's a video for you son. We LOVE being your parents! Keep growing, keep learning, and keep being awesome.

(Obviously couldn't figure out how to turn the camera off at the end there...)
XO

Snugs

Welcoming Bebe

In April, I was thrown the most thoughtful, beautiful, baby shower a girl could ask for. 

My mom and I decided to make a girl's weekend trip out of it, and flew out to Los Angeles to welcome the little snuglet in in style. Surrounded by many of my most favorite of women, I, along with baby, were showered

(pun-intended)

with love, laughter, awesome food, and super generous gifts. 

At this point, I hadn't shared what The Man and I were expecting, so it was a fun shower game 

(the ONLY shower game mind you! PRAISE!!) 

as my girlies cast their votes on 

A) Boy or Girl? 

and 

B) What his/her name would be.

["Thor" was amongst my favorites.]

Here are some snaps from the day, enjoy!

XO

Snugs

Captured: The Nearing Wedding

Heyo!

So, this post is going to be short and sweet, but the photos are back from the Nearing wedding that The Man and I were blessed to be a part of!

 And... I literally need a drop-cloth because I am drooling!

Rebecca looks absolutely stunning! And the photographer, Corey Nickols, is so flipping talented! (see more of his stuff HERE)
Swoon!
XO.

 Oh Yeah...
Corey snuck this one in here too..
REEEEEAL Cool.

Nearing The Day

SPOILER ALERT: 

[There are A LOT of amazing photos in this post!!]

.....

We spent this entire last weekend up at the Redig Farm getting the place ready for the upcoming nuptials of one Miss Rebecca Redig and one Mr. Tom Nearing.

And I must say...for a bunch of city folk...I really think we held our own.

The Man, in particular, was in heaven. 

Digging...Lawn Manicuring...Hay Throwing(?)...Visiting a dump yard...Sweating...

Men.

While I hung back at the house. 

Washed some mason jars...went shopping...spoke to Mama Redig about cooking...

Women.

It was absolutely incredible to get out the of the city for a change. We worked hard, but it felt so good at the end.

(Oh, and Bonus! We completely bypassed Carmageddon 2012!)

Here are some a lot of snaps from the weekend.