Christmas Cheer 2013...

This Christmas season was a little strange for us, but wonderful nonetheless... 

We stayed on the west to be with my family this year.

A few days before Christmas we ventured to Vegas to see my parents. 

Hunter did WONDERFUL for his first big car ride... Slept the whole way there. (4 hrs)

This Momma was a little nervous, but so happy things went well.

My parents were in the middle of a big move so they didn't have Christmas really set up at their house. 

I convinced my mom we at least needed stockings to wake up to on Christmas Morn.

(The plan was to drive to STG Christmas Eve but due to time issues it turned into Christmas Day)

We took a few pics, wrapped presents, and went to bed.

Woke up to a few fun treats and then we were off to the blessed city of St. George.

I seriously miss the beauty of St. George.

The red rocks against the blue sky is truly one of the most wonderful sites.

Our time spent in St. George was wonderful. 

We were able to play with our nieces and nephews, see the wonders of STG, and show off our babe to some of our best friends.

^^Shea Shea, Tori and sweet little Navy, "The Godfather" Luke, and my second family... The Ences (Leslie and Brooke pictured) [I missed getting a picture when we saw Danielle, love you babe]^^

I have really missed seeing our family and friends.

Living away from everyone hasn't been the easiest but I am actually very grateful for the time I have been given to bond with the new little family I have. 

Blaine and Hunter are my world and I am so blessed to have each of them in my life.

Hunter [2 months]...

This handsome chunk is growing like a weed. -------->

I just wish time would slow down. 

My little man is already 2 months old! 

//He's sporting size 2 diapers and 3-6 month clothes. 

//He really is the sweetest, most content, and well behaved little man (minus the current fussiness due to the illness from his 2 month check up vaccinations)

//Mornings with this guy are my favorite. It is when he is most alert and smiley. We have some of our most intense cooing conversations then.

//He has begun to stick out his tongue when he smiles and it makes me sooo happy. 

//He has also learned to blow bubbles... lots and lots of bubbles. 

//We've started to let him nap on his tummy during the day (we keep a watchful eye on him... no worries) but on his tummy he can sleep forEVER!

//This little guy truly is the light of our lives... Cant imagine a moment without him now!

Adios 2013...

It is so crazy to look back at the beginning of 2013 and see where we were, and how it has all changed in such a short amount of time. 

January--> We started off another great year in North Carolina and Texas with the Howell side// Made it back to Arizona and enjoyed a lot of Saturday explorations in the warm sun (hiked Camelback, hiked "the hole")// Went shooting a lot, and enjoyed the company of family and friends

February--> Celebrated ONE YEAR with the love of my life// Went to Bakersfield to see the beloved Worthens and witness Bo be baptized// Went to LA// Hiked trails in Estrella Mnt// Made Valentines for our sweet sunbeams at church// Learned some intense yoga moves!

March--> Spring Training started so baseball took over our lives again ;) Mom and Dad came for a visit// Took advantage of the wonderful Arizona weather and our pool// Started Flight Attendant school for US Airways (that ended due to a "baby" hiccup)// Spent a beautiful Easter holiday in STG

April--> Announced the growth of our little family// Had a correction on the due date// Had a few dates to the Mesa Arizona Temple// Took a few of the baseball guys shooting

May--> Had our first trimester screening// Surprised Mom in Santa Monica for her fitness competition// Blaine gave some pitching lessons

June--> Had another ultrasound and learned Baby H was a BOY//Took a last minute trip to Bakersfield// Went to girls camp as camp director for our ward

July--> Celebrated the 4th on the Salt River// Reached 24 weeks// Blaine became obsessed with paracord// We spent our summer nights catfishing

August--> Blaine made a few of his first appearances back on the mound// 28 weeks along// Started working at Youngker again// I turned another year older

September-->Blaine had his second Tommy John surgery// Went to Bakersfield for the Todd's reception// My sisters threw Baby H a shower in STG// Had our prego pics taken

October--> Blaine turned the big 25// Blaine went to NC// My belly button "popped"// I quit working at Native// We carved Pumpkins// Went to the Laytons and had a bonfire and tinfoil dinners for Halloween// We also moved when I was 38.5 weeks pregnant... third floor apt to a second floor apt of a different building

November--> My mom came to town// Work (Youngker) threw Baby H a shower// My due date came and went// Blaine started work at Texas Roadhouse// Our babe FINALLY arrived// Laurin, Paige, and Lauren came to town// We all celebrated Thanksgiving in our little apt// Went to the Mesa Temple to see the lights

December--> Attended Glendale Glitters// Hunter was blessed and given a name by his daddy// We got our first REAL Christmas tree// Hunter turned a month old// We drove to Vegas/STG to spend Hunters first Christmas with family (More in another post)// I stayed in Vegas for a few extra days with Hunter to help my parents move into their new house// Hunter flew for the first time// Rang in the new year with my two favorite boys

2014 is going to be full of a lot of firsts... especially for Hunter. 

I cannot wait to watch him grow and experience the world. 

Lets go 2014... show me what you've got.

Love the Howells...