This last weekend I was able to feel like I was 20 years old again and spend 3 days with some of my very favorite people. These college friends of mine are the types of friends where no explanation is needed, where I can be myself and laugh with my head thrown back. As I get older I realize what a blessing it is to find friends like this. When they are found, you never want to let go. This weekend was so good for my soul!!

We ate our way through Portland, hitting a few major sites, but most of all, just talked, talked talked.

 Top: Marcella, me, Lauren (LG), Rachel

Bottom: Rachel, Natalie, Jessie, Ashton

Amazing girls, amazing weekend, amazing friends. 

A Matter of Seconds.

I took this picture during bath-time where we then rushed off to meet Russ at work for lunch. On our way back home for naps, I witnessed a pretty bad accident. What was so terrifying about this accident was if one or two things had been different it very well could have been us. Someone ran a red light, and if the car that had gotten hit (that was right next to me) wasn't there, I'm pretty confident we would have been T-boned pretty hard right at Clara's carseat. All of the car's airbags deployed, so I can't imagine what would have happened. A few seconds could have changed everything. I seriously shudder every time I think about it. 

It had been a stressful week, but these are the moments that put everything else into perspective. At the end of the day, all that matters is that my family is safe, sound and happy. I'm hoping I can keep this lesson in mind next time Max throws his sippy cup and spills juice on my brand new area rug. :) 

... yup that happened. 

But for real. Some things just aren't worth losing sleep over. The end. 

She loves her baskets.

My #1 drink thief!

Christmas Morning!

We spent Christmas morning at my mom's house. It was fun hanging with cousins and siblings and having everyone under one roof! The twins obviously loved getting all of their new fun gifts, but I don't think they quite understood the whole Christmas thing. Either way, we had a very fun day and I'm still a big believer that all holidays are more fun with children! 

Pre-gift yogurt binge! Gotta get that energy. 

These skates from Jace and Bella and super girl/super boy outfits from Grandma were the biggest hit! 

Christmas Eve: North Pole Express

We rode the North Pole Express on Christmas Eve! It was such a fun day. We saw Santa, sang with elves, drank hot chocolate, and enjoyed the company with my side of the family. Holidays are SO much fun with kids!

They really liked the bells. :)

This girl looooooves her grandma!

Be still my heart! Complete with hot chocolate on her sweater and everything! 

So much sass it cannot be contained. 

Jace (my brother) and Bella were in town from Seattle. We sure love them! 

Max sure loved those elves!

Pure magic!

Please Stop Time. Thanks.

I have to get all of these pictures on this blog. 

Every day as I put these two little crazies to bed I want to bottle everything up and keep it forever. I want to remember the smells, the giggles, cuddles, hand holding, tantrums (haha), spilled food, constant messes, slobbery kisses, new words, ALL OF IT. 

I LOVE this stage. Everyone says the "terrible twos," but so far 2 has been my very favorite age. Yes, yes, we have more tantrums and time-outs and toddler moments than one can even imagine. But all of these moments become so insignificant during story time, playing hide-and-seek, and getting cute, silly grins all day long. 

I'm just a sappy mom getting all sappy, so I'll leave you with some of my favorite pictures from the last few months... and then I'll go stare at my babies while they sleep. 

I'm scared for when this will be recreated at age 16!

I love this picture. So much.

The "cheeeeeeeeese" face has begun! 

.... but is compensated by cute giggly smiles like this!

A spontaneous hug from behind!

Always, always running.

This boy. He melts me DAILY. We have made such great strides with his communication. Around his 2 year birthday we were having a LOT of rough days... but my goodness, he has been bringing the charm lately. I mean look at that face.

And then this girl just has us wrapped around her little finger. She is sweet, sassy, smart and so much fun. 

And she looks like this in the mornings.... HAHA!!

Russ brought this ball back from a business trip. It's the simple things that bring joy!

And finally, one of their favorite games of late has been the "sleeping game." Clara's really bringing her "A game" here. These two little people crack me up. They are my whole world! 

2015 Family Pictures!

We had some family pictures done by the amazing Jylare Smith in October around the twins' 2nd birthday. Considering the twins were being less than accommodating, they turned out so great! She's a miracle worker. 

Kauai

So a good 2 1/2 months ago, Russ and I were able to return to one of our very favorite places... sans twins! Kauai was lovely and relaxing and wonderful. We went with my sister, Brittney, and her husband. Seeing as Utah has been mighty chilly lately, these pictures are making me want to go back ASAP!

We hiked the Na Pali Coast, and pictures do not do it justice! We came upon some pretty heavy rain on this hike, but it made for even greater adventure! :)

I mean...

This was our destination on the Na Pali Coast hike! We swam out to the waterfall and played under it. Definitely something you don't get to do everyday! 

Kilauea Lighthouse

Stu caught a wave! Russ is somewhere in that mess. It was very high surf, as you can see. 

Ziplining through the trees! Such a rush!

The waves were crashing so hard at Queen's Bath. Absolutely amazing!

Rope swinging into a magical pool!

The last sunset on the last night. 

Until we meet again Kauai!