Here you have the first anual Hallish Christmas card!
This year has just flown right by! Mike and I were just talking about how he lost his job in the beginning of last year and how he has been at SolutionStream for 10 months now. It seems just yesterday we were stressing about where he was going to work.
*Mike couldn't be happier he loves his job. He is busy designing which is what he loves. He also serves as the Wolf Den leader and is over the 8 year old boys and helps them earn their belt-loops and achievements and work toward their Wolf. He got his first duck this year and also went out on his first Utah deer hunt. For fun he plays Xbox with his friends online, travels and watches BYU and the Utah Jazz. Most of all he loves spending time with his family.
*Nikki works full time at home raising and training Peyton and Kilo. Every day she goes to bed exhausted from a day full of wrestling and herding. When she gets some spare time she has taken up running and has run in many different races in the last year. She also has started feeling crafty and has been sewing everything from bows, to skirts, to dresses. She got a sewing machine for Christmas so her creativity can no longer be bridled. We were recently released as the Sunbeam teachers and Nikki was called to be an Achievement Days leader for the ward. For fun she loves hanging out with her lady friends and has joined the Chick-fil-a "Mommy Club." She keeps cheering on her Utah Utes and Jazz. Her family loves her and she loves them.
*Peyton is growing one year old. She loves reading and riding her pony. She is a hyper little thing who only stops moving for a couple hours a day. She is an eating machine, she will eat anything that is put in front of her. She is talking and walking with ease and only slows down give you a hug. She is just like her mom and hates bows. She ripes them out of her hair the second we put them there. She very tall and is in 18-24 month clothes. Her favorite song is the "Hot Dog" song from Mickey Mouse Club House. She went to Disneyland for the first time this year. She also went to Stadium of Fire and Camping. Her favorite College football team has yet to be determined. She loves her puppy and likes to tease him. She gets spoiled every Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa houses. She is a happy little girl who loves everyone and everyone loves her.
*Kilo is a new addition the family. He is 120lbs and is now one year old as well. He loves to gnaw on his bone and run around in the back yard. He has recently learned how to play fetch. All of the neighbor kids adore him except his vicious tail. He is a good boy and we love him very much.
Thank you for reading we hope all of you have a wonderful year with many sweet adventures to come.
Love, The Halls
The December birthdays got together and went to Tucanos!
Peyton sure loves her friend Phil.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Parties
Mike and the men in the family went to MI3 while Pey and I when to a few family and friend parties.
I just used a previous years shirt, but make hers. I told Mike that since he wasn't going to be there I was going to make fun of BYU. When he saw her ugly sweater he said "I think it's funny and cleaver." I'm glad he was a good sport.
Twas the night before Christmas and we were not at our house. Saturday we spend the day cleaning in the morning then off to the movies. We saw New Years Eve and it was actually really funny and I loved it because Zac Effron was in it! Then we headed to The Halls to share our favorite scripture of Christ and to read Luke 2 it always amazes me how emotional Luke 2 makes me especially thinking about Christ as a baby and thinking about Peyton when she was born.
We then opened up our PJs and and Peyton opened up some presents from Mi Mi and Pa Pa. Which she is now playing with as I write this. Books and Blocks is what she loves! We headed home and went to bed.
I woke up somewhere around 5 and went back to sleep then around 7:00 and Mike said you have to wait for Peyton to wake up to go down stairs. He went back to sleep and I went and woke up Peyton shh he dosen't know that. :) All week I have been telling her not to touch the presents and so when it came time to open them she wasn't really sure. We opened presents and if you know Mike and I we try to surprise each other every year. Even thought we have the universal wish list from Amazon. (if you don't know what that is, Google it. Its Amazing!) We both got spoiled and had a lot of fun watching
Peyton with her presents.
Were a little tired in the fist two. Peytons eyes make me laugh in this one.
Oh see this little ensemble Peyton is wearing, it's MINE from when I was 1. I need to find a picture of me in it.
We then realized we were going to be late and got ready and headed to my parents ward the one I grew up in. It was fun to see everyone I really miss that ward. It was so quite too. They only have 1 nursery compared to our Lehi ward that has 5 to 7. Then we went to my parents for Peyton to open her big present from Grandma P. She wasn't quite sure about it at first, but now that we have it home she keep hugging it. Then we went to The Halls for family presents and dinner. It is always so fun to see both families and Mike and I are extra spoiled because they are a block or 2 apart. Pa Pa got his beef stick which is his favorite! Then we stopped the present opening because Elder Matthew Hall was on Skype! Yes we got to see him and talk to him again. He got to see Pey and how she had grown. He is coming home the 4th of February! He is well and happy very sad to leave his mission though don't bring that up. Even though we are so very excited to have him home.
Then it was back to opening presents when all of the presents were opened and everything was cleaned up. My adorable husband said Nikki I have a surprise for you. I laughed and jokingly said a sowing machine. The story behind that was I read a text a to his mom about my Christmas present being a sowing machine I then told him about how I knew and he told me he returned it and was pretty mad. I won't do that again. So back to when I said that I thought there was NO WAY it could be a sowing machine I thought I was banned from that thought forever! Sure enough it was and it is amazing.
This family has been extremely spoiled this holiday season. Peyton has more toys than I know what to do with. The love really has been over whelming.
Then it was back to my parents later that night. Where Peyton got a pony!! She wan't sure about him at first, but now I can't get her away from him. She now brushes his mane with a fork...
Even though I just sat and told you all what we got I want you to know that I know that is not what Christmas is all about. I just wrote all that because I want to be able to look back and remember how I felt. If you take something from this post know that the true meaning CHRISTmas is the most important. The birth of my savior and brother Jesus Christ. I love him and am so blessed to have the gospel in my life.
Suzanne and Mike said it best on Christmas Eve.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
I hope everyone one of you had a very Merry Christmas!
She got 6 shots at her 1 year check up, poor kid. She did much better with the shots than earrings by far. She is 32'' long and 20.6 something pounds which puts her in the 97th percentile for height and 52nd for weight! He asked me how many words she is saying I said oh about 15 I think he said WOW she is good then. I guess they have to be saying at least 2. I made a list because I wanted to know how many she says. Ma Ma, Da Da, Ba Ba, Kilo, Sit, Down, OOO and OH, Hi, Uh Oh, MMM, Co Co, Mi Mi, Nigh Night, Right There, NO, Thank You. I think i'm missing a couple, but those she can all say. She signs more and points when I ask her were something is. She also knows to be "soft" with Kilo. Any many more. As far as what can't say, but understands what I'm talking about amazes me. For example I tell her to "Turn Around" to go down the stair on her belly and she knows she just needs that little reminder or else she will just stand at the top and throw stuff down them...
This month Peyton has continued to amaze me. Her personality is really shining through, even the stubborn side.
* No is her favorite word... She doesn't know what it means because I was saying it to my dog. I've tried to never say no to her unless its a big deal. I just distract her with something else so I don't have to say it. She is also saying mi mi (minnie mouse), co co (Colton) and Hi especially when she has her phone up to her ear...
*She fell out of the crib, bad parenting on my part. I should have lowered it. I didn't think she's climb over, but one morning she came crawling in the hall way with a bloody lip luckily the tears and blood didn't last long. I won't ever make that mistake again.
*Pey sleeps from 10 to 8 depending on the day and if she is teething. Sometimes she cries and sometimes she just plays in her crib for a while and lets me sleep in.
*She loves books, that's all she wants to do. I know that is from her dad because I don't read!
* She is now only walking if she does crawl it's rare. She also tries to run, but trips in her jeans.
* The hotdog song from Mickey Mouse club house is her favorite. Mike sings it all the time....
* I gave her a skittle and she was in 7the heaven! She LOVED it. She said mmm like 10 times with 1 skittle.
* Last month Mike and I took her to my parents and she played in the leaves. She kept crunching them in her hands.
* She loves the wind, I worry it will get her sick, but she laughs when it hits her face.
* She has 2 bottom teeth and I kid you not she is getting 5 on top. She wakes up and just cries I hate it, it breaks my heart. Luckily I have the numbing stuff and it works. Yes I tried it to see :)
* I had a Relief Society dinner the same night Mike had Scouts so I had to take Pey. I put her in with the Nursery kids so I could hear the speaker. I teared up a little then I realized how nice it was to be able to listen again. The next 8 months church is going to be very difficult.
* My friend Kristen and I were shopping and I guess we say "Cute" a lot because we put a bow on Pey's head and very clearly she said CUTE! We both looked at each other and laughed. From now on when I put a bow on her head I get her to say it. :)
* She absolutely loves food and sugar! If I make her a bottle or rice cereal she won't drink it if she knows there is other food cooking or being eaten.
* She went to her first movie The Muppets. She was good for the first part. Then wanted to walk around. Then wore her self out running in the Hall. When she fell asleep I got to watch a the end of it.
* She is a mooch! If she sees something cool or yummy she wants it and doesn't care who you are! Like the people behind in the movie had popcorn and she wanted some. Her yogurt melts weren't doing the job.
* I can't take her to the store. First because she hates sitting in the cart, I showed her she could stand in the big area and now that is all she wants to do. Crap. Second because all of the elderly want to see the little girl I get stuck talking to random people. A quick trip for Milk or something in non existent.
* We were in line at In-N-Out and she kept saying "mmm mmm mmm." I decided we go there too much.
*We took her 1 year pictures and she was an onry butt the whole time, she didn't even smile when eating the cake, but she LOVED it. I think she would have ate the whole thing if I would have let her.
Pey had her first fever. She woke up and was fine, but I noticed she was really cuddly and just wanted to be held. Which is not like her at ALL! We were just watching some Disney when I felt how hot she was I took her temp and it was 102.8 I was a mess. I was so worried I called up my doctor and luckily a nurse calmed me down. Mike left work and brought me some baby Tylenol which is what the nurse said to do. I gave her a bath with the water at room temperature another thing the nurse said to do. It was going down a few hours later it was at 100.3 I held her all day and she slept a lot and just wanted to be close to me. It was really sweet. In a way I'm kind of glad I got to have that cute little sick day with her. Other than the fact I was scared out of my mind. Oh and I learned later the reason for the fever is that she was cutting (getting) her top two teeth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 19th
Pey woke up early sheesh she didn't even sleep in on her birthday ;) Daddy got to wish her a happy Birthday before work though. She ate her favorite breakfast and we played for a few hours just me and her giggling she was really really happy. I kept singing Happy Birthday to her just to get her ready ha ha ha. Then we cleaned and rearranged furniture for her party that night.
We got ready and headed to the mall, we met up with my friend Kristen. We went down to Clairs and waited in line for 45 min. Finally it was our turn they asked to see my ID. Sure enough I didn't have it because a few months earlier I lost it, it this same mall.... GREAT the girl said she couldn't do it with out the mothers ID. So my friend Kristen said well what if I'm the mom now and the girl said no. I was MAD. I've been waiting a year to do this. We walked around for a bit while I tried to calm down. We then walked passed Icing and I asked Kristen if she'd be Peytons mom for a bit. We went in and waited forever again. Finally the pearcing came.
I had to hold her arms and her head. It reminded me of her getting shots. They did one and the tears began to fall. I tried not to cry because i'm not suppose to be her mom. Then they hurried and did the second one she was so sad and cried and cried and cried. Kristen comforted her then gave her to me. It was so sad. They gave her a sucker and that quickly calmed her down. As we left they said to Kristen you are a really good mom we can tell you love her so much. I said well that will be a fun story for years to come and I'll be happy to return the favor.
Mike and I think they look adorable on her!
The PARTY!
It was simple small family and close friend party. We ate and opened presents. She got lots of clothes books and toys. The highlight of the night was her eating the cake that Mi Mi made just for her.
The Before shot
Sad little face
and then the tears :(
Trying to figure out if Dane made 2 or 3 bracelets. Thanks Dane they are very cute!
This year my birthday was the day before Thanksgiving.
Tuesday- My family went to Sammy's in Pleasant Grove. It was BOGO so it was prefect. Who doesn't want free shakes? MMM Peach Cobbler and Raspberry Cheesecake are my fav so far. Any way it was a lot of fun just eating junk with the Fam bam. And opening presents of course. Thanks everyone!
/[]\'=-===
Wednesday- My Birthday~! My best friend Kristen came over and did my hair and got Peyton all ready. It was wonderful! I couldn't figure out how to curl my hair with a straightener, but she thought me! So you will probably see a lot more pics with me in curls and Mike loves it that way. We hung out and watched GTU then headed to lunch at Zupas with Emilee, Mckell and their kids. I really love the soup they have. It was so fun catching up with everyone.
That night Mike came home from work and we dropped Pey off with Grandma Parry and headed to SLC! I usually go to the Harvest or Flemmings for my Birthday this year it was Flemmings! The filet minion just melts in your mouth. Ah so good! It was very romantic and wonderful just to be with Mike on my big day. We shopped at Gate way and hung out by the fire, fountain and Christmas tree. Then we headed home. Mike gave me a camera (yes my other one got stolen) for my Birthday a month early so I could have it for Disneyland. I knew he was getting me something else though, but I wasn't holding my breath just incase he didn't, but he did!!! Disney Kinect Adventures and I ended up staying up late playing it :)
Thursday- Thanksgiving morning Mike went golfing with his family and I headed to go duck hunting with my family. Sadly I didn't get one, but my brother did since they flew his direction and not mine. Later that day Suzanne pick Pey and I up and we headed to Bountiful for Thanksgiving dinner at the Altoms. We ate a delicious meal and played Mafia and Scum. I was actually winning for once it was great since it was only my second time playing Scum. And of course we watched lots of football. Jason and Adam taught Sharolee and I how to play Risk. We didn't ge to finish, but we have a few pictures of the board. I was really a relaxing day just to vegg out. This year I was Thankful that I was not sick on my birthday and on Thanksgiving.
About 10PM my best friend Spencer picked me up and we headed to Wal-Mart. Yes we are crazy, but it was a lot of fun. I got some really great movies for cheap and other stuff I can't say because Mike reads this :) Then we headed to Khols and it was also madness. So we hid our stuff in a coat and left so we could pick it up the next day. It was around 2 or 3AM and I was tired. We did stop at BestBuy, but the T.V. didn't compare to Costo prices.
Friday- Mike and I went shopping for our families presents and just hung out and played some COD. We went over to my parents for some Thanksgiving leftovers and to take pictures of Pey in the leaves.
Saturday- Mike, Whitney, Pey and I went to the Muppets. Mike absolutely loved it!! I did a lot of playing with Pey in the hall way. She was way to hyper to watch a movie then will all of her running she crashed and fell asleep. I got to some of it and liked what I saw.
That night we went and got some yummy Indian food with my parents, Colton, Lynne, Payden and Annette. It was first time for a lot of them and I think they will all go back!
Sunday- Church of course and then we went to Mikes family for mine and Jasons Birthday Dinner! I got and entertainment center a few months ago, but Suzanne got me a giftcard to Tai pan!! Sneaky lady oh and I got a ton of hot coco wrapped up like a kiss! Those Zippro's are clever aren't they! Strawberry cheese cake for dessert! Jason and I were in heaven! We talked the night away and laughed at Pey she is good and entertaining us. Now that she is walking everywhere she is has a lot more bonks too. She is so fun and so hyper.
Jason and Sharolee gave me this big kiss! Inside was lots and lots of hot coco! :)
In conclusion it was truly an amazing week! I was defiantly spoiled! I really am so lucky and so grateful for all of the family and friends I have. I really love each and every single one of them! Thank you everyone. I am so blessed!
