christmas.

Benson was spoiled this year and absolutely loved Christmas morning. The reaction on his face and in his voice to his basketball hoop was priceless. With just our small family of three, we enjoyed Christmas morning together in our own home. We were able to enjoy each others gifts and time together. We then got to talk to Parker. It was so neat to be able to hear his voice and his love for Mexico and his mission. Then we were off the Asay's to spend Christmas Day and the whole next week with family. It was the perfect Christmas!

 

thanksgiving.

To me Thanksgiving means family, memories, games, traditions, and food. I am happy to say we experienced all of that this Thanksgiving. Being up in the mountains at my Grandma's cabin again for Thanksgiving was something I have been wanting to do for years. This year did not disappoint and I am so grateful it happened. The drive was not bad. The weather was beautiful. The family was perfect. The zip line was fun. And the almond tart topped it all off. I have so much to be grateful for! We are truly blessed.

halloween.

This year was full of fun times for Benson to dress up for Halloween. I loved his owl costume and it hardly seemed to bother him which is a total plus. It kicked off with the annual Asay Halloween party. The highlight this year was the hay ride around the neighborhood. We were quite the sight for anyone who may have seen us. It is so fun to have so much family around. 

Our ward trunk or treat was where Benson learned the art of collecting candy and he was not shy about the handfuls he stuffed into his bucket at every car. It was great practice for Halloween night. He ran from house to house and loved knocking on the doors. 

He got impatient at some houses who didn't answer fast enough...

October was too good and we are excited for this holiday season! Other October highlights:

Painting pumpkins is way better than carving them

connecticut.

Life was blissful this past weekend. Our trip to Connecticut was so great and we loved spending time with my family and grandparents. Friday night we went to the BYU/UCONN game. Although we missed it, my dad was in charge of the tailgate and sounded like it was a successful event. Instead we were slowly making our way through Little Jamaica with lots of entertainment. The game was lots of fun!

Saturday we drove to an orchard to pick peaches. It was a bit of a drive, but so worth it! I loved seeing the rows and rows of trees with fruit free for your own picking. We ate peaches right from the trees and took bags full home to make peach ice cream. Yum!

Sunday we got set for the main event. Parker's mission farewell. He did a great job on his talk and we are so proud of him and excited for him to serve the people in Mexico.

Monday was our last day and it was also our third anniversary. Matt and I celebrated by getting manicures and pedicures. We loved it!

4th of july.

July in Utah = my favorite. Warm summer nights, holidays, BBQ, family, fireworks, friends. There is something magical about it. We had a great weekend celebrating the 4th. Matt went golfing, we had dinner and games in Alpine, watched fireworks from my bedroom window, neighborhood block party, outdoor movie, and fun fireworks. Benson was loving all the time outside, but was sure worn out by the end of the night. The 4th of July will always be a favorite holiday of mine!

north carolina.

After months of planning and preparing, our long awaited trip to Mt. Airy and the beach happened. It was so great to meet Granny and the rest of Matt's mom's family. There were so many fun events planned and we loved all being together. The time at the beach was fabulous! I love the beach and was so happy to see Benson loving the water. The east coast beaches are totally different than California beaches and dare I say better! We hope we get the chance to go back again sometime.

first birthday party.

We officially have a one year old. It was so fun to celebrate Benson's birthday yesterday. Give it a few days and I will have his 12 month post coming after his visit to the doctors. We are so grateful for Mr. Benson and the smile he brings to us. Time is flying by, but we are loving every minute with him. We had a small party for him with family and friends. We are grateful for those who live close and were able to come.

easter.

I love the Easter season. There is so much good about it. As with everyone, I loved the Because of Him video the Church put out. It was so simple, but so powerful. It helped me to focus on Christ and His resurrection. How eternally grateful am I! 

The Asay family Easter egg hunt was fun as always. Benson loved the eggs. We had a nice family dinner on Sunday with just the three of us. I love my little family and the memories and traditions we are creating.

celebrating.

This past weekend was full of celebrations and fun. Valentines Day this year was perfect. We ate in and had a delicious meal. I really wanted to have a fun table setting. I just couldn't find exactly what I was picturing until my mom came to the rescue with some birthday presents I opened a bit early. The tablecloth and chargers were perfect and I can't wait to use them more. Saturday we celebrated my birthday with a trip to Salt Lake to get me a new phone. I am loving the gold iphone. We went out to dinner at Malawi's Pizza. Always a favorite. Sunday we continued to celebrate on my actual birthday with Asay family dinner. There were lots of February birthdays to celebrate. I felt spoiled all weekend long.

more florida.

Sometimes you sit in your freezing basement with snow falling and wish you were back in Florida. Instead I will just post more pictures while I am bundled up in blankets. Enjoy!