Happy Birthday Cooper

This little boy turned 5 years old today!

He is the sweetest most loving little boy

Who shares anything with anyone...... and gives the best loves.

It's my nephew Cooper and I had the best weekend celebrating your big day!

I Love You!

Hugh Jackman in Australia.......... Need I Say More???

Christmas Eve 2008

Grandma Smith, me, and my cousin Chelsey

My aunts and cousin and her grandma Rudd

Random family members.... White Elephant Gift Exchange

My cousin Whitney and her adorable baby Cayden

Whoa! He really liked my camera

Random family members opening gifts

All my cousins who were there for Christmas Eve .....

Cousin Colleen and I

My Grandpa Smith and I




Christmas Eve this year was spent at my Aunt Shelley's house. It was fun to get together with family. Eat a yummy dinner and dessert. Have good treats. Play fun games. White Elephant Gift Exchange and open presents with family. It was a fun night. Reminds me of Christmas Eve's growing up.

Day At The Phoenix Zoo

Helga cared more about the giraffes then our picture.

Riding the train around the zoo. Helga and I both caught off guard by the picture

Andrew and Hanga .... loving the train

Helga sitting on the cement turtle loving it

Helga after I took her off and put her in the stroller so we could go..... temper temper

Hanga digging for worms

Helga trying to eat the dirt after me telling her no ..... 10 times

Helga and I enjoying not being in the petting zoo with the others. I hate petting zoos. Disgusting

Andrew and Hanga on the carousel

Sarah and Ally.... carousel

Miss Helga and I ......

Hanga petting the stingrays. No thanks for me..... I gladly took pictures instead.

The girls and I next to the stingray tank!

So Christmas Break from school officially began this last Friday. This means I have had Hanga all day everyday since then. So we decided to hit the Phoenix Zoo for one of the days. Our friend Sarah joined us with Ally and Andrew the kids she nannies. It was a great day but freezing outside. : )

Random Fun

A few weeks ago I had my sisters kids for a few hours. I needed to return a huge cooler to my aunt who lived not far down the road. I decided it would be easiest to do it while I was watching the kids. Didn't really think about having the 3 kids and the huge cooler. Unfortunately the cooler was too big for the trunk. So.... I made the kids hold it on their lap and they thought it was so funny. They complained the whole way there. I probably would have too. Poor Elle had most of it on her lap.

Afterwards we came back to their house and cuddled up on the couch for a good 'ole Christmas movie. Always love hanging out with these 3!

I Am Grateful

I can't believe in a little over a week it will be 2009. Where has the time gone? I am getting way too old that is for sure! This month I have been thinking a lot about things I am grateful for.



*I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life

*I am grateful to feel like my move to Arizona was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time

*I am grateful for my sister and her family and for the amazing example they are to me of living the gospel

*I am grateful for the 3 most adorable niece and nephews in the world who just make me happy being around them

* I am grateful for the most amazing dad in the whole world. I am grateful for the 19 years I had with him. I am grateful for his love and kindness.I am grateful for all he taught me. I am grateful that I will be with him again.... forever. I really miss him

*I am grateful for friends new and old. For all they teach me and will continue to teach me. For the examples they are to me. For all they do for me. Thank You, Thank You

*I am grateful for trials and tribulations and for all they have taught me about myself. I know that I can handle anything....I am never alone.

*I am grateful for missionary work. The blessings are unimaginable.

*I am grateful for my mom. For all she does for me. For all she has sacrificed for us. For all she has endured. I love you very much Mom.

*I am grateful for my brothers. Brandon for always making me laugh. Colt.... Know I Love You !

*I am grateful for Sarah and for her decision to be baptized. Not only have you found happiness in your own life but you have helped me in more ways then you'll ever know.

Christmas Party at La Casa de Brannigan and Cassie

Brannigan and I decided to throw a Christmas Party at our apartment this year. Can I just say it was ...... AWESOME! The pictures above are some of our decorations. We invited family and friends and ate lots and played some great games. We had a White Elephant Exchange as well.

Me enjoying the food

Most amazing party planners ever! We wanted to match our silver sparkle decor!

Bryant and I

Shelley and roommate Andrea

My cousin Kyle and his girlfriend Katie

Me, Amy, Whitney, Kirk, and Chelsey showing off our white elephant gifts

Sarah, Heather,and Valerie showing us their gifts.

Bryant with his gifts. A book of dog poop art. Disgusting.

Our tree with all the gifts under it

Cousin Shelby with a few peoples gifts on her.

Playing pictionary. Team A

Playing Pictionary Team B. We couldn't really see the board so the game wasn't that exciting.

Brannie and I up to draw for pictionary. Cheese

Shelley and Kirk into their drawing

Sarah, Me, Cameron, and Brannie. Bran and I bought a few gifts for white elephant. This was one of them.... a pirate dress up set.

The night was so much fun and over too quickly. I think we'll be having more parties now that we've seen how much fun it is! Thanks everyone who came and to those of you who didn't make it ..... you missed out!