5 year Anniversary Getaway

Brad and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on December 29, while we were still in San Diego.  A family friend offered up her beach house for us to stay in for a couple days and my parents offered to watch Owen.  Are you kidding me!?  Who would turn those offers down!  With that, we packed up our bags and headed off to Coronado for 2 days. 

 

It was the cutest little house, close to everything we needed: restaurants, shopping, beach. 

We even had a personalized welcome waiting for us!  I loved it!

The first afternoon we walked around the Hotel Del Coronado and checked out the beautiful Christmas decorations they had.  Then we went out to dinner at yummy Italian restaurant that overlooked the San Diego skyline. 

The next day, we slept in!  Woohoo!  (Maybe my favorite part about the entire weekend!  Is it okay to say that?)  Then we went to the beach for a couple hours, and except for a small incident with some brazen seagulls (stole our bread right out from under us!)  we enjoyed some lunch, some reading, and then walked along the beach to find some seashells for Owen.

Later that afternoon we headed over to the pier and checked out the shops. 

Here is a picture of us in Coronado over 5 years ago, when Brad came out to California to propose to me.  Please tell me we look at least a little older, right?

We finished up the night with some Thai food, some ice cream, and a couple movies.  It was the perfect little getaway!  And Owen didn't even notice we were gone, he was too busy having fun with his aunt, uncles, Papa & Noni.  Thank you family for watching Owen, and thank you Moore family for opening your home to us!

California Christmas

San Diego weather did not disappoint while we were visiting.  It was 70-80 degrees everyday and absolutely beautiful.  Every morning Brad and Owen could go on walks around my grandparent's property, eating tangerines off of the tree, visiting the horses, watching grandpa work, and just enjoying the nice warm weather. 

Brad and my cousin & uncle went deep sea fishing one day.  They left around 4:00 am and were going to either do a half-day or full-day trip depending on the fishing.  Well the fishing was pretty successful, and (once again!) the weather was perfect so they stayed all day and didn't get back until 7:00 pm.  Brad was exhausted but said they had a blast. 

Sunset on the water.  Beautiful!

We headed down to Barrio Logan one afternoon for some traditional mexican food at Las Cuatro Milpas.  We got their early, so the line wasn't too long and we only had to wait 45 minutes (Yes, that's the short line wait!)  The food was yummy, and we had a kick trying to watch my Dad (who doesn't know a lick of spanish) try to order his meal.  "No queso!"  Haha... good times!

On December 29 (which happened to be Brad & my 5 year anniversary!) we were able to do a family session at the temple.  Brad and I have been able to be at the temple for each of our anniversaries, so it was nice to keep the tradition going, and of course to be with my family!

Britni, Bry, Ross, Mom & Dad, me

(Brad was lost somewhere inside)

Besides the 2 days that Brad and I snuck away to celebrate our 5 year anniversary, the rest of our days were spent with the family!  We ventured down to the park one day to feed the ducks, we went on lots of walks, the ladies did some shopping/the guys watched some football, and we played lots of games.  Including some very spirited Minute-to-Win-it games on New Years Eve that will remain a family highlight for years to come. 



Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Since we were flying out to San Diego on Christmas Eve morning, we got to spend Christmas Eve-Eve with the Hardcastles. 

Owen checking out his loot!  Look at those cute Christmas jammies from Grammy & Papa.  Also, if you look closely you can see a shiner starting to form on his right eye.  We were at Brad's aunt & uncles that night for our annual family Christmas party, and Owen tripped and fell on a toy truck.  It immediately started turning black & blue.  Poor guy! 

 Owen wasn't too sure about his horsey that night, but he has since warmed up to it.  He loves riding "Rocky" and also loves giving him hugs & kisses.

 Our little bookworm got lots of books for Christmas.  He loves 'em!

 And you can all be jealous of my blank check for a Silhouette machine from Brad.  Woohoo!

(The routing numbers are our anniversary and Owen's birthday... that's my man!)

 On Christmas Day (in San Diego now) we went to church then came home and opened our gifts.  The Christmas program my parent's ward presented was absolutely beautiful.  I kind of wish we could go to church every Christmas morning!  It just sets the right tone for the day.

Look how handsome my little man looked in his church outfit!

 Our family on Christmas morning.  (Why do I look so tired??)

 We opened most of our presents early in Utah, but Owen still had a few things waiting for him on Christmas.   He loves to watch Sesame Street, so this was the perfect book!

 Christmas dinner at my grandparent's house and some sparklers rounded out the day.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Visit to Santa

I was nervous that this year's Santa experience would be very different from last year's, since Owen was older and probably wouldn't love the whole Santa thing.  But, my people-loving-never-met-a-stranger-he-didn't-like baby proved me wrong!  Such a cutie!

Lights at Temple Square

Last weekend we ventured up town to visit the lights at Temple Square.  We went last year but of course Owen was too young to know what was going on.  In fact, I think he slept the whole time.   So I was excited to see his reaction to all the bright lights and colors this year.  Plus, it is absolutely beautiful and an excuse to get all bundled up and enjoy some family time.  Brad was a little less than thrilled to be headed outside in 20 degree weather, but after some bribing with some hot chocolate he was in. 

Owen's newest discovery... lovely.

With all his layers on, Owen barely fit in the stroller.  He was definitely a little unsure about what we were getting him into, but once we were outside and walking around, he was mesmerized with the lights & the people.

It was pretty cold, but with a little hot chocolate and some timely visits to the Visitor's Center we stayed warm enough. 

I hope this can be a yearly tradition for our family! 

Random November Happenings...

Brad started a new job a few weeks ago.  So far, so good!  He is working in compliance for a company in the health industry and really enjoying the standard hours and short commute!  His company sent him to Cleveland for a week, so I took the opportunity to do some traveling myself.

 

Owen and I flew to San Diego for a week and completely surprised my mom!  She had no idea we were coming and we had a great time.  Owen loved the warm weather and feeding the horses with Great Grandpa Fox.  He also loved exploring new territory and picking flowers for Grandma.

Not sure if the flower made it into the house in one piece, but he was sure proud of himself!

 Brad and Owen had a few "guys night" where they ate dinner and watched sports together in the family room.    

Owen sported some Fox family pride on Thanksgiving with the Hardcastles

And we have officially entered the tantrum stage.  Fun!  Luckily they are few and far between.  Mostly it is when I won't give him any more snacks after his 3rd snacktime of the day.  The boy loves his snacks!

This little boy of ours...

Is pretty special.  Is my best bud.  Is so handsome.  Is the sweetest little boy, always giving us hugs & kisses.  Is funny.  Is so smart.  Is the best thing that ever happened to us!

We love you baby Owen! 

Happy Halloween!

 Last Wednesday was a Halloween themed mutual.  Since Brad and I are both in YM/YW right now (my last week for me... I'm so sad to go!) Owen got to come along with us.  We decided to whip out a family themed costume.  We could only get Owen to keep the hat on long enough for this picture, but don't we look good! 

I was bummed that Owen got a little cold Saturday that kept us from a friend's Halloween party... our costumes would have taken 1st prize.  Right, Nicki?!

Yesterday, we went to Brad's work and did some trick or treating office to office.  It was sweet!  He got more candy in 15 minutes than we would have gotten in 2+ hours of walking house to house.  Since he's still so little, we called it good and didn't do anymore trick or treating that night.  Probably our last year of ever getting away with that!

Last weekend we met up with some friends and went to the "Boo at the Zoo".  Basically everyone dresses up, walks around & looks at animals, and trick or treats at different vendor spots along the way.  It was pretty fun!  Of course, Owen had to sport a zoo-appropriate costume for that, so he was a cute little monkey.

 Cutest little monkey I've ever seen!

Special Visitors

We were lucky enough to have my Grandpa Fox & Dad visit us the last couple weeks.  Of course, they were a little more interested in a certain little boy than Brad & I... but who can blame them?!  It is always fun to have visitors, and since we only get to see my family a few times each year these quick visits were extra special!