Emigration Vacation

We were given the opportunity to dog/house sit for our friend over the weekend, while she and her family went on vacation. I think this is the third time we have gone up to house sit for them. We love it, and Emma loves playing with the puppies. They don't run away like her kitties do at home! Staying there feels like a mini-vacation, because we are so secluded from everything and we really are far away from home. The house is beautiful, the view is amazing, and the hot tub is just what we need at the end of the day! You know it's a mini-vacation when you come home and you feel a little bit exhausted, and glad to be home at the same time. We love it up there, but we love being home even more! Here's some pictures from our weekend-

Matt's photo skills

sunset in the canyon, I should have gone outside to take it, but it was cold!

the work of Matty

Emma and Trixie, she loved her Trixie!

This was a great babysitter- she loved to take all the Legos out, and then put them back in

Chester was such a good pup, he let Emma do whatever she wanted to him

Mr. Chester

Everyone knows that the toys at other people's houses, are way more fun than your own

My happy girl

 Nothing too exciting, we were happy to help friends, and also have a nice get away for the weekend. "Staycations" are the best!

xoxo
The Twistles

Reasons Why My Husband Is My Hero

♥ He drives up a canyon, on a snowy day, from our house in West Jordan, to help me fulfill a prior commitment to dog sit, when the backup plan fell through

♥ He kills insects for me, that invade our home

♥ He replaces the headlight in my car when it goes out

♥ He always gets me a Diet Pepsi on Saturday mornings

♥ He helps do bath time with Emma so I can blog

♥ He loves his Momma

♥ He respects his Dad

♥ He makes me happier than I ever thought possible

♥ He is always there with a hug, kiss, and "I love you"

♥ He doesn't get mad, when I come home with 3 pairs of shoes, instead of 1

♥ He takes out the trash, and refuses to let me do it (this includes the stinky baby diapers)

♥ He loves me more than I can comprehend

♥ He thinks I'm a good Mom, and tells me all the time

♥ He knows how to get me to smile

♥ He is patient with me when I don't deserve it

♥ He has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, and loves the gospel

♥ His laugh is contagious

♥ He makes silly jokes

♥ He loves our kitties

♥ He loves Emma, and is a "hands on" Dad- he loves to take care of her

♥ He works hard to provide for our family; he loves his job and is dedicated to moving up within his company

♥ He loves my family

♥ He loves me for who I am; I'm not sure I'll ever understand it- he loves me even though I'm stubborn, controlling, and impatient. He loves me on my good days, and my bad.

This started as a "top ten" list of reasons why Matt is my hero, but as I started thinking of all the things he does for me, the list just kept going on. Matt is my best friend, and I can't imagine a world without him in it. His love for me is beyond unconditional, and I love him for lovin' me! Thanks Matty, for being the best hubby a girl could ask for. I love you.

28 years old... already?

Today is my 28th birthday, and last night, I was able to share it with my amazing family. We had crock-pot spare ribs (my favorite b-day meal), followed by chocolate cup cakes and ice cream. Emma had so much fun playing with her cousin Tristan, and watched every little move he made. We celebrated my birthday, Mitchell's birthday, and my Mom's birthday for our January birthday dinner. I love my family so much, and I am so blessed that most of them live so close. Today, Emma and I are relaxing, and I have decided not to do any housework as a present to myself :) Here are some pictures and a video from last night, Happy Birthday to me!!

Mitch and I biting into some serious cupcake deliciousness, I am so in love with this boy!

Emma and I after church

Tristan played with Emma, and even shared his dragon toy with her

She loved watching him!

Emma laughing at Tristan being silly

Classic "Emma" look

I finally fit into the skirt from Breeanna!

 I'm 28, but I don't feel like it at all- still young at heart I guess!

xoxo

Rachel

Splish, Splash, Emma's takin' a bath

I know that most kids enjoy bath time, but Emma really enjoys bath time! Even if she's dead tired, ready for bed, or throwing a tantrum- she will drop all of that once she gets in the water. She likes to splash the water with her hands, which then gets all over her face. At first, I tried to stop her, since it gets in her eyes, nose, and mouth (which makes her start to cough), but it was to no avail. She doesn't seem to mind all that water getting in her face, which you can clearly tell from this video! 

We love our Emma baby, she never stops making us smile!

xoxo
The Twistles

10 Months Old!

I can't believe Emma will be 1 year old in 2 months! 2011 was filled with so many exciting moments for our family! Emma is now 10 months old, and is quickly figuring out this world that she's in, and also what her little body is capable of! I love to see her learn new things, and Matt and I get so excited to find out what new thing she's learned. Here's a couple pictures of Emma doing what she does best: being cute!!

Emma loves the shiny cd's... we don't need these anymore, right?

It didn't take her long to figure out her toy... and all the fun uses for it!

Eating it....

turns out it's a great blow dryer!

 Emma loves her over-sized  puppy dog that Anne gave her for Christmas, whenever she sees it, she gives out a giggle and crawls right over to it, and then lays her head on it. So cute!

New Year's snuggles with Dad

She loves to do head-stands, and we love to watch her!

Emma loves playing in her crib, and tries to hide in the corner when we come to get her. She doesn't want to get out!

bad picture, I know, but it explains the next one below it...

She shoved the whole thing in her mouth, and then tried to chew/swallow it. Didn't turn out so well, but made for a great picture!

This is the, "I'm totally doing this no matter what" look

And then come the giggles

Her first real "bonk" one of many to come

clapping her hands, she loves to do this!

She's been patting herself like this, and have been teaching her, "that's Emma"

 Ok... did I say a couple pictures, or like 30? Oh well, at least it wasn't 40 :) We love our baby Emma, and soon she won't be a baby anymore! We are enjoying every moment with her in our lives. Love you Emma!!!

xoxo
The Twistles