Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas filled with laughter and love!

We're lazy-ing around for the morning, heading out for a delish of a holiday brunch, then of course...on to the movies. Maybe a little Sherlock Holmes, eh?

Canada for Christmas

We are trotting up North for a few days to do Christmas Canadian style.

This will be our second take at celebrating a holiday together in Canada. Our first 4th of July together we thought we'd take advantage of the day off and head up to Vancouver, BC for some shopping and then evening fireworks.

It wasn't until we were waiting to get through the border that in donned on us...Canada probably doesn't celebrate the United State's Independence Day. Oh well, you can't call us stupid, we were still in the lovey-dovey-clouded-from-reality phase.

But this time we've got our heads on straight and are certain that they celebrate Christmas in Canada.

It's a growin'!

My hair is now officially long enough to be put into a halfway decent looking ponytail.

BIG day for me, I tell ya.

Rob's been missing my long hair ever since I gave it the big chop. I think he's happier about the ponytail than I am.

I guess it doesn't take much to make us happy! ☺

and it gets even better

Lindsay just texted (or is it just 'text'??) me this picture and it made me laugh.

I forwarded it onto Rob, but then realized that he won't take it as a joke...he'll probably pick one up on the way home from work tonight.

Then we'd be a big ol' happy Snuggie family...we just need one for Sox now.

Doesn't that sound like a great picture for our Christmas card next year!?! Oh, and did you catch my sarcasm there? ☺

Laughing until I cried

Nie Nie Dialogues is one of the many blogs that has found it's way into my Google Reader over the years.

As I was catching up on my blog reading this afternoon I read one of her posts from yesterday she's written about her daughter and it had me laughing out loud in my office. And no, not a 'ha, ha' kind of chuckle...a roaring bout of laughter...tears and all.

Give it a read here...it may gross you out a bit (or a lot), but it's still stinkin' funny!

I never thought I'd see the day...

As hard as it is for me to admit it, I have just got to do it.

I am a proud owner of a Snuggie. Not just any Snuggie, a pink Snuggie.

Yep, gag...that's right...a Snuggie.

The Robster gifted it to me (cuz he ♥'s me), and got himself one in blue. I couldn't bring myself to don it though. I tried to fight it for several days, but Rob kept wearing his and he looked so dang warm, while I was just freezing.

Finally the other day he got sick of hearing me whine about being cold so he pulled my pink Snuggie out of the box and wrapped it around me.

No, surprisingly, my flesh didn't burn at the touch. It actually would have purred if it could. Since that moment we've been nearly inseparable, and I don't see our relationship ending any time soon. I just wish he would've gone with something other than pink. ☺

Half way holiday cheer

I haven't given my all when it comes to the Christmas season this year.

Since we are out of town for much of the month, I didn't feel like going through the hassle of putting up a tree, so I 'borrowed' this little tree from the storage room at work and set it up in the kitchen at home.

Yes, this is the extent of our holiday decorating.

On a whim I picked up some pre-cut sugar cookie dough while at Target yesterday and baked them up. It was only later that I realized the only frosting we had was orange Halloween frosting.

So there...part Christmas, part Halloween. Hey, I tried.

I hope my Christmas spirit amps up as the month passes on! I might even get around to sending out Christmas cards.

Maybe. ☺

Arizona, in a nutshell

AZ was lots and lots of fun! What a better way to share that than pictures! Not many pictures came out well though...I used our new camera down there (which has at least a million and seven different settings) and didn't take the time to read through the manual before using it. And, of course, I can't find the manual now. Awesome.

For Thanksgiving dinner we ended up heading to Claim Jumper. A great dinner with absolutely no clean up...plus they gave us some gift cards...that never happens to me when I cook at home! You?

I thought it would be funny to see Lyndon bite into a lemon (I know that sounds evil and rude, but I promise, it wasn't...or at least I wasn't trying to be!), but he ended up LOVING them!

Every time we went out to dinner he sucked on the lemons, made a sour face and then sucked on them again! Yeah, not so good from a dentist standpoint, but I doubt his responsible parents he will make a habit of it.

We skipped out on the early Friday morning shopping and opted for sleeping until noon (embarrassing, but completely true) The Cheesecake Factory for lunch and then
browsing through the mall.

Well, Lindsey and I browsed, Rob was chasing Lyndon around the mall. Even though we had his stroller Rob would hold Lyndon's hand and slowly totter around the mall with him...that is until Lyndon darted away and then Rob went a chasin'!

They spent a bit of time at the outside fountain...super cute to watch the two of them! Lyndon is so inquisitive and Rob (although he would deny it) loved doting on him.

Lyndon really took to Rob and I thought it was incredibly adorable. Nothing cuter...really!

Friday night we went to the Tempe Festival of Lights Parade. We got there a little on the later side, so it was really crowded. We still managed to score some prime street space to park our blanket though. It was really weird to have all of the Christmas festivities going on while it was so warm out!

On Saturday night we dined on Mill Ave again, then headed off to the Phoenix Zoo to check out Zoolights. All of the light displays were really impressive!

Sadly, we didn't see too many animals out, but the lights were the main attraction anyways. We were excited to see Lydon's reaction to all of the lights, but he slept through the entire thing...waking up at the very end as we were walking out.

The trip was really fun for us and we were so glad to finally get down there to visit. Rob was bummed that we didn't make it out to the Challenger Space Museum, so he says we'll have to go down again. As long as it's between November and March, that's fine with me! ☺

Doesn't feel like December

It's no longer Fall.

No matter what I do, my mind/body just doesn't want to admit that Fall is over. Perhaps it is because we still have Fall-like leaves on our trees still...unheard of past mid November usually!

So in hopes of moving along into the Christmas/Winter-like mood, I borrowed a few desktop calendars from Smashing Magazine to adorn the screens of all my computers. I am certain that they'll be pushing me into the Winter mood any second now.

Just a few of my favorites...grab one...it'll have you feeling all Christmas-y in no time!

Olympics, two tickets please

With the 2010 Winter Olympics being so close to us (Vancouver, BC), we thought we just HAD to go! Only problem...we got this idea a few years after the rest of the world. Way to go, I know!

By the time I got around to buying tickets, all the exciting events were sold out. I really wanted to see the figure skating, and Rob wanted to see anything that he didn't have to stand outside in the cold to see.

Skating (figure and speed) sold out long ago, but we were lucky enough to get some hockey tickets. I was a bit put off by the price of the tickets, but Rob reminded me that it's not going to be just any old hockey game, it's the Olympics and that is one more thing we can check off our list of 'cool things to do before we die'. True.

After hours of time online and on the phone with their customer support I finally got our tickets purchase and am really looking forward to going!

Go USA!!

Oh, wait...we're seeing Germany and Belarus...not sure who we'll be cheering for yet.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all thought we'd do Thanksgiving dinner the best way there is: eating out!

I wasn't sure of the restaurants scene down here, so I made a few different reservations...still haven't narrowed down where we'll actually be heading, but wherever it is, it'll be yummy, I am sure.

And in true holiday fashion, I think we'll grab a movie tonight as well. I'm thinking Old Dogs or A Christmas Carol. Looks like it'll be a Disney holiday either way.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving...and being especially thankful, of course!

Off to warmer climes

Finally, we're off to Arizona for a long, sunny Thanksgiving weekend!

We are SO excited to see Tyler, Lindsay and Lyndon!

We're also looking forward to the warmer weather. Ty reported that it's supposed to hit 80* on Thanksgiving.

My capris and flip flops have been dying to make an appearance and we all know how much Rob loves his tank tops! ☺

I even picked up a Travel Scrabble, so you know we're all set!

13 days and counting

Yes, there is a countdown in progress!

To a birthday? No.

To a vacation? No.

To the end of an incredibly long quarter of school? Yes!!!!

I honestly don't think I've wanted a quarter to end as badly as I want this one to. Not because it's been particularly miserable or anything, I just really want a break from school!

Being gone until 10:30 every night for weeks upon weeks upon months can really take their toll on you! I am looking forward to being able to come home after work and just be.

Apparently I've been 'neglecting our family' as of late due to school. Yes, that is an actual quote from Rob. And the family he is referring to...him, and the pets. Yes, pets are family too, if you ask him. ☺

So yes, 13 more days of late night classes and weekend studying and I'll be off for a month to renew the bonds with my 'family'.

Can't wait.

My new specialty

My stitches are supposed to dissolve, but instead came loose/untied and they had been bothering me all weekend!

While I was at Target yesterday I picked up some manicure scissors and alcohol wipes with full intention of taking them out myself.

As soon as I got into my car I busted the goods out, along with my tweezers set I keep in my make up case. I proceeded to pull down my visor mirror, clean off my 'tools' and take out what stitches I could see.

I guess this was weird enough, because the man who pulled in next to me gave me the weirdest look. I think that I am ready to be a surgical intern...or at least on the cast of Grey's Anatomy, don't ya think? ☺

Not to worry, I didn't take them ALL out...just the loose ones that were bothering me. I am not completely stupid...I'd seen my Dad take out stitches before. That ought to count for some clinical hours, right? ☺

I have a post op appointment tomorrow to have things checked out and I am a little hesitant to reveal my parking lot 'procedure' to the Doc when he inquires about my missing stitches.

Hmm...how can I put a spin on that??

Good in the bad

Me and my bad teeth were lucky enough to have a surprise but necessary visit to an oral surgeon or two.

While it's easier for me to sit home in pain, being ornery and looking swollen, I decided that there are actually a good thing or two that come from the experience...

• I have awesome insurance that paid for all the visits
• I get to (or is it have to??) eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next day or two.
• Since I'm 'sick' the calories from the ice cream don't count, right?
• I have a job that is flexible and allows me to work from home
• I now have time to watch the last five episodes of Grey's Anatomy that my DVR has been saving for me
• Percocet!

So,the silver lining is turning out to be pretty nice. Back to the couch and my scoop of ice cream!

Non-stop weekend

We spent this last weekend in our home away from home, Portland. We took Rob's younger sister and cousin down there to celebrate her 18th birthday.

We did lots o' shopping. And I mean lots. Sure, I can shop with the best of them, but those two teenage girls sure WORE. US. OUT.

Rob says he got a taste of what it would be like for us to have girls, 'following them around the mall, opening his wallet every time he turned around' and he 'hopes for boys who like to stay home on the weekend and watch sports'. Ha!

There was a big figure skating competition going on in the mall's skating rink so Rob and I spent a good chunk of time resting/watching it while the girls ravaged the mall. The younger skaters was so cute! There was a little guy that did a pirate routine that I thought was adorable.

Nordie's had a New Moon party going on, so of course we had to stop by and blow a kiss or two to Edward and Jacob! Oh, and on that note...I can't wait to see New Moon this Friday!!!

In keeping with Portland tradition, we caught a late movie. I was bummed that there weren't a lot of kid friendly movies in the theaters, but luckily 2012 was age appropriate for them and, we all thought it turned out to be pretty good.

A short drive later and we were back home, just the two of us, loaded down with lots of new goods, full of tasty grub and ready for a three day long nap! We had such a great time with the girls, even though they made us we aren't that young anymore. ☺

A night of Science(fiction??)

Earlier this week Rob and I went to check out Bodies...The Exhibition. I was super excited to go, and Rob was a little icked out by the idea of it, but agreed to go anyways.

Since it's right up my field of study, I found the exhibit to be extremely interesting. Rob on the other hand, couldn't wait to get out of there! Since it was still fairly early in the evening, we thought we'd see a movie and grab a quick bite.

I figured since Rob had been such a good sport to tag along with me to see Bodies, I would give in and go see whatever movie he chose...which of course meant that it would be something I probably wouldn't choose on my own. ☺

He didn't let me down. He wanted to see The Fourth Kind. Going into it, I had no idea what it was supposed to be about, so I was completely on edge. It ended up not being as scary as I thought it would be, but it definitely isn't something I'll be seeing again! I am not completely sold on the idea that the story is true, but who am I to say?

Great day for a hike

We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather today so we thought we'd take advantage of that (as well as our extra hour, thanks daylight savings!) and explore some more of millions of the trails up by our house. We also managed to check out some real estate along the way. No winners though.

Along one of these trails we stumbled onto a great dog park. It had all of these goober-y, dog lover signs and we thought that this was the funniest.

Um, I think I'll pass on the licking!

After about four or five miles worth of hills we were all tired and ready to head back home. Poor Jackson's little legs couldn't carry him much further! I know it's not likely, but I hope we have a few more weekends with great weather like this.

Happy Hallo 'weiner'!

I normally don't like Halloween, but I find myself getting into it just a little bit this year.

Believe it or not, this was the best picture I could get of Jackson, the weiner dog. and the pumpkin. That dang dog just won't hold still!

This is about as festive as we plan on getting this Halloween. Tonight we are going to make our last stop on the October Urban Eats trail at Seastar and then see Paranormal Activity.

Ooohhh, scary!

Never thought I'd see the day

Ever since being a pet owner I swore that I would never be one of those people who treats their pets like they are their kids by dressing them up and taking pictures of them.

Well, it looks like I might be veering a little in that direction. And I don't like it. Not at all. But my friend tells me that it's happening, so I just need to embrace it.

While at Target I got talked into buying this pumpkin shirt for Jackson. At $5 I thought 'Why not? It'd be good for a laugh.'

Turns out Jackson loves it and doesn't like it when we try to take it off him. Total goober!

Then as I was walking him the other afternoon, I thought it would be cute (ugh, I know!) to take a picture of him in the pretty fall leaves.

At this rate, we'll be doing holiday photos with our pets wearing Santa hats. Don't worry, I won't let it go that far. I've got to put a stop to all this nonsense!! ☺

One camera, two camera

As we were leaving for our Vegas trip I was tearing the house apart looking for our camera.

Absolutely no luck. No camera.

Over the following weeks I searched and searched some more, with still no luck. I finally gave in and bought a new (cuter, I might add) camera.

And I kid you not...the day after I bought a new camera, guess what Rob comes across...

Yes, it was our camera!! Rob We'd put it in a little pocket inside Jackson's 'diaper bag' to take pictures of him at the dog park (gag, I know) and forgotten about it.

So, now we've got loads of cameras...and still don't really know how to use either of them. We are awesome.

Portland and back

On a whim, Friday afternoon my Robster and I packed our bags...and Jackson's 'diaper bag' (Rob's words, not mine), dropped our pup off at the sitter's house and made our way down to Portland for the weekend.

It was a couple days full of doing what we do best...going to the movies, staying up late, eating out, shopping and sleeping in. Oh, and our version of car karaoke.

It was such a great time! Rob went and saw The September Issue without so much as a groan. He also followed me around shopping all Saturday (and half of Sunday!), even carrying my bags. Have I got a winner or what!?!

Our movie night was actually a double. After the first show we decided to stick with the documentary theme and stay around (and out of the cold) to see Capitalism: A Love Story. Great movie, but definitely a different feel from the world of Vogue we'd just visited.

There was a Halloween convention-like thing going on in the hotel during our stay. This big scary guy (I thought was a statue!) caught me off guard and I nearly lost it when he lunged for me. Halloween is weird. ☺

After a great Chinese lunch in the Pearl District and then a few hours and few hundred dollars later at Powell's City of Books we were on our way back to good ol' Washington State. We ♥ us some Portland!

Vegas, party of 9!

I figured I ought to post about our Vegas trip before too much time passes and I forget all about it. I lost misplaced our camera right before the trip, so all of our pics are courtesy of my camera phone. Translation: they are all crap. But hey, they'll do!

Rob and I met up with my brother Ryan, his wife Melanie, my brother Tyler, his wife Lindsey, their son Lyndon, and my brothers Chase and Jordan down in Las Vegas last weekend. Or maybe it was the weekend before?? Time flies!

So many pictures warrant a slideshow if you ask me...

It'd been so long since we'd seen Lydon, so we were so excited to play with him. He was so much fun...can't wait until we see him at Thanksgiving. Oh, along with Tyler and Lindsey...of course!

We had such a great time with us all together, but we really missed the rest of our family that wasn't there. Jason, Courtney and their kids just moved from Las Vegas to TN, so we missed them lots! I would say it'd be fun if Mom and Dad had come down too, but I am sure they loved having all of us out of their hair and the place all to themselves. Who knows what they did!

We had loads of fun...can't wait to do it again!