Christmas was a Whirlwind!

Christmas has come and gone, and life can finally get back to normal again! It was so fun participating in the annual Cookie Day at Grandma Salmon's house. Tyson enjoyed licking off the frosting more than decorating, but he definitely had a good time. We also found ourselves busy with Christmas dinners, family Christmas programs, and all the rest of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Tyson was especially thrilled this year to be the shepherd in the Nativity scene. How ironic that in the same costume last year he screamed as we put him in it, and this year he screamed when we had to take it off! We are happy to have the Hulme cousins close by again, and Tyson definitely loves to get rough and tumble with his cousins. Taryn and Syrell just headed back to BYU this past weekend, and we are all looking forward to the wedding that is soon to come for Russell and Taryn at the end of the semester. Elise is starting to sit up all by herself now, and likes to look around while she does it to make sure everyone is noting it. She has such an adorable laugh right now and is often entertained by her brother Tyson (as long as he leaves her some bubble space!)

Family Pics

We just had our family photos taken, and they were quite the ordeal! Trying to get a toddler and a baby to smile simultaneously can be a struggle. We were just happy to come out of there with a few decent photos. All I have to say is bribery can be a wonderful thing. Tyson's two faves right now when it comes to candy our nem-ma-nems(M&M's) and suckers. Both were used to pry some smiles out of him. We had quite the scare last week with Elise in the ER for a mild concussion. It is times like those that allow you to look at your life and realize how blessed you are. I find joy every day in being a mom. I told Brad just today, if anyone ever complains about being bored in their life, just have kids!
Tyson is just starting to say prayers on his own right now. The other night he said one all by himself and made sure to send extra blessings to his sister Elise. As he was going through the list of people to bless, he began with daddy, mommy, Elise, Tyson and Sister Sally(our nickname for Elise sometimes). There are so many moments of tender mercies I see from the Lord as a mom.

Oops!

I am a little retarded when it comes to technological stuff! When I changed my background on my blog, I lost my links to other friends and family blogs. Can you please leave a comment with your blog address for me so I can put them back...thanks!

Halloween 2008

Tyson and Elise were quite the duo with their Pebbles and Bam Bam ensemble. Tyson couldn't get enough of going door to door saying "trick or treat" and then in exchange getting a handful of free candy. The only hang up was when one of our neighbors decided to dress up for the occasion in a ghoulish costume with some make-up and a wig. Tyson's eyes grew wide with horror, but he was able to overcome his fear and ended up taking the candy from the man's outstretched hand. Thanks to Grammy Salmon for supplying us with the adorable costumes!

Community Fall Festival

Tyson and Elise enjoyed attending the fall festival in the Islands over the weekend. Tyson got to get up close and personal with some farm animals in the petting zoo. Elise just enjoyed taking it all in, and getting special attention for the cute bow her Aunt Heather made for her.

All Dressed Up for Church

Elise and Tyson decked out in their Sunday best!

Tyson's 2nd Birthday

Tyson has now officially reached his second birthday. There were days when I wondered whether I would let him survive to this point, but we somehow made it! He definitely understood more of what was going on this year and it was fun to watch him get excited about opening presents and blowing out the candle on his birthday cake. I also came to the conclusion that the amount of work and stress that goes into the party is all up to me. My theme this year was to "simplify." His dinosaur cake was of minimal time and effort, and the meal plan was all decided upon by the amount of time in preparation. My parents kindly volunteered to let us use their bouncy castle to entertain the kids, and I put Brad in charge of setting up the pinata for the little ones. I feel that this years' party was a success merely due to the fact that my stress level this year was cut down at least by half in relation to Tyson's last birthday party. Brad and I got a little ahead of ourselves in excitement of our growing boy, and gave him a bike that is a little too big for him at this point. Oh well...live and learn. We are so grateful for Tyson and all he adds to our family. He is truly a joy!