Tis the Season

I absolutely love this time of the year and can not get enough of it. We decorated the tree and the rest of the house. Ava was so excited that she got to put the decorations wherever she wanted. I had to do a little switching around when she wasn't looking, but she did a pretty good job on her own. The house looks fabulous inside and out. Ava's favorite thing right now is Runolph (Rudolph) that sings when you press his ear. She has to do everything with him...eat, sleep, watch movies, etc.

We had Shane's work Christmas party yesterday for the kids and Ava was a little unsure of Santa at first, but warmed up to him after a short time on his lap.

Domestic Goddess

For Ava's birthday I decided to pull out whatever creative bone I could find and made this Arial cake for her. It wasn't my best work as the icing was not cooperating and started to melt before I could get it on the cake. She loved it and that's all that matters. She couldn't stop talking about her Arial cake and was very protective of it at her party.

Still Honeymooning!!

I've been married for three months now and still feel like I'm in honeymoon mode, which is probably why I have neglected this blog for so long. I can't say that I haven't had time because I have plenty of that right now, but it's something that I have been feeling less motivated to do.

After the big wedding day Shane and I were able to take a trip to Viva Las Vegas and had a fabulous time!! Our hotel was more then we could ask for and wouldn't stay anywhere else when we go back. We had 5 star service all the way around. If anyone is looking for a great place to stay look into the Encore at the Wynn...fabulous!!

Mr. and Mrs. Reay!!

There's been so much going on that I need to catch up with, but for now I'll let you enjoy a preview of the wedding photos.  Rhonda did such a fabulous job and we were so happy to spend a couple hours with her as she captured our special day!!  

www.rsteedphotography.blogspot.com

All Good Things Must End!!

I've enjoyed my last 3 years here in Edmonton. It was a difficult move for me at first, but once here I knew that this is where I was supposed to be for a number of reasons. I have developed lasting friendships; being close to family has been a blessing as I've enjoyed spending time with Kristi, Jared, and the boys; having Becky live with me for a short time; always having a way to provide for myself...working at the U of A as well as Banana Republic; and of course meeting my Prince Charming. I would not trade any of these things as they have only made me a better person and got me to where I am today!!

A number of different things have transpired over the last couple of weeks, one in which was probably my biggest stress and that was selling my condo. It was on the market for all of about 3 weeks and it finally SOLD!! It is such a relief to have over and done. Possession date is slated for June 15th and I couldn't be happier about the timing...everything is coming together and working out like clockwork. I really love my condo, but know that it is on to bigger and better things. I have a house in Hinton that Shane and I will make ours and I'm so looking forward to it...we have a beautiful view of the mountains from our front window and a great view of the foothills from the kitchen window.

With possession date being the 15th of June I will be working until this Friday at the University and then I'm done. I've enjoyed the people that I work with, but am so ready to be out of here. My job is one of the most boring jobs I have ever had...pays well, but so incredibly slow and not challenging at all. It will be nice to have some time to get packed and make last minute preparations for the wedding.

Another Great One!!

Engagement Photos!!

Shane and I had our engagement photos taken in Hinton this past weekend and we had so much fun!! It was seriously such a great way to spend our Saturday morning and thanks to Lori Jespersen we have so many great ones to choose from. Now I just have to narrow it down to just one which is going to be a lot harder then I thought. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. First I'll post the pictures that I would use for the annoucement and then I'll just post some random, fun ones.

More pictures...

Sneak Peak!!

I'm ENGAGED!! YAY!!

The picture really doesn't do it justice!!

Jazz

While in Utah we were able to go to a Jazz game...Utah vs. Minnesota!! This was my second Jazz game and Shane's first, so it was exciting to be there in person to encounter the excitement. Rob, Amy, Shane, and I went out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants before hand...California Pizza Kitchen and then made our way over to the game. We were greeted by some Jazz chearleaders and you'd think that Rob and Shane had won the lottery. It was fun to be there even though they lost to one of the worst teams in the league. One of the highlights was being able to see Shane's grandma again...this time we were smart enough to get pictures.

Halle's Birthday Week

We had such a fun time while at Rob and Amy's and part of that had to do with the fact that it was Halle's 7th Birthday...I can't believe how fast this little cutie is growing up!! We celebrated on Thursday by going to Provo followed by dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and a shopping spree at Gap for the kids to stock up on summer wear. Halle was so excited that we were celebrating her birthday and when the waitors brought her cake out she thought that it was so cool that they spelled her name right...little did she know that Rob had talked to them before hand. It was a great way to spend the day. We celebrated again on her actual birthday which was Saturday, April 4th!! It amazes me how grown up Halle is...she is one of the most stylish 7 year olds I know and could give girls my age a lesson or two in fashion. I love you Halle and had such a great time with you!!

The Birthday Girl