Finding Joy in the Journey

13 January 2009

The VanHorne Posse has been iniciated!

What a view!

Goin' on a duck hunt.

Clara and her cute hat doing what we do best.....snacking!

Chris, Brad, Bryce, Clara and Julia....keeping warm by the fire.

It's official! The VanHorne Posse joined us for an overnighter at the river. We had too much fun. It's always funny to shove 4 adults and 3 kids into a 20 foot Minnie Winnie! Thanks VanHorne's for still being our friends after that! And thanks to the Guith Fam for keeping us warm with lots of firewood. Let's do it again soon.

11 January 2009

They will be missed.

Grandma Cody, always happy in the arms of her companion.

Uncle Mikey, hard working and fun-loving.

Our Family is acircle of strength and love.

With every birth and every union,the circle grows.

Every joy shared adds more love.

Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger.

Two of our family members were called home this Christmas. We love them and miss them already.

Our Christmas Story

A knife and a Survival Book. That kept him busy all day.

Oh no, now he'll never sleep!

Rip it up!

Trying to pose in front of the tree was a bad idea. We covered it up and Bryce must have had a terrible headache with that star sticking out like that.

"Twas the night before Christmas and on the I-10,

Our family drove home in the car, stuffed to the brim.

All the stockings were hung by the front door with care,

In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The boys were snuggled up in the back seat,

All we could smell were their little boy feet.

Mom dozing off, dad wide awake,

Are we there yet? It's about all we can take.

The week had been great, the family so fun,

Tomorrow is Christmas, and all will be done.

So into the driveway we flew like a flash,

Tore open the garage and in with a dash.

Bring in the boys, tuck them into their beds,

While mom can't get the lists out of her head.

Stockings, cookies, camera, and toys,

Everything is just right for her little boys.

It really was such a wonderful sight,

Finally, it was time to say good-night."

Of course, that is until 5 AM when the boys woke up!

Packing it ALL in

Visiting with Great-Grandma

Grandma and Pa Pa's house waiting for the spoiling to begin!

We officially out grew the family room, so we gathered in the garage too!

The Stackhouse Fam

The Munoz Fam

The Mettler Fam (missing a couple)

The 'Cuz clan

The Murrill's

We sure know how to pack in all the Christmas fun! Lots of visits to family. Too many gifts, but never too many hugs.

10 January 2009

Cody Christmas

Yes, they really are upside down.Bouldering adventure.The boys were in heaven.

Ice skating- a rare form of torture.

All we did was eat.......

And sleep

Really Uncle Scott? Are nerf guns ever too big? Check out the eyebrow.

Fun with puzzles- BTBB and who?

All of the Artists

Matching pajay-jays

The Cody Clan

What fun to create new traditions and add to our favorite ones. That's just what we do. Thanks for all the fun Cody Fam! We really are a fun bunch huh? From matching pajay-jay's to pop-o's, the polar bear express, tamales, stockings, air mattresses, and a shared bathroom between the 9 of us for the weekend, how much more fun could it be? Oh wait, add to it endless hours of video taping for the annual Cody Christmas Movie Production! Can't wait to see what we captured. The boys were spoiled of course and we all enjoyed just being together again. Let's do it again soon!

To the MOON, really?

My brother is one to methodically plan out every detail of a surprise. He loves it as much as the person who he is surprising. After our awesome flight, he drove us to the Griffith Park Observatory, about as close as you can get to the MOON without boarding a shuttle. When he said "Fly me to the moon" he meant it. It was absolutely beautiful. The views of the sunset were breathtaking. As my family sat together watching all the wonders of this Universe, gazing at stars, and countless galaxies I couldn't help but cry. Families ARE Forever. We are but a small part of this Magnificently created Masterpiece. I am grateful to have been sent to a wonderful family and to begin a wonderful family of my own. God is Good.

07 January 2009

Fly me to the Moon!

No, literally FLY me to the moon. This was our Christmas gift from my bro. A trip to a windtunnel for a skydiving adventure. What a blast! We all suited up, dove into a tunnel, and up we went! The boys were naturals. Totally relaxed and enjoying every minute. Thanks again Uncle!

Brev-man, up, up and away!

Brad's flying!

I couldn't stop smiling.

Check out the cheeks!

Flight suits and all.

After our "training" we decided to fly over Hollywood.

19 December 2008

Elf Yourself!

Santa's little helpers have been busy this month. Wrapping, baking, card making, picture taking; you know the regular elf stuff. Poor Bradley Elf had the heaviest load of all! Here's wishing everyone some happy little elves to help you finish up before the big day! Merry, Merry Christmas, a bit early.

Thanks to "Uncle Claus" for the great picture.

15 December 2008

A week of Surprises!

Way to Go Brevy!

Me and my Momma.

Brad and his Principal, of course.

28 and feelin' great!

This week was AWESOME! I was absolutely spoiled rotten. It all started with a surprise Spa Night at Erica's place. She invited me over to watch a scary movie, and when I got there she told me that she had a Christmas present of Cade's she wanted me to see in her bedroom. As I walked in I noticed the lights of flickering candles and a big PINK birthday banner. Julia and Erica said, "Surprise, Happy Birthday!" I was shocked! Every detail was perfect. There were candles around the tub, fluffy white towels, a beautiful spa chair with a back massager, facial masks, even cucumbers for my eyes. Jessica came over to join in the fun too. We had a blast! I was spoiled rotten! Thank you, thank you, thank you to my girls! Later in the week Bryce surprised me with a knock on the door from the neighborhood posse and even a couple from the east side

(e & c) holding all the "fixins" for a second birthday bash! Again, SURPRISE! Thanks to Bryce, and even Brad for keeping the secret. Of course Breven was disappointed because he wanted to eat out at "China Town." Wow, I've never had a surprise birthday in all 28 years and then two in one week. Well, it wasn't even my real birthday yet, and I was feeling quite gluttonous about the whole birthday thing. Should I feel guilty for all the spoilage? I had no time to decide. Bright and early on 12-12 my mom cruises into my neighborhood with a dozen pink rosebuds and SURPRISE numero 3! YIPEEEEEEEEEE! We had a day full o' fun with an awards assembly for the Principal's List boys (way to go B boys) followed by a manicure at 11:00, thanks Jess, then I was kidnapped at noon and taken to lunch. My day continued on like this until 9:00 PM when I just was getting ready to settle in for a night of chick flicks and yes, another SURPRISE! Jill and Kristy, my other mother and bestest girl show up on my front porch. We watched old home videos of all of my past birthday parties and laughed until we cried. Needless to say, I feel LOVED! Thank you for the greatest day a girl could ask for! I loved every phone call, card, and SURPRISE. I promise not to make such a big deal out of next year's birthday, but by the big 3-0, let's do it again!

11 December 2008

Thankful for Utah

We spent our Thanksgiving holiday in Snow Canyon, Utah. We enjoyed the red rocks, the fall foliage, the blue skies, and of course, the St. George Temple. We toured Church history sites, explored caves and canyons, and even had to wear big heavy jackets! Best of all, there was no cooking a Thanksgiving feast. We had a delicious dinner OUT! Yeah for no dishes!