Ugly Sweater Run & a Suprise Hike

On Saturday December 1, Ben and I woke up and decided to walk down to Main Street for Breakfast.  On the way home we noticed some roads closed and a race being set up (including a GIANT inflatable Santa- do you know how hard it is to refrain from jumping into something inflatable that is that large?).  We asked what was going on and learned that they were setting up for the Ugly Sweater 5k.  Later that morning we got to sit at home and watch as fleets of people ran past our house wearing ugly sweaters and Santa hats.  I love that we live in a town that has these runs and that we live in a PERFECT place (so that all the runs past our house). 

 

 That afternoon we went to see Ben's childhood friend, Jake Young, and his family (who are from SLC) at a 'park' in Boulder.  We arrived at the location and found that it was not a park at all but a hike UP to a park (not long only about a mile).  Being 31 weeks and wearing slip on flats I was not looking forward to this hike but I grunted and made it up the steep slopes.  I told Ben that if I went into labor Jake was responsible and I would be very angry at him.  Even though I was uncomfortable and could barely breath, it was fun to see Jake and his family (Michelle and Dominique). 

Thanksgiving and Michael's visit

This year Michael, Taylor and Page got to come visit for Thanksgiving.  I think it a year is much to long of a stretch to be apart from my favorite baby brother.  Ben always tells me I get more goofy around Michael and it's probably true- he makes me laugh and constantly smile.  It was so much fun having them and so much fun to meet baby Page for the first time.  Taylor is an amazing mother and Michael hasn't killed her yet (Just joking- he is great). 

Everyone came to Mom and Dad's house for Thanksgiving dinner and it was great.  We had a formal sit down dinner, which the kids were excited about.  Alice and Wyatt enthusiastically helped me set the table, fold the napkins and make name tags.  The food was, as usual, delicious and we quickly were filled to the brim.  Ben and I were in charge of the dessert and of course we had PIE!  The Newson's have a family tradition that at Thanksgiving there must be a pie per person.  Although we did not succeed in this venture we did end up having 9; which my family at first thought was crazy- until they lasted for breakfast- then I think my Dad decided he liked the tradition. 

 

 

 Thanksgiving night the ladies and Ben all went out for BLACK FRIDAY.  It is weird that black Friday has snuck it's way onto Thursday.  We went to a couple stores and, although they were a little crazy, enjoyed the hustle and bustle and the beginning of the commercial Christmas.  When we got home we found the men had not exactly got the kids to sleep- everyone was exhausted and ended up sleeping well. 

 That upcoming Sunday (Nov 25) we got together at Mat's house in Evergreen for Gwyn's Baby Blessing.  It was so much fun to be with family (and see the Wilson Family- they are awesome) for this special occasion.  Gwyn is getting older and starting to look like one of the Stones kids (instead of just an infant).  

It ended up being a great Thanksgiving week and being with family really reminded me of how much I am thankful for my family!!

Tea Party Baby Shower

Some of my friends volunteered to throw me a baby shower (Nov 17).  They themed the party a 'Tea Party' and it was soo cute. There was a 'small' brunch and tables set up as a pretty pink tea party.  It was so wonderful to see family, friends and ladies from the ward come to celebrate with us the arrival of our new baby girl.  I got some great things and really good advice; our house now has pink in it, which makes me even more excited!   

Thank you to everyone who helped and thanks to Kristin and Natalie for all their planning.


Another Update that I forgot to post about so I am just adding it to the end of this one:
Ben went to Disneyland!  Ben went on a business trip in Southern CA (Oct 30- Nov 4) and it just happened to be the week that Jeremy's Family, Tobin and Rachel were going to Disneyland.  So Ben finished work Friday and got to extend his trip and play in Disneyland Friday/Saturday with his family.  He had so much fun and was excited to see everyone!! 

Vampire Weekend 2012

Every year a group of our close friends rent a cabin up in the mountains over the Halloween Weekend (Oct 26-28) and have a...que lighting strike and scary laugh...Vampire Weekend!!  This year Ben and I were in charge of the location and logistics.  We ended up going to a big cabin up in Breckenridge, CO with 8 couples. 

  It is so much fun to hang out with friends and we have GREAT friends (funny, loud and a bit crazy)!!  We had game nights, movie nights, and a dance party with costumes.  In the cabin there was a pool table, a hot tub and a giant stuffed bear (not something to do, but something cool).  We went to walk around the Breckenridge Main Street, went on hikes and even made some Star Wars movies.  There was amazing food and LOTS of it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to all our amazing friends for coming up with us and for sharing the fun weekend with us!