Welcome To Taiwan!

I finally arrived in Taiwan at 11:00 pm, (8:00 am Boise time) a full 24 hours after I left! I think it's safe to say that I was beyond delirious when I finally pulled up to my sister's beautiful house. After a good night's sleep I woke up to an amazing view out of my bedroom window. It looks out over a big farm complete with fruit trees and adorned with tons of little white butterflies. I had no idea what a jungle it is there! It is very green and lush and you can hear exotic birds singing all day. I came out of my room and was greeted by some very excited nieces and nephews and we got the party started! Of course I had to bust out my suitcase full of treats and presents for the kids immediately! Lollipops for breakfast?

Touchdown Tokyo

Shayn and I were so lucky to have the opportunity to go spend time with my sister and her family in Taiwan during the Chinese New Year. Getting there however is easier said than done, turns out Taiwan is VERY far away! Well into my 20th hour of traveling and chasing the sun the whole way, I finally caught up with it in Tokyo and witnessed the most amazing sunset ever at the airport. It was a sign of good times to come!

Shayn's Birthday Fiesta

This year the Fiesta Bowl fell on Shayn's Birthday so naturally we had to have a little football fiesta of our own to celebrate! We did presents and cake the night before and Shayn made out with all sorts of good loot:) The next night we covered all aspects of a proper fiesta: sombreros, margaritas, chili and jello shots! I even got Kiefer a mini sombrero but I don't think that he loved as much as I did:( All the kids formed a cheerleading squad complete with stunts and the Broncos won the game! It was a great time and a perfect excuse for a party on a school night:) Happy Birthday Honey!

A New Year In Sun Valley

Shayn and I were so excited to spend our New Years Eve in one of our favorite places, Sun Valley! We went with Misti and Jason and had such a great time. The drive there was beautiful and we spent our first night at a cute little pizza place in Hailey watching the Humanitarian Bowl. The next morning everyone geared up for Snowboarding and we got to ride the new gondola and have lunch in the lodge. We had an amazing dinner with two other couples and hit up Whiskey Jaques on New Years Eve for the countdown! The next day we went to the Golf Club and watched some football before Sushi dinner for Jason's Birthday. 2009 was such a crazy year! Along with most people we have felt the effects of this unpredictable market and although the year was full of lots of good memories, it was also full of lots of challenges. Shayn and I are so excited for a new year and the possibilities it will bring and I'm so glad that we were able to get away with friends to Sun Valley and start 2010 out right!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is MY FAVORITE time of year, I love everything about it...the music, food, family, parties, everything! We kicked off Christmas Eve with a service at Calvary Chapel and then headed over to Chuck & Maria's house for dinner and games. It was great to see everybody, especially the family that lives out of town. Natalie and Robert arrived in Boise late in the evening so after Maria's we met them for drinks and then we all came back to our house for pizza. Christmas morning Shayn and I got up early and opened presents. As usual, I got s-p-o-i-l-e-d from my Husband:) Then we went over to Jake and Carmen's for a yummy breakfast and more presents. After that it was back to our house where my family came over for dinner, games...and more presents! It was great to be surrounded by so much family this year but we really missed the Jensens:( Although something tells me those kids didn't miss us quite as much when they were playing on the sandy beaches of Thailand!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Shayn and I are so lucky that we both have family in town and a great neighborhood to come home to. We go to both my parents and Shayn's parents' house for dinner every Thanksgiving, and while some people might view this as a lot of work, Shayn sees it as an opportunity...for two dinners! I don't really love Thanksgiving food, but I do appreciate that it is a great excuse to get everyone together and have a good time. When we pulled into our driveway after our double dinners this year, we couldn't help but notice that our neighbors were still in full-fledged celebration mode and we were happy to join them for some after dinner drinks! We are so thankful for our family and friends! Gobble Gobble!

Congratulations Dad!

I always knew that it was a possibility, but I think that I was secretly hoping that it wouldn't happen! It's official though, my Dad got a job transfer to Moscow, Idaho. Vandal country...eww! I have to admit that my first reaction was slight panic when I suddenly realized that slowly but surely my whole family has moved away and I'm the only one left in Boise! I got it together though when I remembered it's not all about me, (tragic!), and I have to admit that this is a really great opportunity for my parents. My Dad now has his own store and will no longer have to work nights or weekends. He is the hardest-working person that I know and Shayn and I are so happy for him, it has been a long time coming and he certainly deserves the promotion! So when Erin and Natalie were here visiting we had to celebrate of course with a little surprise party! Congratulations Mom and Dad, we are so excited for your new adventure!