birthday boy

As Brodie says, "December & January are expensive months for us . . . we have Christmas, your birthday, and then my birthday." All true. Or you could say that they are very exciting months for us!!

We actually celebrated Brodie's birthday over the course of a couple days. Before his birthday I gave him the newest Brandon Sanderson book (his favorite author) and then we went to Brandon Sanderson's book signing! Hahaha we were shocked when we showed up at Powell's Bookstore to see over 300 people waiting in line!! It made the experience that much more exciting because we felt like we were meeting a celebrity. We waited in line for over 2 hours, got 4 books signed, snapped a quick picture, and then it was over in a matter of seconds. Brodie said I was awkward, but really . . . what are you supposed to say?? "Hi. I like your books." Obviously. That's why we're there. Anyways, it was worth the wait.

The line went ALLL the way up to the front of the bookstore

our 10 seconds of fame

On the night of his birthday we went out to a new restaurant in downtown Vancouver called South Pacific Rum Bar. Yes, there was a bar. No, we ate on the "family side" lol. The food was delicious. I got a grilled pineapple chicken sandwich and Brodie had some tasty fish n' chips. Because we had a Groupon from Christmas (thanks Mom and Dad Fish!!!), we only spent $1! Which felt pretty nice. Plus the free "birthday" dessert :) 

Because we can't get enough dessert, we went home and ate some delicious birthday pie because this boy is not a huge fan of cake. Neither am I, which is why we are meant for each other. And of course he opened presents :)

hahaha no. . . that's not Christmas wrapping paper. It's "winter paper". 

Saaaambaaas!!

Once you've had two desserts you can't stop there. So the next night we went out to Cheesecake Factor with his parents just for good measure. 

Thanks for being born Brodie!!! I love eating lots of desserts and living life with you :)

Birthday #24

When there are no more T-Swift songs to describe your age, you start to feel old and more adult-ish. The other day I asked Brodie, "How old am I?? Am I really 24??" It's such an in-between age. . .no exciting milestone to celebrate & squeezed between 21 and 25. My fifth graders frequently ask how old I am, and it does feel good to tell them that I'm 24 now. . . it sounds older and more mature. Little do they know that this is only my second year teaching and that I've never taught fifth grade before haha.

 For my birthday my fam all went out to lunch at Olive Garden, which apparently was a big deal because nobody really likes it but me (?!?!?) But they came along and I ate my body weight in breadsticks. Afterwards we hit up the K1 Speed Raceway (much more exciting than birthday #21), and then finished off the night with some pie and volleyball. 

moving up on the racing ladder. woohoo!

the enthusiastic birthday singers . . . lol

I could tell how much I enjoyed the break because it was sooo hard to get out of bed and back to school in January. Oh well! That's the teacher life . . . I can't complain too much since I had a full 2 weeks off of school :) 

Can't wait until Spring Break! Just have to survive the last few months of winter . . . .

Winter Break // Part Two

After spending time with Brodie's fam, we took off for Seattle to celebrate Christmas, my birthday, and New Years. It feels SO good to be back at home with all of my family. Now we get to share some of our favorite family traditions with the grandkids! We baked cookies, visited downtown Seattle, watched the live nativity performance, and played lots of games. 

gingerbread houses in Seattle

family pics

"Christmas Story" musical at 5th Ave in Seattle

live nativity 

sneaking a pic in Santa's sleigh

making cookies

I love watching Brod play with the nieces/nephews

our winnings from the Christmas Eve "Price is Right" showdown

Christmas morning

Can't wait to see all my family again in February! We are having a reunion in California, which of course means a trip to Disneyland. It can't come soon enough!

Tek + Kim Wedding

The day after Christmas Brodie and I literally jetted off to Utah for Tek and Kim's wedding on the 27th. It was a quick 2-day trip, but we are so glad we could be in the temple with Tek and Kim to celebrate their special day. It was chilly outside . . . but the snow was beautiful. Everything was beautiful! We even had a chance to quickly stop by Temple Square!

de-icing the plane for takeoff

Heppler Girls

the beautiful bride!!

they are the perfect couple

we are so excited to have a new sister!

snowy visit to temple square

oh how I love him :)

Winter Break // Part One

December is one of my all-time favorite months. I love the summer because of the warm weather and no school . . . but there is nothing like taking a break from school in the middle of the year and being able to relax and celebrate holidays with the fam. aaand it is my birthday month, so that makes it even better :)

We kicked off the winter break with the big "Christmas Family Home Evening" with Brodie's extended family. Each year we gather at his grandparents in Cathlamet and each family presents a story, song, or skit of some kind. This year, our family presented "Twas' the Story of Fish Fam" {see video below}. We also went bowling (Kim won the ugly sweater competition), picked out a tree, and opened up early Christmas presents.

at the Christmas Tree Farm

family bowling night

all bundled up for the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

love these flowers from one of my students!

opening up presents a week early with the Fish Fam

Christmas Family Home Evening

                              

 We also celebrated Tek and Kim's upcoming marriage! Because the wedding would be in Utah with no time for a reception in WA, we had a "pre-reception" that we called the Tying the Knot Party. We got to dress up all fancy, eat delicious food, and dance the night away.

he is so handsome!