Double Dipper

Savanna thinks that dipping sauces are the best!

Yogurt, ranch, ketchup...apparently if you mix them all together, they're really good too.

We're pretty grossed out by her "creative" concoctions!

Houseful of Hardcastles

We spent Saturday entertaining four little Energizer Bunnies! I'm glad JI & I were double-teamin' it! Whew!

JI (aka the master fort builder) made this cozy fort for the kids to lounge in, snooze in (yeah right) and giggle in! Check out these smiles...happy kids R us!

As if anything could top building a fort, we made mini pizzas! The kids put on their own toppings (with a little help) and waited anxiously while they baked. It was a fun and easy way for the little ones to help in the kitchen...and when it was put on a plate Maddi said, "Guess what? I maked that!"

...Maddi and her masterpiece...

...Landon and his creation...

I love this picture of Kylee, grinning from ear to ear! She was such an angel the whole time...she just loved being a part of the action!

JI & I were a little blown out of the water, going from one child to FOUR for the afternoon, but we managed alright and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. :)

S is for Shopping

We went shopping at The Gateway a while ago and I think Savanna's seen me shop a time or two because she went right over to a rack of clothes and started rummaging to find something she liked...

Apparently, this dainty shirt was exactly what she was looking for (in her size in fact). She pulled it from the rack and eyed it up and down on the look-out for any flaws. She then brought it over to JI & me! We were rolling on the floor...we couldn't believe our little girl was so grow up that she could shop for herself!

I think we're in trouble!!

Great Grandpa

Savanna and I went to lunch with Grandpa Fox a couple of weeks ago and we had a blast! Savanna had fun trying to feed Grandpa bites of her food and started dancing to each new song that came on the speakers. We picked Grandpa up at his house and Savanna helped him get his shoes on, escorted him to and from the car and made sure he was entertained the whole visit!

They sure had a good time! I had so many childhood memories with Grandpa Fox, I'm glad Savanna has the same opportunity! We love you Grandpa!
With a face like that, how can you not have a wonderful time together?

L.O.V.E.

We celebrated Valentine's Day in style this year! JI & I were able to sneak away for a couple of hours and spend some time in the temple. It was a fun way to celebrate and remember our love for each other. We also made some yummy sugar cookies and decorated them for the grandparents. Yum!

My honey also sent me these beautiful flowers...my co-workers are so jealous!

And, Savanna and I made a fun V-day keepsake that we framed and gave to Daddy!

Valentine's Day sure is different with a little one in the mix, but that didn't get us down! We love every inch of our family of three! Happy Valentine's Day!

Candy & Crafting

On New Year's Eve JI's parents came over and we visited, watched Savanna run around in circles and got cooking in the kitchen! We tried our hand at Butter Mints, those melt in your mouth minty treats. A few things we learned in the process were:

1) Use a candy thermometer...it's a necessity to avoid candy catastrophes (we had to abort the first batch and start over again)

2) The mint mixture needs to be pulled (like taffy) to achieve appropriate color and glossiness. Singing a song while pulling the candy will create the perfect butter mints (see below).

3)Even though the mixture may still be warm while pulling, do NOT ice your hands or the mint mixture...it will create an instantaneous crumbly, sugary mess! (this blue mixture literally went from glossy-like taffy to powder within five seconds!)

My mom-in-law was also kind enough to let me borrow her sewing machine to attempt some baby items and here is the finished product...bibs & coordinating burp cloths!

The burp cloth pattern I found at HomemadeByJill.com and for the bib I just took a favorite of Savanna's bibs and used it as my guide.

I have been in a crafting mood lately...does anyone have a remedy for it? :)

Daddy's Little Shadow

Savanna is totally head over heels for her Daddy! She is waiting for him at the door when he gets home from work and she doesn't leave his side until bedtime rolls around.

... He gives the best shoulder rides...

...Loves just chillin'...

...and she still imitates his every move!...
(this picture is hilarious to me...mostly because she's staring at a black metal plate!)


I don't know what could make you feel more loved!

Best Ever

This little beauty deserves her own little post! JI and his parents got me a stand mixer for Christmas, and I have enjoyed making yummy treats without breaking a sweat!

Isn't she pretty?

First things first...gotta make some bread and cinnamon rolls!

Delicious!

Thanks again, JI, Brent & Pat!

Better Late than Never

I've had blogger guilt lately, so I'm finally finding myself in front of the computer wondering where I should start. So, as the song says, "Let's start at the very beginning...it's a very good place to start." I know, super cheesy...that's who I am. Gotta love it.

***

Christmas was so fun this year! We weren't able to put any presents under the tree until Christmas Eve because Little Miss Curious couldn't stand to leave them untouched.

On Christmas Eve we opened our presents from Santa's elves (pajamas) and watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas." As you can see, Savanna didn't last long...actually, she fell asleep while I was putting her pajamas on!

So, we decided to "fancy" her up and make her our Christmas Eve present!

Christmas morning was exciting for all of us! Savanna had some good present-opening practice for her birthday, so she was in fighting shape for some serious wrapping paper destruction!

Our little family on Christmas morning...it only took one try with the timer to get this winner!

JI tested Savanna's patience with this box...clear tape + white box= two eternal minutes to a 15-month-old!

She got some great toys, clothes and blankets...what a spoiled little girl!

She made sure to open not only her presents, but ours as well. It was a great start to a wonderful day. We are so grateful for the birth of the Savior and the joy that He brings to our family each and every day.

After the shreds of wrapping paper were cleaned up, we spent the rest of the morning with the Hardcastle Crew. I don't know what happened between our house and theirs, but I didn't get a single picture while we were at their house! We had fun visiting, playing with the kiddie toys and eating the traditional Christmas morning breakfast!

Then, for lunch we went to the Fox abode and enjoyed the company of family and friends and goofed off. All the girls got these adorable head wraps (I'm not exactly sure what they're called).

We roped the boys into a photo op with the same accessory and for some reason...they just look like a bunch of guys in turbans!

And, of course, Savanna can count on some SERIOUS lovin' from Aunt Heather whenever she's nearby.

Overall, we had a wonderfully exhausting day!

Hopefully, January's and February's happenings will be recorded soon too...

but don't hold your breath!