Higleys and the Presidents

For Presidents' Day, Mom and Dad Higley came to town for a visit.  We didn't have much on the schedule, but we had a nice relaxing weekend, kicked off by a visit to our favorite Greek restaurant.  I am starting to feel like we are forcing visitors to go to that place, but seriously, it needs to be tried by all. 

While Nate worked on Friday, I escorted rode with Mom and Dad H (k, this will get confusing; let's say Mom L and Dad J) first to Costco for some necessities (Cashew Clusters), then over to Red Rock Canyon.  Twas a beautiful day for a visit! 

Seriously?!  Total Donkey Yellowstone moment...everyone pulled over and got excited.  Especially me!

We had a chance to visit the temple on Saturday as well...we got this picture after being told we couldn't take photos in their atrium.  Whoopsie! 

The house across from the temple we "discussed" purchasing.  We decided the price was too low and moved on. 

I mean, who doesn't love a yarda* sale on a Saturday??

Why my mother-in-law is so cool.  This was on the 3rd take, too. 

*Spanglish for yard

"Old age is fifteen years older than I am." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Staying busy on my birthday worked last year, so we tried it again; this time in Utah! 

My first birthday wish from Lyndsay and Erik.  Daphne was trying to steal the attention by having croup.  BABY. 

These dogs made my day.  They were so pose-y. 

Ditto on both for this one.  AND he's carrying around a dolly. 

Me and my birthday cat cake. 

Ruth is a cake genius. 

One of the best parts of opening presents with (almost) everyone is the crowd of cousins watching. 

I got to explain to Afton why Tom and Stace gave me a squirrel.  It's awesome, by the way.  It's hanging up in our office. 

Along with the dog birthday wishes, I also had more sleepy, cat versions. 

Looking to the future. 

Sicely and Uncle Nathan. 

She can't even believe how strong he is. 

Cake take two!

Excited party guest #1: Jackie.

Excited party guest #2: Jessica.  (she wanted to make sure the spacers were shown...she got her wish!)

Opening presents with Ivie. 

Having a happy birthday.  Thank you everyone.  xoxo.

A Christmas in (way too many) pictures

In order to make the Harrison Christmas party, I drove up on a Friday, and Nate worked a little, then flew on Southwest.  I almost made it to the airport on time to greet him.  :)  

Nathan and some of the kids...I love all of the expressions in this one...

And this one?

More tousins.

The Nativity cast.

Full cast.  We got the prestigious honor of playing Mary and Joseph.  This was the second time for me, so I had no problem with the role.  :) 

This picture made me think about us in a few more decades...

Playing with Grey and Amos. 

Did I mention Tom will be a daddy again soon?? 

Squishy cat face. 

He liked it, I promise. 

Why I want to steal these two. 

Why Nate especially wants to steal this one. 

One of the hazards of knowing Nate...any twin clothing will be carefully timed.  :) 

Trip to Temple Square. 

I'm especially proud of this one. 

Christmas morning!

Most of the Terrys. 

Ben and Gray sunning himself. 

Mom Higley with her new hat. 

Dad Higley with his new socks (for thongs).  HA. 

Lizzie brought gifts for Mal and Kathryn. 

Cute Bella Bella. 

Lizzie with her kitty calendar. 

Nate's new mask.  Ethan's telling face. 

These two boys are so cute...

The discovery after Matt got a tator cube when prepping his Coke glass. 

Galoshes!

Monster Galoshes!

Nate-su and Luck dog. 

Jim with his Christmas present. 

The Christmas shot thanks to Jim.  :) 

Christmas joy in Vegas with the kitties! 

Kathryn with her new tinsel from Lizzie. 

We caught the Bellagio just in time...they were taking everything down the day we visited. 

Because I'm still behind and doing this post in March, it's been fun remembering what a great season this last winter was.  No wonder we couldn't stop taking pictures!