This boy has a GUN!

WARNING: I know the topic of "guns" is very controversial so I apologize in advance if any of you disagree with owning guns or if this post offends you in any way. 

I have always struggled with coming up with awesome birthday presents for Andrew since Christmas and his birthday are so close together. He was very spoiled this year for Christmas and we were all struggling with what to get him for his birthday. Andrew has wanted a gun, a truck, and a motorcycle for years. I knew a truck was not possible at this point and I do not like the idea of a motorcycle. So Calder and I decided to put everyone's money together and get this boy his very own gun! Calder and I were out running errands the day after Christmas and decided to look into some guns that would be in our price range. We really wanted to get a good gun for a good price, but we always wanted to be sure it was a gun Andrew would like and want to use. Andrew has been wanting to get his concealed weapons permit so we wanted to find something small enough he could carry. Calder and I found a really nice Ruger (brand of gun) for a great deal. Andrew has said in the past that he wanted a 9mm but this is a 22, which works out better (in a sense) because ammunition is a lot cheaper than 9mm ammunition. Once we bought the gun and some accessories, I was so excited to give it to Andrew, but knew I had to wait 4 days until after his family birthday dinner. I am horrible at keeping secrets and often give away hints as to what is coming, but I was so proud of myself because I didn't say a word and he had no clue it was coming!

After his birthday dinner at Famous Dave's, we went back to his mom's house and told him we had a little something for him. His mom and I had bought him a toy gun, a toy truck, and a toy motorcycle to throw him off completely. I had wrapped those separately and told him that since we were having his birthday celebration he needed to have some presents to open! He first opened the toys and joked it off, still not thinking anything else was coming. Then I brought out his "real" gift. The gun was in it's original box with "Ruger" right on the front so as soon as he unwrapped it he would know what it was. Andrew was shocked! He could hardly believe that he had been given a GUN! He was in shock most of the night. Calder took a little video of the whole thing but this is just the clip of him opening the actual gun. I just love watching his expression as he reads the box :)

This boy has a GUN and he is so excited to go shooting and get his concealed weapons permit!

2013.....Here We Come!

I can hardly believe that a New Year has already begun! We have had so much excitement already and if it keeps up, I'm going to be ready for 2014 by February!

Andrew's birthday is January 10th and we always go out to dinner with his family to celebrate. His younger brother, Calder, is a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and is stationed in Texas so we don't see him often. Calder was in town for Christmas and we decided to have Andrew's birthday dinner a little early so Calder could be here. We also had a little surprise up our sleeve's and Calder wanted to be here for it ;)

Andrew requested Famous Dave's Barbecue for dinner. Always delicious and free birthday dessert!

Andrew's dad got re-married Saturday, December 29th. They had a wonderful small ceremony in their home surrounded by close family and friends. It was such a beautiful day and they were so excited. Debi is such a sweet lady and we are thrilled to have her as part of our family.

That night, Andrew and I celebrated the anniversary of our engagement by driving down to the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas Tree, where Andrew proposed. It was pretty busy in downtown Portland and we couldn't find parking, so we weren't able to stop. It was still wonderful to drive down and reminisce. 

We spent New Year's Eve by starting with a big family breakfast and then taking Calder to the airport. One of the perks of having an active duty military member of the family is that we get gate passes to go through security and see him off at the gate. Later, we headed to Beaverton for fun and dinner with my oldest brother and his family. My parents and brother met us there and then it was off the the Portland Winterhawks Hockey game. So much fun!

Go Hawks! They won! 5-0! So much fun!

After the game, we were exhausted so we just went home, crawled into bed, and watched the ball dropped. Then we crashed :) We started the New Year by cleaning out or safe, getting paperwork ready for taxes, and cleaning out closets. Later that night we sat down and made goals together. We are so excited for a new year and can hardly wait to see what the year will bring!

Happy New Year! 2013!

Christmas 2012

I have two days left of Winter Break and then it's back to school for another very busy term. I thought I should catch up on some blogging before I completely get swamped again.

Here are quite a few pictures from all the fun we had this break.

We began with by getting our first Christmas tree! We went to a tree farm just up the hill from our place. We got to choose the tree, cut it down, and tie it to the top of Andrew's car. It was POURING rain and I was not going to bring my camera out in that kind of weather for pictures. Here is the only picture I have of the tree the night we put it up. (Ignore Andrew's bottom....)

I went to Zoo Lights with the Young Women from our ward. 

We had multiple Christmas parties throughout the season. Andrew's boss and his wife graciously opened up their home to all of the America's Tire Clackamas store employees. They are so generous and welcoming and we had a wonderful time. 

We hosted a very fun Christmas Party at our place complete with a hot chocolate bar and White Elephant Gift Exchange. I was too busy being a good hostess to get pictures of the party.

Also, every year Andrew's mom's family gets together and has a wonderful holiday meal and gift exchange. It's always a lot of fun.

We went to a beautiful wedding and reception out in Hillsboro and stopped by my sister's house for a quick "Hello". Her husband LOVES Christmas lights. He starts setting them up before Halloween. We look forward to seeing what new additions are made each year.

We spent Christmas Eve in Albany with my parents and brother. We played games, watched movies, ate pizza, opened gifts, and just relaxed. 

My family is quite divided in our loyalties to either the Oregon Ducks or the Oregon State Beavers. Apparently the Angel on top of the tree at my parent's house can't quite decide either....

We spent Christmas morning just the two of us at our place. It was so nice to be able to wake up to each other on Christmas morning and start our own Christmas traditions which included opening stockings from Santa and gifts from each. We know each other very well and were thrilled with the gifts we got from each other. 

Around 11ish, we went over to Andrew's mom's house for gifts and a creamed eggs brunch. I am so blessed to have such wonderful in-laws and to be able to spend the Holidays with them.

Merry Christmas!