Sushi? Sushi!

So that pretty much sums up my change of heart regarding sushi. I have always been a bit leery of the whole concept of eating raw fish. I am a texture person, and most of the foods that I don't like have earned that designation because of their texture, not because of their taste.

Anyway, Bryan's brother and his girlfriend invited us to join them for sushi last night, and we figured it was time that we at least tried it. There were 6 of us, and since Gary was the sushi veteran, we let him order for all of us. Gary is the kind of person who isn't going to do anything part way, so it wasn't wimpy California Rolls for us!

I was surprisingly fond of the shashimi--particularly the yellow tail, and also the salmon. The seared ahi was delicious and we had a variety of amazing rolls as well--most of which included raw rather than cooked fish. The only thing I tried that I didn't like was the sea bass--the texture on that one didn't do it for me. But otherwise, I loved everything and am ready to go back!

Getting Ready for Christmas

As I mentioned before, this past weekend we put up our Christmas tree. The most fun part was helping Ryan put his first ornaments on the tree. My mom bought him two really cute Baby's First Christmas ornaments, so of course I had to capture these fun moments. Christmas is a whole different experience with a baby in the house, and I am loving it!

 
 

So Much to be Thankful For

With cousins Zack and Maddie at the cabin

Cousins Emma and Lucy think I am pretty cute

Me with Uncle Keate

Thanksgiving day with Grandma...finally I know where my blue eyes came from!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. The weekend before we went up to the cabin with all of Bryan's family, including his sisters and their families that live out of state. We had a fun time and Ryan enjoyed meeting all of his aunts and uncles and cousins.

We spent Thanksgiving Day at Bryan's brother Troy's house. Troy and his wife Teri prepared an absolutely phenomenal meal--scallops wrapped in bacon for an appetizer, turkey that had been soaked in a brine solution, served with pomegranate sauce, wild rice and churizo stuffing, a fantastic sweet potato casserole with banana (and I don't even LIKE bananas!) and many other yummy treats. Initially I had been somewhat of a naysayer, because I am all about tradition when it comes to holiday meals. But I have to say, it was the best Turkey Day meal I have ever had!

The rest of the weekend we did the usual preparations for Christmas. Bryan put up the outside Christmas lights and we set up and decorated the Christmas tree.

Oh yeah, and we bought a new car. Yes folks, I have one child and I now drive a Suburban. Go figure. Actually we put a lot of thought into the purchase, and it really does make a lot of sense for us. It was a sad day to trade in the Lexus, but I dig the new ride, and Ryan is enjoying the fact that his Big Boy car seat can fully recline in the Suburban.

46 Days Until Christmas?

Yep, that's right, I received an email this morning reminding me that there's only 46 days left until Christmas. That's a little hard to fathom especially since it still feels like summer here...yesterday it was 92 degrees!

Anyway, with the arrival of Ryan this year, I am much more excited about Christmas than usual. Even though I've never been a last minute shopper, I'm feeling more on top of things than normal. All the gifts for our parents and grandparents have been ordered, our Christmas cards are on their way, ornaments have been purchased and Ryan's stocking is already here just waiting to be filled. We already have a bunch of little things for Ryan and just need to pick up his big thing. I do need to figure out what I'm doing for Bryan, but other than that, I'm feeling pretty ready for the holidays...

Ryan Update

So today was Ryan's 4 month check up. He now weighs 13 pounds, 14 ounces and is 26 inches long. For weight he is in the 40th percentile and for length he is in the 82nd percentile. I can't believe he's grown 6 1/2 inches already. We've actually had to pack up some of his size 6 months clothes already because his body is so long. Hopefully he gets his Daddy's height and somehow Bryan's and my weight cancel each other out and he'll end up a lean, mean machine.

Here he is showing off his Sesame Street Band-Aids from his shots, poor baby.

Happy Halloween!

Ryan Update

I know it's shocking to find a post about Ryan, but anyway, here goes...

This morning I laid Ryan down on a blanket on the living room floor while I made breakfast. I do that pretty much every day, but when I went to pick him up a little while later, he had scooted his way completely off of the blanket! Pretty impressive since he was on his back!

Usually I leave him on the middle of our bed every day when I shower, and today when I did he turned himself around 90 degrees and moved about halfway toward the edge of the bed. So from now on I won't be doing that!

From the very first time we took Ryan to his doctor when he was just a few days old, the doctor said, "Start childproofing your house now." All we've done so far in that category is buy cabinet locks and electrical outlet covers, but I'm thinking we'll start installing some of those this coming weekend. Not that he'll be crawling tomorrow, but it'll be here before we know it!

Ryan's Blessing

This past weekend was Ryan's blessing. I have to say, the moment you realize that you are married to a man who worthily holds the priesthood and is able to bless your healthy, happy little boy is pretty amazing.

My mom came for a visit to coincide with his blessing, and it was really special to me that she was there.

We took tons of pictures, but none of just Ryan. Boo. In any case, here's one of the better ones...

Isn't He Cute??

This is Bryan's and my new favorite picture of Ryan. We took this at the airport on our way back home from San Diego when Bryan decided to let Ryan borrow his hat.

Ryan's First Trip to California

On the airplane

With my two favorite people

Ryan's first viewing of the ocean

Walking along San Diego harbor

In the Polar Bear cave at Sea World

This past weekend we took Ryan to San Diego for a little getaway. He was an awesome little traveler and we all had a great time. It seems like when we're at home, there's always something to do, either around the house or for the business or for our callings. So when we get out of town, it's like being in a different world. We had a fabulous time taking in the perfect weather, great food and fun shopping. Bryan even bought Ryan his first kite!