VIVA LAS VEGAS

I met two of my sisters, Lisa and Emily as well as my mom in Las Vegas for a long weekend getaway while Shane managed the home-front (poor guy). It was so amazing to have time to myself. I love being Greyson and Bentley's mom but it was really nice just to worry about getting myself out the door, feed, and showered. I can't believe how much quicker things move along when I just have to take care of myself. Another highlight was sleeping in and leisurely going to workout and have breakfast when I wanted.  While we were in Vegas we walked around a lot and spent an absurd amount of time in Sephora just messing around and trying out various combinations of goodies. We saw Mike Tyson from afar but we weren't willing to buy paraphernalia to get a picture with him. We also saw Pete Rose... those are sadly my only claims to fame. The highlight of my trip was going to the Phantom of the Opera and getting a pedicure. It was so nice to spend time with my sisters and mom... we missed the rest of the crew that weren't able to make it.

Idaho Trip

 After Christmas we traveled to Idaho to visit family and friends. We spent a few nights in Cascade and then stayed with our friends Brandon and Natalie. As usual the Waltman's didn't disappoint. We had a great time visiting and celebrated in the news of their new baby addition. Congrats again!! I didn't take a lot of pictures while we were there but while we were in Cascade we took the kids out on the lake which was frozen over and they had a blast. Bentley insisted on carrying her elephant backpack.

When we were staying at the Waltman's we were able to visit friends and more family. Our niece Kammi had a basketball game that was a lot of fun to go watch. She is going to be an all-star. After her game the Christiansen's (Shane's sister Sondra and family) volunteered to watch the twins while Shane and I went out on a date. We had such a nice time and Greyson and Bentley got spoiled up. We also had a family dinner at the Grover's (Shane's sister Tammy and family) which included all of Shane's siblings that live in the Treasure Valley. It is always so great to see everyone. We wish we lived closer.

We met my friend Lena at an indoor playground and Bentley and Greyson found their entertainment in these clown wigs. They were cracking Shane and I up... I mean look at Bentley. It was so hilarious to watch them run around with these wigs on.  We miss everyone and hope to be back soon.

Tree lighting ceremony

We decided to join in the festivities and take the twins to the tree lighting ceremony which was in down town Portland at the Pioneer Courthouse Square. It was super packed which made for an interesting evening pushing the babies in a double stroller but we made our way through the crowd thanks to my brother saving us a spot. We were welcomed with a lot of friendly smiles while we were trying to tuck in the stroller (HA!).

Christmas 2011

We spent Christmas this year with the Hill side of the family. My mom rented a vacation home in Sisters, Oregon. It accommodated our family perfectly. Greyson and Bentley slept in a closet in their pack-n-plays. They barely fit. I wish I would've taken a picture. It was difficult for them to nap because they were right next to each other but it worked out fine in the evening because they were so tired. I stayed a few extra day after everyone left to spend time with my sister and her family as well as my mom. On Christmas morning we made the mistake of letting Greyson open a small train gift that was in his stocking first because that stole his attention immediately. He was completely enthralled with the train and could care less about opening any more presents. So Bentley made up for them both and covered double present duty. We let her open up Greyson's presents because he was so disinterested. The rental was near a trail system so we went running and on walks together and of course counter acted any productivity by eating a lot of yummy food. We also had a gingerbread house making contest which was a lot of fun too.

 Bentley and Greyson with Honey!!!

 In Hill tradition we wore our new PJ bottoms to Christmas Eve dinner.

 

My mom is getting a few gingerbread building pointers from my brother Dan.

 Here is a family picture right before going to church.

 I love how Kayden is covering his ears in the background while Greyson and Bentley enjoy being the proud owners of a music set.

 Bentley just got her first baby doll compliments of Honey.

 We are such a talented group... I think Sarah and Emmy win in the gingerbread house making talent arena.

My favorite Christmas memory this year was visiting my dad. Fortunately Sisters, Or is near Bend so we all traveled to visit my dad's graveside and while we were there we shared fun memories of my dad. Everyone had the opportunity to share something and include my dad in our Christmas festivities. Wow dad you were missed this year... I love and miss you!!!

Shane's Graduation

YAY... Shane graduated in December from Nursing School at Linfield College. He completed a fast track degree that started in June 2010 when the twins were 4 weeks old and finished when they were 19 months old. Greyson and Bentley made signs for their daddy and waved them proudly but I sadly forgot to take pictures. Shane is awesome and worked hard throughout this program as a Dean's list student. Shane is cheap and didn't want to pay for the honor chords for his graduation so he went without, although I have to admit I love that about him. WAY TO GO SHANE!!! Shane will be going back for another round of schooling but first he needs to get a few years of clinical experience under his belt. Now for a job!!!

Santa visit

Greyson and Bentley had one encounter with Santa this year and it was at our ward church party. This is a horrible picture but I wanted to document. It was past their bedtime and they were not interested at all. Just another forced picture/ experience for mom and dad at their/our expense... one of these days we will learn... MAYBE but probably not!

Thanksgiving Race

Shane and I ran in a turkey trot on the Thanksgiving morning with Bentley and Greyson in tow. I think we were one of maybe three families with a jogging stroller that were running. A group of friends from church ran as well as my sister Lisa. My friend Sommer won the women's division... she is amazing. Thankfully it didn't start raining until shortly after we finished.

 

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving was really nice this year. My sister Lisa hosted and those family members that could make it this year came. Our crowd included five of the nine Hill siblings: Lisa, Dan, Myself, Nick and Seth. Seth brought his girlfriend Nycole. 

 In memory of my dad, with it being the first holiday since he passed away Lisa lit a candle and left it by the table in honor of his presence which was so badly missed this year. My dad L-O-V-E-D Thanksgiving. He always made various pies to meet each of our palates interests. It was really nice to be in the presence of family to be reminded of the many years of wonderful memories we had with my dad and together as a family. Seth did a fabulous job carrying the torch and made a few pies this year. He also made arrangements for our turkey this year which was free range and named giblets. I'm thinking that Seth might be missing Portland a little too much. 

Veteran's Day

In honor of my dad, we wanted to go attend the Veteran's parade. It was a really cold morning so we layered up Grey and Bent and enjoyed the festivities. I found myself getting really emotional as it started. I couldn't help but think of my dad and how he would be attending an event to support Veterans. During the parade as Veteran's passed by I kept thinking... what is their story? One man in particular passed by that had to be in his late 80's or early 90's and it made me think about how young my dad was when he passed away. Thanks dad for your service to our country as well as both my grandparents and members of Shane's family; Matt and Ed for your service. Also thank you to all the men and woman who selflessly serve our country in our behalf.

 During the parade, Bentley reached over and grabbed Shane's hand. It was such a sweet moment to catch on camera.

TEAM SWORDFISH... HOOD TO COAST!!!

I forgot to document about Hood to Coast which took place at the end of summer in August:

This is our team salute... what else is one to do in representation of a swordfish?  Regardless, it provided ample entertainment throughout the 200 mile relay. This was my first year running and I had such a fabulous time. Our team had two vans with 6 runners. We were super lucky to have a driver, Rachel who was a rock-star. Starting out with such an organized team really set the bar high if I am fortunate enough to repeat this event.

This is my action shot as I finished my last leg (my first leg was in the afternoon the day prior and my second leg was in the middle of the night). YAHOO!!! Running towards Mark with those fantastic shorts was a highlight for sure!!

 

After enduring no sleep, the worst traffic in the history of the race and running in 90 degree weather, 200 miles later...Here we are at the finish line!!!

I can't wait for round TWO!!!