Fort Worth, Texas

In October, Ross and I were trying to decide what to do for the month long Christmas break. I suggested going to visit John and Cassandra, but we both figured it would be too expensive. We decided to look it up anyway. It was actually a really good deal! We hurried and called them to ask if it was ok and they said that sounded great! We have been really close with them since Ross and I were married. Cassandra lived at Kennsington Manor while she was engaged to John. She met Ross first. We would do lots of things together. We were excited for them, but sad for us when they moved to Texas. Cassandra is pregnant and due on the 18th (I think). We were hoping that she would have the baby while we were there but that is ok! We look forward to meeting him soon!

Cassandra and Madison. They were good friends.

John and Cassandra took us to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. (They were great at hosting people! I was really amazed. They had things planned, but it was still very relaxed and enjoyable!) This place was awesome!

This was the main water attraction. It was so neat that you could walk down the steps to the little pool of water. It was really fun that you could do that. The picture above is Ross and I at the bottom.

John and I at the bottom

They also had two other pools. I enjoyed those a lot. They were very relaxing. I always really enjoy water features.

 One day we went to the Fort Worth Zoo. It was the best zoo that I have ever been too. This is a picture of all of us right before we left. I wish that Madison was looking at the camera.

 Madison and I looking around. She was a great baby the whole trip! It was so nice.

 John teasing Madison. She really enjoyed it.

 Ross really wanted a picture of this bird eating. It was pretty graphic, but it was kind of neat too.

This zoo was very well designed. All the places for the animals were really beautiful. This one was especially neat because the birds could go around to both sides. The cage made a tunnel for us to walk through. While were there the birds were eating right above us. Again, gross but cool.

 Ross and Madison

 John and Cassandra with the giraffe.

 Ross and Madison

 Family picture!

 Madison was happy to be there.

 John just being John.

I think that this was one of Ross' favorites.

 I loved this lion because he was giving us a little show. It was like he was telling all of us a story. It was really neat.

 I also really enjoyed seeing the two baby elephants! They were so cute!

Someone dropped a pacifier in there and he was chewing on it. It was funny to me. 

 On Sunday, we went to see Ross' cousin Dixie. I was sad that I didn't get any pictures from there. She had just had hip surgery so Dennis and Barbara came to Texas. It was fun to see them in Texas. Dixie's kids, Rasmine and Jonathon were really fun! Rasmine held Madison for awhile. It was cute to watch. My brother John helped Jonathon put together his lego plane. John is the king of legos.  After we saw them, we went to the temple. It was beautiful but pretty cold.

 Ross requested a Daddy daughter picture.

 Ross also requested a picture of me by the B.

 We also went to the Fort Worth Stock Yards. There was a nice museum. It was really fun to look around at all the things that they had in there. 

 

 It was a pretty cold day so we didn't stay outside too long.

John tucked Madison in his jacket. I was surprised that she actually enjoyed it. It was cute and it kept Madison pretty warm!

We had a great trip to Texas. Madison's first tooth came in while we were down there. She did really well for a teething baby. We had a blast seeing John and Cassandra! Hopefully this baby comes soon! We are excited to meet him!

Colorado

I only took a few pictures while we were in Colorado. We stayed for a few days, then we went to Texas and stayed for a few days when we got back. It was so nice to spend a lot of time with everyone. My dad and Melodie are getting ready to move next week. I can't believe it! It will be weird to go to a different house next time we are in Colorado, but I am really excited to see it.

We had a good time seeing Mary and her kids. They all caught colds so we didn't see them too long. 

We had a good time with my mom and John Spencer. John was kind enough to take us to the airport pretty early in the morning. We went bowling with my mom and played a lot of Mario Kart on the wii.

 I really enjoyed teasing Moriah while we were there. She gives the funniest looks.

Playing Mario Kart. Emma and Wyatt were a team. Ross won a lot.

Burlington

On December 13th, we went up to Burlington! We were surprising Anne for her birthday and staying for Christmas too. Anne had no idea that we were coming. We wanted to surprise her. We made it in time for Diana's basketball game so we just sat in the crowd. When Anne was walking up the bleachers she saw us and did a double take. It was so fun. I was glad that we could surprise her! On Anne's birthday Ross went to Billings with her to do some Christmas shopping. She had no idea that there was a second surprise. When they got back from Billings, I went to a wedding reception with Anne. I "accidentally" grabbed the diaper bag and Madison needed to be changed. So Anne and I went to Rebecca's to meet Diana and Ross. It was a SURPRISE party! Anne was surprised until we got there and she didn't want to get out of the car, because she knew Diana wouldn't want her to be at her book club. She finally came inside and saw the surprise. It was a very fun party. I am glad that we could celebrate Anne's birthday with her.

 Grandma Bea brought this little car over for Madison. Ross and Diana would take her on little rides. She loved it. She would be smiling and laughing the whole time. It was cute.

 The first few days we were there we watched a lot of basketball games. It was fun to watch Diana play. Her whole team did really well. One night we stayed for the boys game too. Madison was so tired. She fell asleep pretty quick on the ride home.

 Ross' grandpa was excited to see Madison. Madison's middle name Mabel came from Grandpa's mom, Mabel Todd. He really really enjoyed holding her. I wish you could see his eyes, but I like this picture a lot.

 I wish Madison wasn't blurry in this picture because it is a great picture of Grandpa. I am glad we were able to see him twice.

 Madison in one of her adorable Christmas dresses from her Grandma Davidson.

 Sarah's daughters, Kalley, Maddie, and Emma came over one day and we played all sorts of games and stuff with them. They were great at Just Dance! I was very impressed. We had a lot of fun playing with them!

 Ross was Santa for the Christmas dinner. He was full of witty comments. It was pretty entertaining. Diana went and sat on his lap. It was pretty cute.

 Madison was a little confused by Santa. She recognized Ross, but wasn't sure about the beard and pillows.

 Madison opening her present from Santa.

 Playing with our new pony Shamrock.

 Todd was thrilled about his present for Braidy. He had me write on the tag "To: Braidy From: Anne"

 Todd with Brad and Stella. Brad liked wearing the elf wig. He looks good with that curly hair!

 Ross and Madison

 Madison was really spoiled this year. It was fun to watch her open presents she didn't really care about it too much.

 I think I like this toy more than Madison but it is pretty fun. The purse sings and the toys are all things that she enjoys.

 Grandma reading to Bradford and Stella.

 Grandma and Madison

 Stella just reading to herself.

 Brad got these from Aunt Carol and Todd. He enjoyed fighting with everyone.

 Brad and Todd

 Brad and Diana.

Bronson and Madison. He is already bigger than her, but I think she is taller but probably not for long! 

We had a great time in Burlington. It was nice to spend so much time with Anne and Diana. I am excited to see them again!