Idaho...

I have been so busy with life that I have not updated the blog in forever! Well forever for me :) We took a trip to Idaho Feb 12-15 I think and it was a blast, so much to cram in and so many people to see in such a short time! Many know my dad's side of the family all live in Twin Falls, what many don't know is that the Blackwood side all live in and around Twin Falls too, now combine both families as well as Mike and Stefanie's family and that adds up to about 15 families to visit within 3 days, now taking into account most of these families consist of 4-6 people (avg. 5) that's around 75 people! So now... 24 hours in a day, 3 days total, that's 72 hours, this averages out to about 57 minutes per person... that is just not fair! So next trip will be longer... anyways, as you can tell it's late and I'm tired so on with the blog :)

Here is a picture of my mother with all her grandbabies... it was so much fun to see them all interact! They were definitely a wild bunch and could make a mess faster than any other group of children I have ever seen, there were plenty of "uh oh's" "Ba-Booms" and tears, but there were even more "love you's" kisses, hugs, loves and smiles. I love that all the kids thus far are so close in age, I mean 6 kids all under the age of 3! How wonderful for them as they grow up and experience life together.

One amazing event while we were there was Carl's cousin, Brogan's, baptism. It was truly a blessed day and a beautiful time in his life. I had so many great shots of his special day, but this one with his mother Denise just captures the mood all day. She is so proud of his choices and it radiates all over her face. Love you guys and am so glad that we were able to be there for Brogan's special day!

This even and trip also gave the Blackwood clan the long awaited opportunity to meet the twinkies for the first time! It was amazing! Everyone was even more in love with them after one look, than they already were with the pictures! The twins loved everyone and received plenty of attention as well. So grateful for such an amazing family! I truly am a Blackwood and feel a part of the whole crazy clan! Love you all!!

Next big event was the Blessing day of our newest niece/cousin Abigail, she is a perfect little angel with a breathtaking smile. I loved every second I got to spend holding her and watching the twinkies give her loves and kisses, I was nervous a few times when Ryan would go in for a kiss or love, because often times his "loves" are rather hard head butts! But he did great with her and was gentle. Randi put her doll practice to good use by helping me feed Abi, holding Abi, touching Abi's nose and toes, and just being a "mommy" It's amazing what feelings come from such tiny little ones! I definitely think the twins love babies! (This does NOT mean we are having anymore any time soon!)

So blessed to be able to share this special day with Abi and her parents and sister. Bella loves her baby sister and was definitely helpful to her mommy in every way that she could be. The prayer offered was moving and perfect, Abi has definitely been born into an amazing family. Mike is an involved and wonderful father, Stefanie is so patient and nurturing, not to mention the craftiest person with ribbon I have ever met, but she also has a loving sister who although doesn't like sharing all her toys right now, will be able to constantly be a good example to her baby sister! Love you guys so much!!

Finally I couldn't post without a picture of Ryan and Randi's Valentine's Day outfits... they were too cute and where they had their moments and many probably thought all they did was whine and eat, they really were troopers and slept great every night through the whole trip. I just love them!

Ryan got this clapper toy from his Aunt Kira, Uncle Dayrk, cousin Addi and cousin Doug and he LOVED it, seriously for hours all I heard was the banging of plastic and there have been times since getting home that that is still all I heard, thankfully I HAD to pack the toys up so... into the box it went and for 3 days I have heard no plastic clapping :) But look at that face he has... pure bliss and happiness!

Then below I had to include Randi's new "cheese" face... haha... it's so cute and yes she does do it on command or any time she see's a camera. I love it, I love everything about this picture and this little girl. She met a new boy while down there and was a little flirt... I can already tell Carl will have to have plenty of nights staying up and "cleaning" his guns :)

So much more happened this trip, we were able to swim twice! (hotel once, Hot Springs once), had lunch with many of our cousins, saw and stayed at our cousin Monica's amazingly beautiful and well decorated home (Thank you! Love you!), visited our ill Grandma Burton, shopped, played games, visited a few of Dayrk's cousins in Boise, and well there was more eating as well. Family is great and life is good when family is around, I am not looking forward to moving so much further away... I am opening an invitation to all that read... You are welcome to our home in NC, PLEASE come visit! Just not the first 2 weeks Carl is home... those are our weeks :)