Sea World

Our First day in California we went to Sea World. It was a fun day. We went to a lot of different shows. Akoy wasn't to fond of a few of them. He doesn't like to hold still. The first part of Shamu's show he was SO into it. It was so funny. We also saw The Polar Express show. Akoy really liked looking at all the different sharks.

Before we left everyone wanted to ride the roller coaster. At one part you would get wet. I wasn't going to go but was talked into it. I'm so glad I went! I forgot the thrill of a roller coaster. AND it had parts that totally surprised us. I really want to be pregnant, but since it hasn't happened I am glad I can enjoy the roller coasters. At least something good comes from everything!! ;)

 My favorite part was the Shamu show. It was so fun to see the interaction between the trainers and the whales. It was so peaceful and perfect! I loved watching them! I think I could want it all day!

Akoy and Adelynne

Shamu

  

I love this interaction!

Touching the Sting Rays

Watching Shamu

Spending time with grandma

Happy Boy!

 Sleepy Boy!

First Roller Coaster!

Christmas in Utah!

We went home for Christmas break this year! Bryson got a whole three weeks off! We flew out to Utah on the 19th and we will return to Nebraska on the 4th. The week of Christmas we were able to do a lot! Including.... (sorry some don't have pictures)
-Girls Night Out with my sisters and mom. We had dinner at CPK and then walked around the mall
-Utah Snow!!!

-play date at Monkey Fun center with the cousins



-my sisters 30th bday party (we had it at a Marriott hotel and we made gingerbread houses, just like her childhood party's!) Her husband went above and beyond!
-Sleepovers at both grandparents houses!
-Bryson's brothers house for his bday cake

-Play date with Ryker- We missed seeing him in Novembers visit.
-My nephews b-day dinner at Chick Fila
-Went to Nordstorm's Rack! (Thank you Groupon!)
-Made it past three people at the MTC and we were able to say goodbye to Bryson's cousin Jessica! It was a true miracle! Honesty is the best policy!

-Christmas Eve at the barn for the Nativity scene
-The "Last Supper" dinner at the Murdoch's
-Gregory Christmas program (each family does skits, it was a lot of fun!)
-Name gift exchange

-Akoy cut two molars Christmas Eve morning! 

-Slept over at my parents with both of my sisters + families for Christmas Eve/Christmas. It was fun to see Val Dean and Vivien open their presents. Akoy was playing with all of Val Deans Toys



-Christmas morning at the Gregory's and Barton's

-Christmas Lunch back at the Murdoch's and presents from grandma and grandpa (notice the two boys in the middle, they have no presents. When my dad asked them what they got 10 min later, they replied "We didn't get presents" and were very sweet about it. My mom forgot theirs in the other room! They were such good sports!)

-Christmas Dinner with the Gregory's at the Brown's house, we had a lot of fun playing Settlers as well! -packing for Disneyland!

As you can tell we had lots of fun! It was a great Christmas! We had like 3 Christmas' this year! The best part is right now! Spending time at Disneyland!! :)

Christmas 2010!

This year for Christmas, we celebrated a little early. I meant to post it, but never got around to it. So December 17th was our Christmas Day. Most everything was already done and we got to enjoy the night! I made a few last minute preperations while Akoy was held hostage in his room. He seemed to enjoy opening presents (a lot more than his bday). His favorite toy was a car thing. (His cousin actually gave it to him for his bday....I just saved it) We also got him a learning lap top that I think he will like. We didn't have much time to play with all of the toys.
I got Bryson a griddle, waffle maker and a electric razor, which is returned now. Oh well. Bryson got me a sewing machine! I was sooo excited. I made Akoy a sport stocking with some leftover fabric. It's not the best and I haven't touched a machine since Jr. High. So I'm learning. :)
 

One of our neighbors gave us a chocolate pretzel, and Akoy sure enjoyed it! He went to town with it! He was so funny in the tub after. He started to wave to himself. Silly guy.  

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

2010 has been a great year for us. It has been our most eventful year yet! Akoy has had many "firsts," including his frist crawl, walk, and of course, his first birthday. Our biggest even this year was our move to Nebraska in July. Nebraska is now our home for the next four years.

Bryson officially graduated from BYU in December and walked in April. He took both the LSAT and the GMAT in preparation for graduate school. He was accepted to both the Law and MBA program at the University of Nebraska. After a few trips to Nebraska, we decided it was the place! He started his first year of Law School in August and just completed his finals. (well tomorrow) Way to go Bryson! He will finish his first year and start his MBA program next year.

Mickelle finished her 2nd year teaching 6th grade at Freedom Elementary. She was sad to leave her job, but glad to finally have the chance to be a stay-at-home mom. Now Mickelle is staying busy with Akoy and making Nebraska our new home.

Akoy is a growing little boy. He changes day to day. Some of his favorite things are balls, going outside, making us laugh, and playing with his friends. He is a hoot and thrives on attention. His newest fascination is shoes.

We are loving life in Nebraska and are ready to see what 2011 brings. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

16 months!

Akoy is officially 16 months. I keep hearing the phrase, "only a couple more months and he can go to nursery!' However, he is already in their part of the time. With me being the nursery leader, and Bryson being in the Young Men's presidency, it leaves us no choice. In fact, all of the nursery workers have kids in nursery.

Back to Akoy, he is 16 months! He has learned a few more things this month, but pretty much the same things. As I look back through post, I realize a few more things. He never falls as he walks. If you say run then he will go faster.
- He craves attention from Bryson. Right as Bryson walks in the door, Akoy immediatley runs away so he can be chased.
- He nodes his head yes and no. He has been doing No for quite a while, but never caught on to yes. It is SUPER windy and cold today, and as soon as we got in the car I said Akoy it is freezing! I nodded yes, it was hilarious. Bryson was able to see it.
-He loves spinning in circles
-When he dances, he squats and it look like he is trying to poop. But no, just dancing.
-Starting to always what me. That's both good and bad.
-Loves drinking water out of a bottle. He is constantly bringing me a water bottle and a bottle with a lid. Then crys if i don't give it to him.
- Getting a lot better at drinking out of a cup. I credit this to nursery where we give him a small cup. He is always wanting our drinks now. He still will spill.(wow what a weird sentence!)
-Still loves his bottle of milk. Does anybody have suggestions to get rid of the bottle?!! I don't even want to attempt.
-he goes on eating kicks. Sometimes he eats super good, and other days he won't touch his food.
-Loves balls and the toys that go with them.
-Loves pointing the remotes at the tv. Whether it be the tv, dvd, or wii remotes, he doesn't care!
- He will clap for himself when he does something right.
-He will see me making a bottle for bed time and he starts waving and then will walk in to his room.
 -He will fold his arms whenever we say prayer. He even did it when we were in the foyer at church and I wasn't even doing it!

A little about the picture below. I found this outfit at Salvation Army the other day and put it in the back of Akoy's drawer for next summer. Bryson got Akoy up this morning and his pj's were wet so he dressed him in this. A little early ;) Especially with the wind/snow/coldness today! Akoy preceeded to put on necklaces leftover from a baby shower last night. Bryson brought Akoy into bed with us and I immediately thought of of gangsta.

Playing with Riley at the Children's Museum

 He still insists on going outside..

  

Sick tired boy

Playing with Coen in Utah

 He tried to tickle us with the duster that he found in the closet!

Breakfast with Santa

Our apartment complex held a 'Breakfast with Santa' thing. It was so fun to get together with everyone and see Santa! Mrs. Claus even made an appearance! It was fun to see all the kids with Santa. It was sad not to have Bryson with us, but he had to go on a camp out with the Young Men in our ward. Later that night we had our Ward Christmas party/talent show. Santa made his appperance again, however looked a little different. A few kids caught on. Akoy just didn't like either one all together! :) But, what do you expect with a kid?!
 

mom, why did you put me down?!

No, I do not want a treat!

mom, just save me!

No, I still don't like them! {notice his foot, he really didn't like it!)

For our talent show, I/we (the nursery) sang Once There Was a Snowman! For the most part they did what they were supposed to do. 

Really, again?!!

Happy boy! His shirt says, Dear Santa, I can explain! I love it, and it's getting me excited for Disneyland in a couple of weeks!

We also had a girls craft night last week. The plan was to make these adorable Christmas Tree advent calendar that I found HERE. However, it took a little longer that expected. I am only going to be here for another week and a half, and Akoy didn't really get the concept this year. I did all the prep work and next year I will glue it together. Instead I finished one of my 'reindeer.' I'm pretty sure I'm safe to say that our parents won't see their Christmas present early. {mom, dad murdoch and gregory, don't look!}

please note, this picture was taken at 1 in the morning!