HomeSweetHome

 Left this sweet sleeping baby for my 3 crazies- good to be home!

A lot of Westin!

 I love being an Aunt but never have I loved it so much when I got to actually MEET my nephew!  Westin Thomas Walton.  He almost 3 months old AND he is precious.  I love him.

This is my third time ever being in Rexburg/Idaho Falls and I have to say it was by far the best, mostly due to my favorite people being there!

 The "other" aunt- haha.

 Nakey Westin!

 Gah!  This boy kills me!!!!  Look at that little grin!

That boy loves his Dad!

 Richelle MADE all of her Christmas ornaments, they were so cute that I convinced her to make some for me too!  Thanks Richelle!!!!

 I tagged along with Sarah to her college classes- she's so studious.

 You can DO IT Westin!!! I believe in you!

 Lots of selfies this trip- mainly because Brannon asked for them but maybe a little bit because I never get the chance.  I bet YOU think this song is about you.

 After a night of Zumba- love my sisters!

 I just want to eat those cheeks, they are so delicious!

Hermosillo Shriner's clinic

Whilst I was away, Brannon's very kind and wonderful parents flew in to watch the kids.  The kids raved about it- they had a great time but I'm sure the Ortons were ready to take a few naps after the week was over. ;)  Brannon was on the Pediatric Shriner's rotation and flew out to Hermosillo, Mexico to help with the clinic they put on twice a year, JUST as I was getting on an airplane to come home.  I think this was the longest we've ever been apart - 11 days!

He says they helped a lot of messed up kids but really, I think this video says it all. ;)

A quick Seattle weekend

 This is me- without children nor husband for 1400 miles.  This is me- discovering that I do indeed continue to exist without my current SAHM role.  This is me- freezing my tushy off because Seattle is ridiculously colder than Los Angeles!
This was the first time I have ever been away from the kids and Brannon at the same time.  I did miss them but it was also very rejuvenating to be just myself for a week.  Thank you to Brannon, Keith and Carmen, and Darren (for letting me sleep on your couch instead of the snow and driving from SLC) who made this Shauna trip possible

 Got to help pick out the Gregg Christmas tree!

Got to gorge myself on delicious Italian food with my folks and bro.

 Got to discover rare gems at Trader Joes.

 Got to earn the friendship of my youngest sibling- Gizmo.

This little angel is always at the top of my parents' tree.  Uncle Mark gave it to my mom as a gift.

 Got to decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments from around the world on all of my parents' travels.

 Got to sit with my gorgeous friend, Erin and her darling kids, Leo and Kara

Got to see my dear friend, Michelle get married to her love.  Got to give her lots of hugs and congrats. I couldn't stop smiling, I am so happy for her!  Yeah!!  Fill up those extra rooms Michelle!

 Stunning bride!

Birthday Girl!

 Belize was born at 6:26 in the morning.  I will never forget the incredibly spiritual moment when I first looked at her sweet little face.  She was mine and I was hers.  Our lives before, now and after are woven into the same beautiful tapestry.  Belize, I feel so privileged to be your mother.  Thank you for being my first born, I hope you understand how this is all new and I am just learning.  I make mistakes and try to learn from you and from Heavenly Father how to be a good mom.  Thank you for being patient with me and letting me be a part of your joys and your triumphs, your struggles and your tears.  You are a good daughter and I am so pleased with you, I'm practically pink! :)  I love you!

Belize woke up to a giant Hello Kitty balloon, pink carnations and chocolate cake for breakfast!

 No doubt, little brother benefited.

 You chose Brighton to come on our family birthday adventure.  We went to see, "The Rise of the Guardians" on opening day followed by lunch at Islands grill.

We ended the evening with a movie in the car- your favorite! 

Preciousness

 Armed with her blanky and binky- girl is good to go!  Mayan likes to give me raspberry kisses because she thinks it makes me laugh out loud.

 These are Mayan's favorite things to tote about- wha?!

 Bedhead!  Few of you might know I have an obsession with stinky baby breath- especially when they first wake up!  It's just so delightfully weird- I love it!

 Mayan is OBSESSED with shoes, hats and anything soft and furry.  This vest and hat are one of her FAVORITES!!!!  She'll even wear the vest over her pajamas.

Telling me ALL about the Christmas lights

My main 4 year old squeeze

I stole Rio away for a Mommy Son date but truth be told, he just wanted to play with the other kids at the park and kept asking me if we could bring Belize and Mayan and Dad next time- haha ouch!  Eventually we did wander down to the pier to look at the kite shop and the people fishing off the end of the pier but it wasn't long until Rio was begging to go back the park- C'est la vie!  He's still my cute boy and I will still squeeze plenty of dates of him yet.  He tells me frequently that he "loves me to death."  Which he insists means he's going to marry me.

 Behold!  The puppy dog face!

 Poor kid, we need to get him a brother- stat! :)