Thoughts and events from the Christmas season

Here's a little sample of what we've been up to the past few weeks.

This is our new house!!! Bryson has been working hard remodeling some of the interior.
View from kitchen of garage entry and family rm
View from family rm of kitchen and hallway to bedroomsHeather helping load the kiddos on our way to my family's ward Christmas party.

Me loading my handsome Hunter.

The three of us at the party. Bryson was working on our house so we were missing him.
Eleyna opening her first present on Dec. 23rd to celebrate the Prophet Joseph Smith's birthday.

Bryson helping Hunter open his gift. He got the Children's songbook on cd.
Eleyna playing with the wrapping paper afterwards. What a beautiful smile!

We are so excited about our new place and can't wait to move in--hopefully we'll be in shortly after New Year's. One thing I wanted to mention quickly is how grateful I have felt recently for all of the wonderful people who help me to take care of Hunter, but especially for his therapists from Kids on the Move. My physical and occupational therapists are amazing guys. They truly care about Hunter and all of the children they work with everyday. I know that the Savior has a special love for those precious spirits who struggle with imperfect bodies. I think He, along with me, cries tears of joy when He sees His other children working so hard to help improve the lives of little kids who cannot help themselves. I am so grateful to be able to associate with individuals on a regular basis who understand what it means to be a parent of a child with a disability--it helps me to not feel quite so alone.

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Brother and sister

4th of July Parade with the Durrants

The Big 3-0!

On Tuesday night we celebrated Bryson's 30th birthday with a big party! We barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs in our backyard and rocked out to 80's music courtesy of the dj I hired. After everyone ate, the plan was to do some karaoke. Sadly, only the kids and I were brave enough to sing for the crowd. I picked Goodbye Earl by the Dixie Chicks-which, looking back, definitely wasn't the most appropriate song choice given the fact that Bryson isn't a wife-beater, so there was zero sentimental value involved. Anyway, after cake and ice cream, the party was still swingin', but we had to kick everyone out to get Hunter ready for bed. (That's when you know you're "old" I guess.) Thanks to all those who helped me get the party together and to everyone that came! It was really fun hanging out with all of the wonderful family and friends that love Bry.

Spring Break in Las Vegas

Hunter's favorite thing to do on vacation-SWIM!


We stayed right on the Strip. This is the view from the roof of our hotel.

Bry and I in front of the Bellagio. We went to "O" with my parents. It was incredible!

Celebrating Hunter's 2nd birthday early at Grandpa Brad's.

Courage Reins

Hunter got to go to his first horseback riding session at Courage Reins today. It went really well. I think he enjoyed the experience, although he was very tired afterwards. The people who work there and who helped Hunter ride were great! We get to go every Friday morning for the next few months. I think it will be great for my little guy.

Duke game

We had such a great time on our trip! Bry and I flew in to Durham Wednesday afternoon. After several long hours on the airplanes (especially for the pregnant lady) we cruised to the hotel in our rental car, a red Mustang, and took a nap. That night we had dinner at a TGI Friday's near campus. After dinner, we drove a few blocks, parked and walked to Cameron Indoor Stadium. It was very cold! We were following the crowds, since we didn't really know where we were going, when suddenly we found ourselves in front of the arena. I never would have guessed in a million years that a basketball gym could be found in that building. It is very small inside and only holds 9300 fans. However, I feel like I can guarantee that the opposing team feels as though it holds 3x as many Cameron Crazies as that. The students are a riot! The game ended up being pretty close but my Blue Devils came away with the victory in the end, 71-58.

The next morning, before heading to the airport, we drove around the Duke campus a little and discovered Krzyzewskiville. (That's what the last picture of the tents is of in the next post.) I did some research and found out what it is all about and I have posted more info for those interested. After we took some more pictures of the campus we drove back to the airport. It was a short trip, but one I will never forget.

Cameron Indoor Stadium - It looks like a castle!

St. George Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes in St. George is something I look forward to every year. This past weekend we headed down south with my parents to warmer temps and non-smogy air for our annual Parade vacation. Bry and I have tons of fun walking through the houses because the style in St. George is really different from the style everywhere else in Utah. A couple of the homes this year were super contemporary. The entire backside of one home was solid glass looking out to some beautiful views. While I do find the contemporary style entertaining, I am always thinking how impossible it would be to raise children in a home like that. (Grubby little fingers on all of that glass!) My two favorite houses were #26 Chateau Enchante and #11 Le Chateau de L'Amour. The weekend went by way too fast, but we had a really good time.

Bryson, Hunter, me and my mom and dad

The last two pictures are in front of an infinity edge pool or endless pool. I want one in my backyard!

Valentine's Day

Let me begin by stating that I am fully aware I am WAY too spoiled by my husband. Before I get into details about that however, I need to publicly thank Bryson for the wonderful spouse and father he is. I truly do not know how I got by without him for 20 years. (Whenever I say that, he smiles and reminds me that he waited six more years than I did-as if that means he loves me more or something.)

It is incredible to think about what we have gone through together in just 3 1/2 years of marriage. He has been my rock the whole way. There is no way I could be a caregiver to our son Hunter day after day without Bryson's tender love and support. I get sick to my stomach over all things medical and would have lost my sanity long ago if it hadn't been for Bry; if it hadn't been for him taking turns sleeping on the super uncomfortable pull-out chair bed at the hospital; if it hadn't been for his arm around my shoulders during the MRIs and Hunter's surgery; if it hadn't been for his willingness to give Hunter shots in his legs, morning and night, for months at a time; if it hadn't been for his hand in mine at every single doctor's appointment. He has taken countless hours off work, sometimes to come home to a nearly hysterical wife who called him when no one else could or would come. I am incapable of describing with mere words what he really means to me and to little Hunter. I love you, babe.

And if all of that wasn't enough, on Valentine's Bryson gave me the most amazing gift ever!

He is taking me to Durham, North Carolina, to watch my Duke Blue Devils play Georgia Tech! We are going next week and I am SO excited I can hardly stand it! I am actually going to get to scream and yell with the Cameron Crazies! I am going to be in the same building with Coach K! It is literally a dream come true for me.

A dozen gorgeous roses from the hubby were delivered on Valentine's in addition to my big gift!

To top off a wonderful day, Bry took me up to Sandy for dinner at the La Caille. It was delicious! We both agreed that an 8:30 reservation was way too late for us "old folk" though. We were falling asleep on the drive home and didn't even get in any Valentine's lovin' because we were so tired when we got back.

It was a REALLY special day for me and a Valentine's Day for the record books!