Where did that year go?

We started off the year with Rotavirus and RSV. I would totally wish Rotavirus on my worst enemy. I have never been so sick in all my life! Sean got it from Kiddie Kandids which was the last time I'll ever get his pictures taken there, and then gave it to me after I was assured by Primary Children's that it was just a "kid virus". Michelle was coming with her baby so we tried our best to get well, but then were hit with another virus that turned into RSV. After some IV fluids and an inhaler, we were able to make it out of the house to go to Cottonwood Mall. This was seriously the highlight of her trip. Sad but true.




Happy Valentines Day!




We celebrated our 9th anniversary this year and we both gave each other new rings. That was pretty random since neither of us had ever talked about rings before. Randy gave me a ring with 9 diamonds for 9 years, and I gave him a titanium ring that he can actually wear since he took his original off the first year we were married and it has never fit since. I can't wait to see what I'm getting for my 10th ...





P.S. Don't ever promise a 3 yr old that you will come to Boston for her birthday party unless you really mean it! After I realized all the plane tickets were sky high and I couldn't use my points I ended up forking out about $1100 to go to Grace's B-day party. I did get to see my cousin, Abbey, who just happened to be working in Boston that weekend, however, I had no idea how bad Sean was going to be on the plane and how much trouble he was going to be away from home. It was a bad age to travel to say the least. I think he stood in front of the TV for about 18 hours a day watching Little Einsteins, hoping everyone would go away if he didn't see them. On a positive note, Grace had a blast and at least Sean was there to play with the present I hauled all the way out there that she hated!










Nothin' like a good old fashioned easter egg hunt.






We went to San Diego in April and stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado. Apparently it is a quite famous hotel. We were not aware of that when booking it, but were pleasantly surprised to learn about its history. Sean got his first look at the ocean, but really the best part was a friendly elevator operator that knew Sean by name and gave him at least 20 rides a day in the old gated elevator.









Here are some pictures of us in Wyoming. Sean loves the outdoors and is going to be just like his dad.


It doesn't get better than fruit snacks with a view.



I feel bad I don't have many pictures of the Barnhisel's. The problem is when we all get together it is so overwhelming, and Sean is usually whining non-stop, that I never have a free hand or time to snap some shots. I will try to do better this year. This was our official deck warming party. I'll tell you all about the deck later. You can see by the look on Sean's face that he is not very amused by all the little boys playing with his stuff. Hopefully he'll get over that one day.




We treated our office to a night at The Hotel Park City. We had a nice dinner, went on the alpine slide and roller coaster, and went swimming. Everyone had a great time including us. We brought MoDebbie up to take care of Sean while we entertained everyone.











The 4th of July is probably my favorite holiday. We love to go to the Evergreen children's parade. This year we went with the Grandmas and got a prime shade spot. Sean loved getting the candy and giving all the motorcycle police a high five. We had a big BBQ that night with all the traditional 4th of July steaks, a kiddie pool and some fireworks. Good eats and good times.









We went to town on home improvement projects this year. It all started with the mother deck. I had a grand idea in my head to build a huge deck with all rounded edges and low to the ground so that Sean could play & ride his toys without falling off, and I wouldn't have to worry as much in the back yard. We had a guy my mom knew from work, Denny, come out and he assured me that it would only take 4 days and a few thousand dollars to build the custom deck. When it took 4 days to dig the post holes, I realized he had no idea what he had gotten himself into. Eight weeks and many thousands later, we had the deck of our dreams. We absolutely love the deck and the backyard. (The rounded edges were worth the wait and extra money. Our deck is truly one of a kind.)

You would think after a project like that I would know better than to gut our kitchen. When I say "gut" I mean floors, walls, & ceiling. (see picture!) I was assured that it would take no more than 4 weeks for everything if I ordered and planned ahead. You know the story- 10 weeks later and way over budget I had my beautiful kitchen. The only things that went wrong were....

1. Our house had to be rewired since there weren't enough circuit breakers for the kitchen.
2. Nothing, and I mean nothing was level or flush (extra cement on the floor, extra dry wall on walls, I had to paint the ceiling to look like it was straight).
3. Apparently the 3rd time was the charm for our counter tops. The first time they cut the wrong hole for the sink, the second time they dropped it in our driveway, and the third time I held by breath and watched as it went in without a scratch.
4. Good old China delivered the wrong tile pattern for the back splash. The tile guy had to cut each piece into strips and hand tile 1 inch at a time.
5. Ended up with 2 sinks since the first one wasn't delivered on time- if anyone needs a single bowl white sink I'll give you a deal!

Those are the things I remember. I'm sure there were about a hundred other headaches that I've tried to permanently erase from memory.

So you'd think I'd be done with the projects, not quite...
We also got Sean a "big boy room" with an airplane bed. It has a trundle that I sleep on most of the time- whatever it takes to get a good nights sleep!
We got a new computer and moved our office into our bedroom so Sean could have a bigger toy room.
We finally furnished our bedroom and got rid of our apartment furniture that we bought in Virginia and finished ourselves.

All in all, we practically have a new house! I thought all of that would make us want to stay here a few more years. Some days I do, and others I need more space. It suits us fine for now though.








We had two parties for Sean's 2nd B-day. We had a "Cars" themed party for the Mitchells and a party at the Little Gym for the Barnhisels. Let's face it, there is no house big enough to comfortably hold all 8 wild Barnhisels, especially not mine! I tried to find a picture of the little monkeys that wasn't blurry, but that would require them to all hold still together. Thank heaven for The Little Gym and all the little boys that filled it.








In September we went on a trip to Great Grandma Primmer's house in Cedar City. Sean who usually doesn't like anyone new or that he hasn't seen in the last week, bonded with them in no time. He insisted my Grandpa read him his stories and play ball from his chair all day. He also loved going to the park with the Grandmas.









I debated if I should include this picture since Sean is so sad, but I figured the story wouldn't be complete without a pre-op surgery picture. Sean had a hernia repair in Oct. I was much more stressed out than he was. This picture was before they gave him the Versed. Life was much better after. They wheeled Sean away in a wagon laughing his head off. Primary Children's is wonderful when you need them.




Don't let Sean see you with that blankie Hattie!



This is us at our mini vacation in Park City. We rented a gorgeous condo and had lots of fun shopping, riding the alpine slides, and a little fun hot tubbing. Although it looks like we're having a blast, the hot tub was only at 90 degrees and it was about 10 degrees outside. What you don't see is us jumping out and getting into a warm shower. I love how pictures make everything look like a good time!



Halloween was fun this year. Sean dressed up as Tigger multiple times for parties and events. We went to Gardner Village with Michelle, Grace, & Hattie, we had a party at Aunt Amy's (although I'm not sure where all those pictures are), we dressed up for Little Gym, and we went to "Boo at the Zoo." However, they should tell you that Boo at the Zoo is just that- a nightmare of crazy people. The trick or treat line started at the gate and went all the way down to the zebras. It didn't take us too long to figure out that is not where we wanted to be, so we went to Heritage Park which was much more mellow. Sean played on the mini village, and saw his first real live pig up close.










Fall time in our backyard is beautiful. Sean can't get enough swinging.



Sean loves his "B".



We decided it wasn't cold enough in Utah, so we blasted off on a mission to Boston. We saw Gracie dance, had a party, and went shopping. What more can you ask for with 2 two year olds. A special thanks goes out to Bert for coming all the way from Seasame Street to accompany Sean on our trip- everywhere.
















We took Sean sledding for the first time. I'm glad we got one action shot since both of our tubes popped on the first run. Sean had a blast anyway.








Grandpa Lyle has taught Sean all about the remote control cars. This is a helicopter that Aunt Em gave him. He loves it, and we love watching him entertain himself for a change.






Sean got a trampoline from Santa. Thanks to Grandma who has helped him master the art of 5 little monkeys. He usually jumps in Grandma's crib, but I don't think it was built for a 2 year old.





Sean loves his little einsteins pat pat rocket... June is patting, Quincy's patting, Annie's patting, but we need more power!





Christmas was a blast this year. Thank you everyone who contributed to our over stuffed play room. Sean is so lucky to be loved so much!


Wow! What a year- no wonder I'm so tired.