Happy Holidays!

Yes.  I realize that "The Holidays" are in fact over.  But now I am finally going to post about it!  First I would like to reflect back on 2011, what a year!  Overall, 2011 was happy :-)

2011: Short and Sweet

In February/March McKensie and I went to Disney World and on an Eastern Caribbean Disney cruise. We followed up throughout the year on a few other small vacations like camping and Bear Lake.  We are still living in Draper and love it here.  This has been the year of the "Stout Girls".  It is a very special time where I can just focus on me and Kensie.

Kensie started her 2nd year of preschool at Avondale Academy.  She has her same teacher as last year, Mrs. Madsen.  McKensie in doing well and is excelling in letter recognition and numbers. She turned four but told me last week that she gets to drive when she turns five.  I am looking forward to that.  She is still all girl and loves dancing, playing princesses and dress up.

I am still working at Primary Children's on the Medical Unit as well as the Children's Unit at Riverton Hospital where Primary's expanded to.  This year I became an adviser over several of the CNA's.  Last year I finally rediscovered my love of reading.  Reading has been nonexistent in my life for probably about 10 years.  But last year I read at least 7 books... which obviously is a lot for me given my past history.  In November I had knee surgery, wahoo.  But the biggest event in 2011 is Ethan.  He came into my life in March and has been around ever since.

So there you have it.  2011 for the Stout Girls was good.  Hopefully 2012 will be just as amazing!

December Happy Thoughts:

1. I love Christmas time.  I love the Spirit of Christmas and all that it entails.  This Christmas Kensie and I spent a lot of time baking treats for family like the sugar cookies in the picture, pumpkin bread, peppermint popcorn, and pretzel chocolates.  It was sad to see this holiday season come to an end.

2. Santa: Kensie was so cute this year.  She is at the perfect stage where Santa is so real and magical.  I loved it.  This year she asked for jewels and a baby tiger stuffed animal.  So, a trip to Micheal's and $2.99 later I bought the jewels, knowing I would have a happy child.  This is a far cry from last year when she wanted a castle for herself.  If only every year her list would be this simple...

3.  Family and Loved Ones:  I just wanted to say thank you to all my loved ones that made Christmas so special this year.  I appreciate the gifts and letters from all of you.  I especially wanted to thank my Mom who snuck into my house Christmas Eve while I was working and played "Santa" for me.  She made this Christmas very special knowing it would be difficult for me because I didn't get to have McKensie with me on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.  Thank you, I love you all!

Christmas Eve dinner at my place before I had to go to work

 4. McKensie's dance recital: McKensie had yet another adorable dance recital.  This time she got to perform 2 dances.  So cute!  During the 1st dance she was upset with the girl next to her for some reason and spent the whole song shaking her finger at this girl telling her "no" and that she was doing it wrong.  Haha.  The 2nd song however she danced and smiled the whole time and was adorable.

5. Below is a song that Kensie learned at preschool.  Her class did a short little performance after school one day.  Adorable.