Jake in skates

Happy 2013! Things are quite happy over here with a new year in our new house and our newly-16-month-old constantly reminding us that it is a "Happy Day." We're especially thrilled to be over the never-ending sicknesses that ruled our lives over the last two weeks/entire holiday break. Maybe we'll actually get said new house in order now? We hung a few pictures the other day, which definitely helps. And as soon as I get around to ordering blinds (any local company recommendations?), we'll be golden. Let's be honest, not having blinds is kind of weird.

For now, I'm determined to finally -- finally -- get caught up with this blog. It's been left by the wayside ever since we arrived in Utah, due mostly to all of my technological devices crashing within weeks of each other and thus leading me to despise technology. But this blog is actually my friend in all of this, as it's the only reason we have a lot of our pictures, low-res as the blog versions may be. And our video of Jake's first steps? Only on here, folks. So here's to lots of back-up blogging, eh?

We'll start with the holidays -- and, more specifically, our pre-sickie Elf Day ice skating adventure at the Gallivan Center. It's a rather nostalgic activity for me and Matt, since sparks flew on that ice rink on our second date six years ago. This year was the most fun because even Jake even got in on the action! We put him in baby skates and Matt guided him around the rink a few times and it was adorable.

We concluded our Elf Day activities at our house with lots of cookie dough and cuddles while watching -- what else? -- Elf. This was made even more awesome by the addition of our brand new Elf shirts, compliments of our good friends the Johnsons. Christmas songs may have also made an appearance. Because, after all, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"