While I was out

As I lounged in Laguna Hills, Nic was making himself busy by:

Hauling Mike and Emily's Landcruiser to Cedar City and then taking an overnight trip to Vegas for SEMA.

Babysitting Korbin so our neighbor could pick up his wife and second child from the hospital. How adorable are they? Apparently Moxie kept trying to lick his face so Korbin had to tackle her. Usually kids just run or cry. Or both.

I don't think I've mentioned that we bought a boat. Well, my parents funded the project and Nic is supplying the labor. He gutted the whole thing over the weekend, which is so much more awesome because I thought I was going to have to help and it ended up getting done without me.

It may not look like much now, but after Nic is done with it it is going to be AMAZING. Major bonus: On our boat, dogs are totally allowed. I will call it the Puppy Barge.

He didn't send me a picture, but Nic also installed a stair lift for my Grandpa Brinkerhoff, who is suffering from Parkinson's and also recovering from a twice-broken hip. He spent his entire Saturday in Bountiful making it so my grandpa can get in and out of the house safely. Nic is by far one of the very best people I know. Seriously.

So You Think You Can Dance dance dance

So I'm lame and didn't bring a camera with me to California, which means there are no pictures of the GINORMOUS swap meet outside the Rose Bowl. But here's me and Alice, the sweetest, nicest baby that will ever trick you into thinking that you can have your own babies and be just fine. I kind of don't think she is for real--but then there she is being all pleasant and charming and perfect.

Between talking, shopping, and lounging, we officially decided that from now on, Alissa and I MUST attend each SYTYCD tour. Because we're twelve. And because we can. Have I ever mentioned my love for Phillip? I heart him SO much!


Here's a taste of his awesomeness:



A big thanks to Alissa (and Jon!) for a great vacation. I can't wait to come back! Seriously, can I come back now?

At least I tried

Because we haven't had a Christmas tree in two years, I made it a point to buy one at the end of last season so I would have it this year. Unfortunately, I've just discovered why it was 75% off.