Scottish Festival

Brandon's Grandparents recently started a new tradition every year to set up a booth at the Scottish Festivals here in Utah, and to have as many family members come as possible. They had shirts made this year for everyone with the clan name on them with the clan symbol. They recently got into researching about their ancestors, and have found out some pretty neat things. Brandon LOVES learning about his ancestors especially those from Scotland. He even bought himself a kilt so he could look like a true Scotsman. I was a little worried about seeing him in his kilt, and wasn't really sure what to expect, but I have to admit I think he pulled it off! I have picked out material and Brandon's grandma is making me a kilt for the next Scottish Festival! We had a lot of fun, and it is pretty cool to watch the Scottish games. There was even a world record broken on the Weight Over the Bar game. Here are a few pictures.

Valentine's Day!!!

It was my year to plan Valentine's and a week before I still had no idea what I was going to do. We are trying our hardest to save $$$ and so I tried to spend as little as possible. I have to admit I think I succeeded in that. I only spent $42 for out little Valentine's date including dinner, and I thought it turned out so well.

For any of you who don't know Brandon proposed to me in Hawaii. I decided since we don't have the money to go to Hawaii, I would bring Hawaii to us. First off I wrote a note for Brandon and gave it to him Monday morning........

Inside the envelope the note read this............

Of course I meant laid as in a flower lei but any typical guy would not think that way. Any way I get a text message from Brandon Monday morning saying, "ha-ha you are awesome! I love you!" Less than an hour later I get another text message saying, "By the way you have now made it impossible to focus and be at work lol." My plan was totally working.

Any way here is how I decorated. I know pretty cheesy but I thought it turned out cute! I found this funny picture to set the scene of the ocean.

Here is the kitchen table!

I also decorated our side tables and speakers in the living room. I gathered a few pictures of us and our friends while we were in Hawaii.

Brandon took a picture of this really pretty sunset that we watched in Hawaii. My good friend Elise painted this picture of it. The painting turned our awesome!

These little lights along the railing were awesome I found them at all-a-dollar!

For dinner we had Mo Betta Steaks!!! This place is awesome they have the most delicious pulled pork. It totally reminds me of the pig we ate at the Polynesian Cultural Center. And for dessert I was able to find some Pineapple ice cream. Not nearly has good as the Dole Plantation but it worked.

Our Valentine's turned out awesome and Brandon was completely shocked when he got home. When he walked in I had his Lei ready and the first thing I said was let me Lei you. The note finally clicked to him and he just busted up laughing. I'm so grateful for Brandon and all he does for me. He's the best and I'm so glad he is such a good sport, and willing to do anything to make me happy!

I do have to say this. Brandon showed the note to his supervisor Tara at work and another guy. Well the next day Brandon wore his lei to work and when he walked in he said, "Hey Tara I got laid within the first 30 seconds of walking inside." She turned around quickly and said, "seriously?" And then she saw his lei and thought it was the funniest thing. I had no idea he wore the lei to work but I thought it was cute! Any way I hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day!

What a Goof!

This picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day, but I just thought it was so cute and funny so I had to share it. Brandon volunteered to make sweet potatoes, and it was his first time. He watched them like a hawk to make sure they were cooking right!

According to everyone that tried them they were delicious!

Christmas Weekend

I just LOVE Christmas time! I enjoy being able to spend time with both of our family's. This year we started off at Brandon's Grandparents on Christmas Eve.

Here's Brandon's Grandparents opening the gifts we gave them. Brandon's Grandpa was so excited about the Scottish Dirk that we got him. They have a booth every year up at the Scottish Festival in Logan where they display all their stuff about their Scottish heritage.

One of our favorite traditions at Brandon's grandparent's is when we get some kind of a Nerf weapon. Last year everyone got Nerf guns and we had a huge Nerf fight. This year we were all given these swords, as you can tell Brandon was loving it!

After Brandon's Grandparents we went to my cousins house, where we all wore ugly sweaters.

My dad totally cracks me up! He was wearing my great grandma's sweater/vest!

I have to admit my sister and Ryan's sweaters were by far the best.

Isn't my nephews smile just the best.

Every year at my cousins we bring white elephant gifts. Brandon and I thought one of ours this year was pretty awesome, maybe a little inappropriate but totally worth it.

On the box it said, "Obama's stimulus package for those hard times and not so hard times." On the inside this is what you would find!

My Grandma ended up picking ours and was laughing pretty hard.

This gift was also a white elephant gift. It was those horns from the world cup, and the kids were blowing those all night long!!!

Another funny white elephant gift, this nasty mask!

And this white elephant gift is just creepy, it's a burned doll head with red lights as eyes. It has been passed around the family for years.

Brandon and I got our dog this huge raw hide bone that was shaped as a candy cane. She LOVES it!

On Christmas morning Brandon and I woke up at 7:00 to open our gifts to each other. Here are just a few things we got each other.

One of Brandon's favorite shoes to wear! Luckily they last a long time because they aren't cheap!

Yeah, new Nike's!!!

This was my main gift from Brandon. It is a gorgeous picture of the Salt Lake Temple. I love it so much. I have been wanting a picture like this for a long time.

This was another one of Brandon's gift. I know it doesn't look exciting but it is a hard drive for his computer. He was shocked that I got it.

After we finished we headed to my parents for Breakfast and to exchange gifts. Once again my dad cracks me up. He was dancing to the music that his Santa hat was playing.

And once again my nephew's awesome smile.

Later that evening we went to Brandon's parents for dinner, and we also made gingerbread houses. I'm sure you could see how much I was enjoying it. Brandon and I teamed up together and our house was awarded the "special spirit award".

Check out the rest of the gingerbread houses.

Brandon and I enjoyed our Christmas weekend, and wished that hadn't gone by so fast. We are really excited for a new year, and can't wait to see what it holds for us. Brandon and I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and has a great New Year!