New Years!

This year for New Years we had plans to spend the evening with my parents and Grandpa Stanley. At the last minute Grandpa decided not to come, so keeping in tradition everyone came to our house instead. I say everyone but Uncle Will couldn't make it so it was just Nana and Papa. We had tons of food! My Dad. I have no idea why he comes to parties. He's the life of the party if you couldn't tell. Every year it's the same story. We're all partying and he's sleeping. At one point during the evening he did wake up and come in the kitchen for a snack. At that time we were playing The Logo Game (thanks Aunt Debbie!) and my Dad walks in and answers the question correctly like he'd been playing with us the whole time. (the question was what is the name of the Borden Cow? I don't know if I spelled that name brand right but the correct answer was Elsie. None of us knew it but Dad) He grabbed a snack and went back to sleep. What??
We played lots of fun games, snacked and counted down the hours till we could celebrate the New Year!

My Mom was ready to party!

After games, it was getting close to Midnight so we broke out the fireworks and started lighting them off. Talk about fun! Clay climbed up and got in the attic and got our BIG fireworks down. They'd been in the attic for years. After a bottle rocket went off and landed in my hair one year on the Fourth of July at my parents house, we hadn't done BIG fireworks since. I was feeling brave. We had so much fun! I even lit a few. Many of our neighbors had fireworks as well. The neighbor across the street who usually fires off a couple rounds from his shotgun, got in the spirit of things this year and had a very cool fireworks display.

Last year it was freezing cold, windy, and rainy. This year the weather was perfect. We only needed a sweatshirt and we were good to go. Dad woke up just in time to watch the big ball drop, we blew our noise makers, and rang in the New Year with style. Do we know how to throw a party or what.Shortly after that we cleaned up and everyone hopped in the car and headed to Benson!

Last year my New Years Resolution was to lose weight and eat healthier. I decided to give up two of my very favorite things for a whole year. Soda and Ice cream. It was hard in the beginning but so worth it in the end. I did have soda once through the whole year. The little girl next door helped Sydney with her science fair project so I felt obligated to help her with hers. It was different colored Sprite. I had to drink it, it was warm and gross so I don't think it even counts because I didn't enjoy it. I lost 11 pounds over the entire year and have been able to keep it off. I feel better and look a little better too. I haven't been as sick this year as I have in years past. I plan on eating ice cream occasionally and only drinking soda when we go out.

This year I'm making a new resolution. Be more active and lose more weight and continue to eat healthier. My goal is to fit into my wedding dress. I tried it on the other day with the help of the girls. I'm almost there, just in time for our 14 year anniversary! Alex and I also made it a goal to do push ups and sit ups every day. I'm going to add in running or going for a walk at least three times a week. Hopefully we can stick to this for the entire year and feel better about ourselves in the future. Happy New Year! Make 2012 the best year ever!!

Get your game on!

Tonight is the last night of our mini vacation, it's time to get our game on. I was tired from our busy day so I read my book while Grandma and the girls played games. The first game of choice was Farkle. Alex won the first game and Grandma won the second. Sydney didn't want to play Farkle and read her kindle instead (thanks Nana, Papa, Uncle Will, Aunt Tammy and Uncle James!).
Next they played Apples to Apples Family. It's such a fun game Sydney had to put her book down and join in. At one point everyone was laughing so hard they couldn't breathe, I thought for sure they were going to start crying. All I know is the clue word was gentle and somehow Thomas the Tank Engine in that category made everyone crack up. Even Grandma was laughing pretty hard.

After snacks and lots of games it was off to bed. The girls were still pretty giggly and hyper, they had a hard time getting to sleep even though it was past 11 PM. We're leaving in the morning. I'm sad to see our little vacation end. It was so much fun for the girls to spend some quality time with their Grandma and cousin. We can't wait to do it again!!

Biosphere 2

We decided to spend the day at Biosphere 2 today. The girls were excited. I don't think they knew where we were going, or what all it entailed but they were happy to spend the day together. Everyone having fun on a girls only vacation. Say Cheese!
Biosphere 2 was an amazing sight from the outside. I couldn't wait to go inside.

7 people spent 2 whole years locked inside. They grew food, communicated with the outside by e-mail, they held video conferences with the media, and lots of other interesting things.

Inside, the girls got to play with an interactive water cycle display. Ping pong balls were the water and the girls had to make the ball go from the ground, to the clouds, to the plants. It was fun to watch them learn something while having a good time.

The first stop on the tour was the rain forest. You couldn't see much but lots of vegetation. We didn't stay in there long, good thing too. It was very humid and a little warm. I loved looking at all the plants but I did not like the humidity. Then we went out to the ocean area. It's a pool with a beach area. There are little waves every six seconds to keep the water circulating, and there's even fish. It was very exciting. We also saw a marshy area and of course a desert area. I would have liked to spend more time in each area but they had so many people wanting tours. It was walk and talk, no time to look.

After the tour was over, we went down to the ocean viewing area. You could see the fish and what was going on under the surface of the water.

The fish seemed to like the flash from my camera so I just kept flashing away to get them to come over. I actually got a picture (only one) of a fish during all the flashing.

They also had this whole interactive walk through for kids. There were a lot of stations to test their knowledge. All the coral, fish, sharks, and shells made you feel like you were under the ocean.

On the way out the girls were so captivated by oak leaves. I'm not sure if it's because they'd never seen one before, or the shape, or that there were so many. They begged me to take a picture so we wouldn't have to take a leaf home but they could still see it. How could I say no!

We saw this tiny little car when we were going inside but we didn't spend much time looking at it, we were so excited to get inside and go on the tour. The girls thought it was so cool they were taller than a car. We just had to have a picture on the way out.

After a fun day at Biosphere 2, we went to Macayo's to eat,and back to the resort to rest (and swim of course). I wasn't sure if the kids or even I would enjoy the biosphere. It turned out to be a lot of fun and very educational.

Swimming in December

After a busy day spending time with our cousins, shopping, and visiting, we decided to take a swim break. It was freezing (OK not freezing but cool) out. Grandma Wing and I were bundled up in our sweatshirts. We visited with each other while the girls braved the frigid swimming pool water. OK, so the water couldn't have been too cold, there was no chattering teeth or blue lips. Sydney loved the swimming pool!
Autumn had a great time. The girls played mermaids and all kinds of fun games with each other.

The girls didn't spend much time in the hot tub which I thought was crazy. That's where I would have spent the majority of my time when I'm at a pool in December, even if we were in Tucson. It was still cold out!

After swimming and warm showers is was off to Chili's for some yummy dinner. We filled up on chips and salsa and we all had to take our dinner back to the resort with us. The food was SO good!

As soon as we woke up the next morning, what do you think the first question I got asked was? Yep, can we go swimming?? It's vacation, of course we can. We spent the day at Biosphere 2 (pictures of that soon), and then the pool. The girls couldn't get enough of the water. I was all bundled up with pool towels and my kindle and still couldn't get warm. The girls were crazy!

After a long day what feels better than a bubble bath in your swimsuit in the jacuzzi tub? Nothing! I didn't know that bubbles and a jacuzzi tub don't mix. We finally had to turn the jets off so the bathtub wouldn't overflow. It was so much fun. Non stop giggling and splashing. The girls had bubbles in their hair and bubble beards too. After they were all bubbled out, it was time to rinse off and get ready for bed.

We have to go home in a few days. I'm already sad. It was the perfect way to spend winter break!

Cousins

Grandma Wing invited us for a little girls only vacation in Tucson for a few days at the resort she was staying at. Aunt Chalice brought Autumn for the girls vacation. We got to hang out with her and the boys for a few hours before they had to head home. We all went to McDonald's to eat and visit. Treyson was a hoot. He is so cute, I love it when he runs, his little blond curls bounce and fly. Too funny!
After lunch we headed over to the Reid Park Zoo. By the time we got there we would have only had about 30 minutes to see the animals. We decided to skip the zoo and just play at the park. We had so much fun with our cousins!

My girls play really well together the majority of the time. I think they do get a little bored of each other. Alex had a blast with someone other than Sydney. She loved playing and hanging out with Autumn.

Sydney had a great time playing chase with Braydn, they both love running.....a lot. All the kids had a blast at the park, they ran, played hide and seek, played in the sand, and played on the swings.

On the way to the car we found a perfect spot for a Kodak moment. The girls are so excited to spend a few days with Grandma and Autumn!

Girls Vacation!!

Family pictures

Tammy set up family pictures while they were down from Montana. We haven't had Stanley family pictures done for years. We took a few pictures of our own while the photographer was taking separate pictures of all the families. My camera stinks so I'm excited to see the pictures a nice camera can take. Maybe it will even take ten pounds off!
I had a lot of fun hanging out with my family. Will kept us laughing, Araya and Mason kept us on our toes, and we all had a great time hanging out together. I can't wait to see the pictures. When I have them you'll have them!

Christmas Day!

The older the girls get, the more fun the holidays seem. We had a great Christmas this year. It's comforting to know that we can afford the things the kids want and not have to be stressed out during the holidays. It's also nice that the girls don't go over board and WANT everything in the world to make them happy. Clay's work friend Matt sent a gift home for the girls. It was a beautiful book. They were so excited (Thank you Matt!) On Christmas Eve we let the girls open one present. They both picked books (Sydney opened her complete book series of The Sisters Grimm, and Alex opened her complete book series of the candy fairies). They went running off to their rooms to read. They were soooo excited. Alex got a full size sewing machine and a bike from us. A few of her other gifts that were her favorites were the Trashies from Mama, the kindle from Nana and Papa, and the memo board from Aunt Amy.

Sydney also got a bike. They didn't have the one she wanted so she got the bike pictured. We're taking it back tomorrow to see if they have the right one. She also got an ant farm, lots of books and clothes from us. A few of her favorite gifts were her Sisters Grimm books, her Kindle from Nana and Papa, and the kindle case Uncle Will gave her.

After we opened presents, we cleaned up and headed to Benson to spend the day with my family. Boys, you may want to leave the blog now.... girl subject matter ahead.

Christmas Eve I was hit with that time of the month (my period). It wouldn't be that big of a deal except that my periods are man made. We've been trying to get pregnant for years. The last two years we've been working with a specialist in Tempe. I haven't had a period for years. I finally had one last month. During that period I had to take two different medications to try to get me to ovulate, no luck. I thought I was so unlucky not being able to have a period all those years. How wrong I was. I felt like I was dying. I think they're so horrible (the cramps and flow and everything else) because I have to make my body have a period with medications. This Christmas period was no different. I almost didn't make it to my parents for Christmas. I was in so much pain and really would have liked to spend the whole day in my own bed. If Tammy and James can come all the way from Montana then by golly I can survive for one afternoon. Survive I did, barely. Let's hope this is all worth it in the end.

Christmas was great this year. Seeing all our families and friends added to the joy of the season. Hopefully I feel better soon and can spend some happy quality time with my family. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Today (Christmas Eve day) a cold storm blew in. I thought for sure we were going to have a white Christmas. The storm was a fast mover and the temperatures dropped quickly. Being the softie I am, Cassius spent the day inside with us. Talk about a happy dog! The storm didn't stick around long, we didn't get much more than a light dusting as far as snow goes. There's always next year!
We'll continue dreaming of a white Christmas.

Can't wait!

Since we've been out of school Sydney has been wanting to sleep by the Christmas tree. I love the tree and the lights but I love my bed way more. Since Christmas is getting closer, and the tree will be coming down soon, I finally gave in and let her sleep by the tree. Alex joined in a few days later and our living room hasn't been the same since. They'll be sad to know they can't sleep by the tree tomorrow since Santa is coming. I think they'll live. Oh, to be a kid again!

Dishes get done, somehow....

Our girls have one chore.....The Dishes! They take forever, sometimes the dishes aren't as clean as I would like, and I find these toys all over in the sinks and clean dishes. Hey, whatever works for them. As long as I don't have to do dishes I'm happy!

BBQ Master

Clay is going to hate this post. Most people who know Clay never get to see the funny crazy side of him. At work he's very serious and professional, at church he's quiet and reverent and subdued, at school functions he's happy and focused on his kids. At home, well that's a different story. He laughs, he plays, he tickles, he runs around. He's one fun guy. Today was no exception. It never fails, every time we decide to grill the weather is horrendous. There's been a blizzard, strong winds, sleet rain, and hail. You name it, we've grilled in it. I say WE but it's really he. Tonight's weather was perfect for grilling. A storm was blowing in, the temperature was dropping fast. Perfect weather for a Dozier Barbecue!
I MADE Clay wear a hat so he wouldn't get sick. He was trying to show me his breath in the above picture. It was freezing out. I can't believe we picked such an awesome day to grill! I also told him I needed a picture of him wearing the goofy hat so when the kids look back they will remember their dad being funny and cool. We'll have proof. That is why, in our book, Clay is the Barbecue master!!

Go Bobcats!

My camera totally stinks but..... If you look closely there is a Bobcat walking in the wash. I was taking my mom home from Mesa and the big family shindig when we turned to go down her road. She thought it was a coyote. I stopped and put the car in reverse and this is what we saw. He wasn't moving fast but he wasn't sticking around for many pictures either. By the time I got out of my car and into the wash he was already through the culvert and on the other side of the highway. It was exciting. A little side story you may or may not know. The first time Clay's Mom ever met her future daughter in-law (we didn't know that is what I would become at the time) I was dressed as the Bobcat mascot for our high school. It was at a basketball game, maybe football I'm not really sure. I was running around like a wild woman leading eveyone in the stands to do the wave. Yeah first impressions are everything! I have a picture of me dressed up but there is no way that's blog worthy! GO BOBCATS!

Annual Holyoak Shindig!

Last night we had our annual family Christmas get together at my Aunt Bev's. I look forward to this party all year long. I don't know many families who get together every year with the WHOLE family (cousins, brothers, sisters, grandpas, nieces, nephews, uncles, spouses, everyone who was anyone was there!). I also love to see how my Aunt decorates. It's different every year. This year it was a little wild but so cute! Tammy, Mason, and Araya came too! All the way from Montana to party with us! Well, not really just to party, for Christmas too. I love these kiddos. They are quite the handful, they have lots of energy. I love when they come visit. I miss them alot. Living in Montana is a little far away for me to pop over and give them some loves. I get to hang out with them again on Christmas day, I can't wait!
Like I said, the WHOLE family was there...almost. The picture below doesn't even come close to showing how many adults and kids were there. If I counted everyone we had 42 people there, it was quite the SHINDIG! I think we were only missing three. I could be wrong. We were missing my brother James but his family was represented by Tammy, my cousin Sean couldn't make it, and one of my younger girl cousins wasn't there. That's it I think. Out of the whole dang family, only three missing, that's pretty good! We're getting a bit big for Aunt Bev's house. We may have to move it outside or rent a place or something in the next few years. I'm so glad someone goes through all the trouble of getting us all together. I loved hanging out with my cousins when I was younger and it's even more fun now since we're older. The kids go play, we visit, and everyone helps out with the food. I love family!

It just so happens Aunt Chalice (Clay's older sister) lives about 30 minutes from my Aunt Bev. We had a few things to get to her so she came over. More cousins!! My kids were in cousin heaven, they ran, they played, they ate candy, they ran some more. Fun times. I got to visit with Chalice and she picked up some of her black Friday deals my parents were able to score for her. What a fantastic weekend!

We finished off the weekend by staying with my Aunt Debbie. We ate LOTS of Christmas cookies, real popcorn ( not that microwave junk), played a fun game called the logo game, and spent lots of time playing with the new little weenie dog Bella. I also got a hanging towel from her but mysteriously I didn't make it home with it.......MOM, give it back! This is my very favorite thing about the Christmas season, family becomes so important to everyone else that they can't help but have get togethers. I love getting together as a family no matter what time of year. I can't wait till Christmas day when I get to see my brother James!!! Merry Christmas!