The Vegas

It seems like Vegas has become a yearly trip in college. This time though, was more special. It was Lorin’s birthday celebration, my first time being 21 in Vegas, and last but not least Lorin’s proposal. We arrived in Vegas early, and when I say early I mean we left for the airport in SLC at 5:30am! The first day we just hung around, walked the strip a little bit and then led Lorin to the Stratosphere where Blake proposed.

The whole day was quite fun because everyone knew but Lorin. She was so surprised when it happened and I couldn’t be happier for her and Blake! I am looking forward to probably being their nanny someday. Ha.

The rest of the weekend was spent eating, watching others gamble and exploring the strip. It was a fun filled weekend and a nice little get away, although very exhausting! It was great to see Cousin Danny again and spend some quality time with him, Jorigea and Chadney along with everyone else. This Vegas trip will be one for the books!

Winter Craft Projects

 The first project was making homemade coasters for Christmas gifts. All you need is the small white tiles from Home Depot for less than .20 each. Start by tracing the scrapbook paper of your choice out and cutting them to fit the top of the tiles. One by one, cover each tile in Mod Podge, place the paper on and then make a coat of Mod Podge on top of the paper. Repeat this several times. Finally, spray with a clear sealant to protect the paper from water. The last step is to cut felt and glue on the bottom. I prefer to cover the entire bottom of the tile to make it look more finished as opposed to just the corners.

My second craft project was crafted thank you cards. I used a few shades of blue ink, stamps, blank cards from Michales Craft store. To make the "thank you" sparkle, I used Martha Stewart glue on the "thank you stamp" and the spread glitter over the glue.

 My last project of the break was the "21 paddle" for Kelsey's birthday! I painted the paddle, used Mod Podge to attach the paper (just like in the coasters) and then used the same Martha Stewart glitter on the 2 & 1 as in the card project.

The history behind the 21 paddle: we got the idea from a Colorado Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter who made them for the girls who turned 21. We have started this tradition here and it has been so much fun. There are lines on the back and a Sharpie attached so everyone who buys the birthday girl a drink gets to sign the paddle.

Happy crafting!
xoxo
Hailey

Christmas Boise Style

Christmas this year was very low key at the Klotz house. The tree was trimmed, stockings hung, treats baked and gifts galore. Christmas eve, the family went to church as we always do, had dinner and then opened one gift each. What a fun little tradition! On Christmas morning we woke up, discovered our gifts from “Santa” then opened our family gifts. After the dozens of boxes and piles of wrapping paper were picked up, it was time for the extended family to come over for brunch. Brunch is always the same, Aunt Linda’s yummy cinnamon rolls, Mom’s infamous egg dish, orange juice and cookies!

After the family Christmas, I joined my best friends in Idaho for our own little Christmas celebration. This has also become a tradition on Christmas. We chat, exchange gifts and take our annual “family photo.”

I could not ask for a better family and group of friends to rely on. Christmas may have been smaller this year to do the weather, but the joys and spirit still lived on for the family. 

A Very Merry Christmas Salt Lake Style

Christmas this year started out early. My friends and I exchanged gifts in Utah, as well as Michael and I had our own little early Christmas. They all spoiled me! I could not be more blessed to have the few amazing friends here! I got to see the temple lights and Christmas Street! There was a Christmas party at Blake's and we also decorated our house. I would have to say it was my best Christmas yet in Salt Lake!!

The Perfect Christmas Card

For a few years now, it seems the trend in my family is to have a silly Christmas card. Throughout the past few years, RJ has become more and more of a country kid. So, we took that theme and ran with it. Below are a few photos from the photo shoot Momma and Ashley did. We had quite a fun time taking these. Enjoy! 

                        

 ^this was ultimately the winner. Dad wasn't really a fan of the guns.