Its going to be a long one!

I know it has taken me a while to get these pictures up. We had such a blast on our cruise, and are grateful to Ed and Lynette for a fun trip!
Leaving from Miami

Roatan, Honduras (a very beautiful underdeveloped island where we snorkeled.) Belize

Out tour guide Mark, who took us snorkeling, and swimming with stingrays!



Tulum Ruins in Cancun


After we got back to Miami, we took a trip out to the
everglades and also went to an alligator farm.

We also have welcomed a brand new baby into Danny's family. Our sister-in-law Ashley, gave birth to Little Reese, coming 8 weeks early. She weighed in at 4.9 and is improving every day. She is such a little miracle. She looks like a beautiful little baby doll. Congrats Nate and Ash!

Remembering 2008

Okay so I got this idea from my sister-in-law Kara and I had fun reading theirs, so hopefully you will enjoy reading what happen in 2008 for the Erickson's!! Thanks for the idea Kar!

January-The only think we can think of for January is we were already ready for summer and getting depressed that we still have 2 more months of the white stuff!! (we ask ourselves all the time why we are still living here) We do love it here we could just do without the LONG winters!



February-I was able to go on a trip with my mom to California to visit my Aunt Janice. We had so much fun together. We spent a day in San Fran, and a day in Old Town Sacramento and spent the rest of our time shopping. I love whenever I get to spend time with my mom. I remember missing Danny so much though, I had just bought a book that had a 1001 ideas to be more romantic and I took it with me on our trip, so needless to say I missed him that much more.

March-March Danny was able to go on his annual golf trip with his dad, brothers and friends! They go every year right around March Madness! The highlight of March though was when Danny won his TV!!

April-We both celebrated birthdays in April! My friend Melissa and I surprised our husbands with a trip to Southern California. The highlight of the trip for us didn't even have anything to do with sightseeing in California, it was just what Jeffrey did to make us all almost pee our pants laughing. Don't worry we won't go into details! Another memorable event from that trip was that we went whale watching and didn't even see any whales!

May-It started out good we went on a trip with Danny's family down to Palm Springs, CA. His mom had found this killer house that had it own pool, and we spent our time in the pool, golfing (of course, what would an Erickson Vacation be without golfing) and shopping. The end of the month was very somber, our great friends Vic and Molly had the worst thing ever that could happen to a parent happen to them. Their sweet daughter Lucy chocked on an apple on Sunday morning after church. I remember that day so vividly. After many prayers and fasting on her behalf she was welcomed back to our Heavenly Fathers arms on May 22nd. We love you Vic and Molly and feel blessed to have known Lucy, she is a beautiful little girl and only regret not knowing her better the latter part of her life her on this earth.

Check out their blog for their amazing story :http://jacksonparkcity.blogspot.com/

June-The weather was finally warm, which means I don't see much of Danny. Golf and softball season consume most of his time. I enjoy watching him play, and love every chance I get to go golfing with him. My cousin Taunya was Married in the Rexburg temple. June actually started a summer of spending a lot of time with my family.
July-July was a busy month, we spent the Fourth of July in Idaho Falls with my family. I love the fourth of July in Idaho Falls. We had a family reunion with my Mom's side and it was so fun to see everyone. Then over the 24th of July we went to California for a McAffee family reunion with my Dad's side. We camped on the beach, and had a blast with everyone. I love this picture of m dad and nephews playing super heroes.

August-We spent a weekend with my family up at Pineview (I told you we spent a lot of time with my family but I loved it!) We were all able to be there except for Kara. It is always nice when we can all be together. My cousin Ashley and her husband Nick and their little cutie came to stay with us for a couple of days. We spent a weekend in St. George to see our friends Leslie, Morgan and Alie. We went to Tuacan with some friends in our ward to see Les Miserables, we had such a blastr. We got some exciting news, Nate and Ashley (Danny's brother and sister-in-law) announced that they were expecting the first grand baby on the Erickson side. We are all very excited. We love August because that is when the leaves start to change up here in Park City, it is my favorite time of year up here, it is absolutely beautiful. September-We found out that I would have to have surgery, but were very excited that we FINALLY had some answers! Other that that it was a pretty uneventful month.

October-I had my surgery and everything went very well. We went on our annual trip with Jeff and Melissa to St. George for a golf tournament. We got some very exciting news from Levi and Kara (my brother and sister-in-law) they announced that they were pregnant with their first. We can't wait to have 2 new little nieces.

November-We spent Thanksgiving with Danny's family. Both his brothers were with their In-laws so it was a small crowd with his mom and dad, Uncle Ralph, and Jim, Brenda and Garrett! We went shopping at midnight at the outlet malls, it was madness! Last but not least we celebrated our 4 year anniversary.

December-Danny was in a car accident. We went on our cruise with Danny's family to the Western Caribbean. We had a blast (pictures are on their way, I left my camera in Idaho, hence no pictures for the last few months). We spent Christmas in Idaho with my family. This will be our last Christmas together because my little bro will be leaving on his mission in April. He got called to Puebla Mexico! We are so proud of him and excited for this time of his life.

We feel so blessed as we look back on the year 2008. It brought lots of laughter and memories as well as some heartache. We hope that the new year brings you all very much joy and happiness.

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful

So far this year winter has been pretty mild.... in fact the ski resorts are all worried that there will not be snow this year. We have only had a couple storms come in that have laid few inches of snow on the ground. Danny and I welcome a mild winter with open arms. We both HATE the cold weather and the snow. Well, yesterday just happened to be one of days that we got some snow. Danny had a very unfortunate event happen, he was in a car accident and totaled his car. He hit a patch of ice and did a complete 360 on the freeway from the middle lane and hit the cement barricade. Fortunately he was not injured. It could have been so bad, we feel so blessed that it was not worse and that he was not injured, just a little sore. The insurance adjuster came out today and declared the Accord totaled. We just purchased this car about a year and a half ago, it was used, but it still felt like a new car to us.

Danny and I do not have the best luck when it comes to car accidents. Our first year of marriage in Aug of 2004 I was in an accident with my mom in the car, and the car was totaled (the accident was not my fault) we had just purchased that car from my brother-in-law about a month before the accident. About two weeks after that Danny was in a small fender bender (it was his fault...dang cell phones). Then last summer 2007 i was hit by a semi (again not my fault). In January of 2008 we were at a wedding reception and we noticed that someone had hit Danny's car, of course they did not leave a note so that came out of our pocket. I know it is hard to believe but there is one more.... 1 month ago Danny was sideswiped by another car( this was not his fault) we just got his car back about 2 weeks ago.

We feel very blessed that through all those accidents we have never been hurt. After I had gone to pick Danny up yesterday he told me "I am going to spend all day looking for a job somewhere warm." I am so grateful that Danny is okay and still with me today. It is incidents like this that make you realize how truly blessed you are.

This weekend we are going on a cruise with Danny's family we look forward to getting away and hopefully relaxing and not worrying about what kind of car we want to get, how much we want to spend, and when we want to make the purchase.. I am so bummed to I was supposed to be the one to get the new car next!!

Four Years of Marital Bliss

Today is our Anniversary. We have been married now for four years. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. Looking back I never would have pictured my life being where it is now. I thought that we would have had a baby or two by now, and no longer living here in Park City. Although four years ago I would have chosen a different path for our marriage to go, I wouldn't change it if I could. I am grateful for the time we have had together just the two of us. I am grateful for the trials that we have experienced together. I am grateful for the fun memories that we have made. I am grateful that I married my best friend. We have so much fun together. I am grateful for a husband that respects me and is sensitive to my needs. I am grateful for the provider he is for us. Grateful for his willingness to cut back on his sporting events for his needy wife. I am grateful for his happy disposition. Most of all I am grateful he is MINE. He is such a blessing in my life and I sometimes wonder what I did to be so deserving. Thank you babes for 4 wonderful years. I couldn't be any happier. I love you and look forward to what the future holds. Happy Anniversary!

We celebrated last week because my work schedule was a little bit more flexible. I had told Danny that I wanted to go away to celebrate so he surprised me and took me to the Alaskan Inn in Ogden Canyon. We left early Thursday afternoon, and went to the Timbermine for dinner and then just had a nice relaxing evening. It was so nice to just spend time together and not have anything to worry about. Thanks for a fun night babe.

Okay we will stop for a while with all the mushy posts about each other.

Blogging Problems

Excuse my discombobulated blog right now. I am not the best when I comes to these kind of things. I decided to change my background, but now I can't figure out how to get this header off. So if any of you have any advice or tips on how to get it off, I would love to hear them.

Goodbye Summer

Well I think that summer is officially over. It has been snowing pretty much non-stop for the past two days up here. I am usually pretty giddy over the first "real" snowfall, but not this year. I feels like I blinked my eyes and summer was gone. After a winter like last one I am not ready for the snow again. Every winter that rolls around we always tell ourselves that this will probably be the last one we have to endure, and her we are yet again with another winter at our fingertips.

Here are some pics from our fun filled summer. (This ones for you Britt)

Jackaroo with the cute little Chimp

Nick and Jack with the tiger in the background

It was the elephants birthday party the day we were there.

Me doing my elephant sound for Jack who doesn't look too enthused.

(Can't you see the resemblance between me and the elephant)

Summers Family

Jack and Danny

Oh how we love this little boy!!

Thanks Nick and Britt for the fun trip to the zoo. We always love when we can get together with you guys. We miss you in the ward but are glad we still get to see you!

I Love My Wife!

My beautiful wife Darcie is currently asleep, recovering from surgery yesterday. She is doing well, a little sore and a little nautious, but considering she is handling everything really well. This is my first, and probably last post, but if I am going to do one, it my as well be about the best thing in my life, my wife. I actually don't even know how to do a post, but since my wife left her labtop on, and it was on this page, I figured it is now or never. I think she was going to post about her day yesterday and to let all of you know she is doing well, so now is my chance. I am so grateful to have Darcie as my wife. She supports me in everything I do, and she loves me inspite of my many imperfections. She very rarely misses one of my games eventhough it is usually about an hour drive. She supports me in my golf, always asking how I did and making me feel better as I usually tell her I played terrible. She is amazing with children. We do a lot of babysitting and the kids are always sad to see her go. She will be an incrediable mother someday. We hope that day comes sooner than later. She is a very talented cook. I haven't gained thirty pounds since we've been married for nothin. She is always so sweet to make dinner when she gets home from a long day at work. She keeps our little family in line when it comes to spiritual things. She is always reminding me to read our scriptures, say our prayers, and she is always reminding me to pray for people who are going through hard times. She has a very big heart and is always concerned with others. As all of you know I am a very lucky man. I love my wife and am eternally grateful to have her as my eternal companion. I LOVE YOU DARC!

Polyp and Cyst

Danny and I had an appointment with the infertility specialists down at the U on August 29th. He sent us on our way with some persriptions for me, (as if I don't have enough hormones running through me as it is ). I think we are in for a long haul, it has only been two weeks, and I already feel like I am going through early menopause. I wake up at 4:22 a.m. every morning burning up, and I have had a migraine every night for the last week. I just have to keep the end result in sight, it will all be worth it.

We went back for a follow up visit on the 17th. We found out that I have a cyst on my left ovary measuring 5cm, and I also have a polyp the size of an olive in my uterus. No wonder why we can't get pregnant! I have to go in for surgery to get them removed. It is an outpatient surgery, with a 2 day recovery. Despite the fact that surgery is involved, we feel grateful to FINALLY have some answers. I apologize if I have shared too much information.

We are so blessed to have a great support group. Thank you for all of your love, support and prayers in our behalf. We feel very hopeful with the prognosis so far, and look forward to the upcoming months.

Daniel Rulon Erickson

Danny has been bugging me about doing a new post. I am slow at this blogging thing. I thought I would surprise him with a little post about HIM! For those of you who don't know Danny he is one of the most positive, happy people you will ever be around. He has the best outlook on life and the trials that come with it. I was having a rough couple of weeks and Danny had surprised me with flowers; after I had just complained to his family about how he never gets me flowers spontaneously! I am so grateful for the rock that he is in my life. I have a tendency of getting in these ruts where I feel sorry for myself because of our situation (it seems to happen more often than not lately)but I can always count on Danny to buoy me up. I would sit here and list all the reasons why I love Danny, but I don't want to bore you with all that mushy stuff. Thanks babe for your unconditional love for me despite the crazy emotional roller coasters I take you on. I am grateful that I have you in my life. I love you.

Southern Cali

My friend Melissa and I back in February decided to surprise our husbands with a trip to California. So they left one weekend to go on one of their many annual golf trips we stayed home to plan a trip for them. (What sweet wives huh?)
We didn't tell them until just the day before we left. It was so fun to keep it a secret. We had so much fun, we drove down to Vegas on night and stayed with my sister Lani, and then we drove the rest of the way the next day. We spent a couple of days in Laguna Beach, and then spent a couple days in LA, where we went to a Dodgers game and did the walk of fame.
Thanks Jeff an Meliss for a fun trip. Danny and Jeff..... we are still waiting for our surprise!!

Luckiest Guy I Know

So I know it has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been getting flack from many of you about how big of a slacker I am. So here it goes, bear with me though we have a lot to blog about so I am going to turn into a blogger juunkie for a couple of weeks.

Back in March Danny got invited to go to a "March Madness" party for Wachovia Bank by one of our friends in our ward. He was very excited to go... free food and as many TV's with basketball on so you can watch every game all at once. We had something going on later that day so I was trying to convince him not to go but of course he would be crazy not to. At the party they had some different drawings, a TV being one of them. Luckily to Danny's advantage they didn't have a very good turn out. So they drew his name for a NBA giftcard, then they drew his name for the GRAND PRIZE..... a 50 inch plasma screen TV.

He called me and told me the news, I have never seen him so giddy unfoutunately even when we were dating. I was very happy for him, but I said we can just store it untill we get into our own house or have a bigger place. That did not go over to well. He thought I was crazy to make him store away this TV that he just won. We have a very small living room so the TV doesn't go very well with the room, but being the nice person that I am I gave in.

Thanks Johnny for inviting him. He has been one happy guy!!

The beauty living in Park City

Tonight a friend and I were on a way to a Bridal shower and as we were driving we saw a moose standing there in someones front yard. In the three years that we have lived up here there has been deer as well as a BEAR right in our complex. Do you think we saw either of them? NO. We have seen many other deer, and even a fox, but this is the first to see a MOOSE. Needless to say I was pretty excited. We feel so lucky to live in a place where mother nature is literally knocking at your back door.

We tip our hats to ALL parents

So Danny and I have the privilege these last couple of weekends to BABYSIT. Last weekend we tended my adorable niece and nephews, then this weekend we watched my bosses kids. We were with my niece and nephews on Friday and Saturday, and then we were with the other kids this week from Thursday night till Sunday!
There are some perks about babysitting. First of all we love to be with our niece and nephews, second my bosses house was beautiful and very nice, third the money, and fourth it makes us so grateful for our alone time together. One thing that opened my eyes to the future is I am going to have to be the disciplinary while Danny get to have fun with the kids!
Now to touch on that fourth one, as you all may know having children has not been the easiest for Danny and I. Although it is our deepest desire right now, this was just the thing we needed to help us (me) be a little bit more patient. As all you parents I am sure know, there is NO downtime with kids, and when there is after bed, you have other things to do like make lunches for the next day, do dishes, laundry, clean, and the list goes on. So the only time you get to spend together is the last few minutes before your head hits the pillow.
I just wanted to take the time to thank all you parents, thank you for doing all that you do for your children. Mostly I want to thank my parent and Danny's parents. Thank you for always putting your children's needs first, for raising us in the gospel and for supporting us no matter what.
We cannot wait to have the opportunity of parenthood, but I am so thankful for the time that Danny and I get to spend together. I am so grateful for him and his positive attitude and patience.

Not our kind of "winter wonderland"

OK, so these pictures are a couple weeks old now, they were taken when we were just getting SLAMED with snow. Danny and I are not your typical Park City people. We don't snowboard, ski, or do anything outside in the winter for that mater. We usually go into hibernation during this season (which means we sit at home on our butts and watch TV and gain our winter weight) Every winter we tell ourselves that this will be our last winter here, and yet again we battle this depressing weather. This has been the worst winter up here for us. In fact it has been record breaking snowfall. I guess it is an OK trade off though, we love the summers and fall. As beautiful as it is, we are very anxious for spring. We are very grateful though because it came at a time when it was needed most.