Christmas Day

Our Christmas this year was so special. I know I say that every year, but it was so nice to be in our own home with our family. Everyone was relatively healthy and in good spirits, and there was peace which is priceless. The kids are at the perfect age to really get into the spirit of things. There was so much excitement and anticipation. Even Ashton, who was in on a little secret this year, just couldn't contain herself! We were blessed with the ability to give and receive wonderful gifts. Of course, we missed our families but we enjoyed talking to them on the phone and also being able to be with friends who are so dear to us. I took a lot of pictures but these are some of my favorites. And some of my favorite memories of the day included:

-Watching our children open their presents- Cole's fire truck, Jordans MP3 player and boots, Ashton's Ninetendo and Regan's Leapsters were favorites

-Playing Dance, Dance Revolution on the Wii

-Seeing Cole really get in to opening gifts

-Observing how excited the kids were to watch their siblings (we drew names) open gifts they had picked with much care

-The girls receiving "fancy" new clothes from dad

-Sharing brunch with the missionaries

-Using my mom's china and special dishes from Pat

-Being surprised with a Kindle from Tod

-Cafe Rio dinner tradition with friends

Recipe for a Perfect Christmas Eve

A Snowy Day

Sugar Cookies

Fabulous Friends

4 Excited Kids

Presents

New Pajamas

Family

Peace, Happiness, Health

Snow Bunny

One snowy afternoon a few weeks ago, this darling girly begged me to take her outside to play. Who could resist????

Holiday Piano Recital

17 students

17 solos

17 duets

80 + people in attendance

Lots of cookies and sprite

ONE extremely proud piano teacher!

Star Student

Little Miss Jordan was the star student this past week in her first grade classroom. She got to choose a guest reader to come and share a story, and she invited Ashton to come and read to her friends. Ashton did really well and we loved seeing Jordan at school and celebrating her life.

Regan's Preschool Program

Finally, it was Regan's turn to have a program. She was so excited! For weeks she had been singing all the songs and telling us that she was going to be a snow fairy in her preschool play. She looked so cute and was just thrilled that we were all there celebrating her! She has grown so much the last few months. We love the preschool Regan attends- the same one Ashton went to. They keep things simple and the focus is really on the kids. After the program, we got to make several simple Christmas crafts. It was a great evening!

Nauvoo, the Beautiful

In all the craziness of December, we really wanted to make it down to the temple and spend some time enjoying the Christmas season in Nauvoo. It is one of my favorite things we have done this month. Each of the sites was decorated for the holidays and the visitors center was stunning. We enjoyed staying overnight and just being together away from our usual routines. Of course, attending the temple is always so rejuvenating and peaceful. We are so lucky to live so close to Nauvoo, a place I love so much and a place that holds so many memories for me.

Ten Years

Even though our ten year anniversary was celebrated in Hawaii, today is the actual, official day! I can't believe it has been ten years...what a ride! We were in love then and we are in love now....Happy Anniversary Tod!

Thanksgiving

Our Turkey Day tradition of going to Missouri continued this year and was even more memorable as we got to celebrate Tod's birthday on the same day. We had a great trip and the kids always love being at the farm. This year, the favorite activity was the rope swing down in the barn. It provided hours of entertainment for all ages! The girls got to go horse back riding with Grandpa which is something they always look forward too. We also did a lot of cooking, of course! Other highlights included Black Friday shopping (Menards!), seeing the movie "Tangled", going to the Amish country store to stock up on spices and yeast, and sewing a skirt with Grandma's help. Thanksgiving was a little bit hard for me this year as I found myself thinking back on all the wonderful Thanksgivings spent in Helper with the ultimate cook, Grandma Betty. Even when we moved away, I still would talk to her on the phone nearly every year. So many good memories. I was so glad this year that we were able to be at the farm enjoying what has become a tradition for our family now. I know we will look back on these farm holidays as wonderful memories.

I Love a Parade!

The Christmas season here in Iowa begins with a big parade. It is always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Tod would rather not go, while I look forward to it all year! This year, Tod went with the youth from church down to Nauvoo, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to pack up the kids and enjoy the show. I dragged my neighbor a long for the fun, and we had a great time. There have been years when it has been absolutely bone chillingly cold all through the parade, but this year was surprisingly pleasant which made it even more fun!