Fun Times and Traditions

With Christmas time comes Christmas traditions! And the return of our dear Elf, Elvis. The kids get so excited when Elvis is back. And I have to say I get pretty excited myself. Unfortunately when the kids got sick, they got Elvis sick for a day or two also. But he got feeling better quickly and was into the cookies in no time at all!

 I was lucky enough to get to go have a special day in Makenna's class and be there for their Christmas party. They made the cutest little gingerbread houses. I Love seeing Makenna. I love seeing her interact with her friends, watch how big she is getting. She is so mature and just has such a fun, happy little personality. I love watching it blossom and see the girl she is becoming. 

 The next day in Kellen's class they had a cookie decorating party followed by an awesome day where they got to act out the polar express. 

 Jen is totally awesome and made an "Elf on the Shelf" costume to wear for the day! 

 All the kids lined up on the polar express with their hot chocolate and donuts. TK has been so good for this little boy. I have watched him gain confidence and independence that has been so good for him. He is a smart little boy! And he does such a good job in school, being a good friend and a good example. He has made me so proud! I love this little mama's boy to pieces!

 The "big girls" got together as we always do and had our big baking day. I LOVE this tradition so much. It is so fun to spend the day together baking and decorating cookies. It is fun watching the skids get older and be able to help out more with the process. And the kids LOVE delivering the cookies, which I think does a good job teaching them the fun and spirit of giving to our friends and loved ones. So much fun!

 As per tradition, the kids got to sleep out under the Christmas tree with all the presents. Every time I see them laying there it just makes me think of a picture from the perfect Christmas story!

 Makenna seems to have this ability to develop really good relationships with the older ladies or primary teachers in our ward at church. On so many occasions I have had different people come up to me and tell me how sweet Makenna is, how much they love and adore her and how special she is to them. The other day her current primary teacher was talking to me and told me "I just wanted to tell you, Makenna is one of the happiest people I have ever known. She is just such a Fun person to be with!" What an amazing compliment to get about your little girl. Made me so happy and proud of the girl she is. What a better compliment than having your daughter be happy. 

Anyway, one of her primary teachers, Sister Wood, decided she wanted to make Makenna this gorgeous doll. It was all hand made and I know it took her a long time to do. Makenna (who actually doesn't like barbies) LOVED it. I think she knew just how genuine of a gift it was. And she was sweet and in return made her a pair of earrings and a necklace. Warmed my heart!

Medals, Moms and Other Stuff

 Makenna finished another season of soccer. She got a lot of time and experience as goalie and got a lot better at it by the end. She and her friend Gwyn got to play on the same team, which made it a lot of fun for both of them!

 This year Christmas seemed to come quickly. More quickly than years passed (it seems to work that way, doesn't it!). But we made sure to get out tree nice and early into the month. I LOVE picking out our tree, putting it up, decorating it. Everything about it makes me smile!

 The kids always get so excited over who gets to put up the star. This year we let Carys take part in it, since it was her first Christmas as a baby somewhat aware of what was happening. Then big sister Makenna finished up the job for her. 

 This happened to us. For the first time, which all things considered is pretty impressive in my opinion. I think within 36 hours everyone in the family was affected in one way or another. So sad. Not fun. Hope it doesn't happen again for another 7 years.

 This face makes me melt.

 So does this. What a sweetheart. That boy can fall asleep anywhere, seriously! And who can resist a cuddly santa! He carried this Santa around the house with him for days. It was awesome. I think he has learned his adoration for Santa from his big brother Kellen.

Me and my little love after his Preschool Christmas program. Cutest Angel Ever!

 This pic is probably in my top 10 favs ever!

Kellen finished his season of tball at the sportsplex. He finished saying he was excited to do it again. He learned a lot and got a lot better in just a few weeks. And enjoyed every minute of it being next to his bff Joseph the whole way.

 And then Big Mama turned 30! I was spoiled with love, gifts, roses (one of my favorite bouquets ever...loved the multi-colored roses!) and ice cream cake! So many people don't like turning 30. And though I don't like the grey hairs that have appeared in the last year, as well as the slowing metabolism and wrinkles beginning to appear, I sort of think that turning 30 is an age where you gain some credibility. Like becoming a real, full fledged adult. I swear the years in your 20's are like your initiation years. Now I am an official member. 

 The luckiest mama ever. Love my kiddos to pieces!

 Carys is a great helper. She loves to wash hair in the bath. When she sees you pull out the baby soap she gets all excited and quickly extends a hand, asking for soap so she can help lather everyone up!

 For my birthday festivities we have a few of our favorite families and my brother and parents come with us to dinner at Corvette Diner. It was such a fun night. Lots of kids and lots of noise. But the perfect birthday for a 30 year old mama of 4. Both Makenna and I got awesome straw hair! (My first time!) I feel so lucky to have such great friends with such great kids!

 I was seeing this cute face a lot for awhile. Any time Carys wanted to be picked up she would run and find her blanky and then come stand at my feet, beg to be picked up holding up her blanket. It's half cute, half....well, it's pretty cute! (until she pulls on your leg while you're putting on mascara)

 I LOVE my little Brookie! 

 While the Grandkids were all here, we "tried" to get a good group picture of them all with Grammy and Pa. This is the best we did, which all things considered isn't all that bad.

 Another phase Carys went through...collecting ALL the stuffed animals and bringing them to someone. That girl loves her babies and stuffies.

 While Rah Rah and the kiddos were here, we wanted to spend time doing some fun Christmas things to get in the holiday spirit. Christmas trees out of ice cream cones and green frosting. The kids LOVED it. And I imagine had a serious belly ache when it was all said and done.

 Me and the big girls snuck away for a bit one day to go get their hair cut. Makenna finally decided she wanted to try a shorter hair style, mostly to avoid so many tangles and make it easier to brush. 

 The sweet hair stylist let these curious girls try out the hair drier. I love the things that enthrall little kids! They were so excited. (Even if they had to stand to actually reach it)

I think this girl can pull off shorter hair quite well. Such a doll. Cute both ways!

 Kellen rockin' his new spider man pj's!

 Kellen's art from school. I just though this one was really cute!

 Conner and Murray have become really good little buddies. Murray is such a sweet boy. The kind of kid you HOPE your kid ends up with as a best friend. So I am more than happy to facilitate lots of play dates for them. Even if we have to have them at costco sometimes. It was actually a really fun trip, in a silly way. 

 You would think picking out a christmas tree was like pulling teeth based on Conners face. I swear they had fun doing it!

 Carys and her first sucker (I think)

The kind of stuff that makes you cry and smile at the same time.