To begin this post, let's start with this handsome little devil...so handsome, but kinda devilish. He really is teaching us A LOT about what it means to "baby proof" your house. Amazingly, our tree mostly survived him this Christmas and despite all the horrid things he eats and does, he continues to survive as well.
Here is another shot. Doesn't he look so cute, and innocent?
Libbie decided she was too old to visit Santa this year...sniff, sniff. Or she was just chicken (more than likely the truth). Jaren wasn't loving Santa or Mrs. Claus.
Claire at her first Christmas recital. Nothing cuter than a little girl in a tu-tu.
On Christmas Eve, we had Caleb, Marci, and their boys over to kick off the celebrating. Here is Mia, Dad, and Mallory decorating donuts they left out for Santa. Mia and Gavin came up with some great plans as to how they would prove Santa is real. The idea Mia settled on was leaving tin foil by the tree and the fireplace where she hoped Santa would step and leave his boot imprint. In the morning, she discovered Santa tricked her by wearing Dad's Crocs on the tinfoil. I guess Santa is a real thinker...and someone else is not!
Most the kiddos opening the traditional new jammies.
Skyping with all the family in Iowa.
Posing in their new digs.
We may be the rudest parents in the world, but we put off present opening until after Church on Sunday. However, the kids were able to see what Santa brought them before we left. Jaren was drooling over his new basketball hoop - in case you didn't notice.
Santa brought Libbie this cool keyboard that teaches her how to play primary songs. She is getting pretty good.
Nothing makes Mallory more happy than a stuffed animal of any variety. Lucky for her, Mia gave her a mouse Webkinz she's had her eye on for a while now.
Nathan and I undertook the task of making all the girls quilts for Christmas (remind me not to do that again). They have LOVED them so much though, all the long nights have seemed totally worth it.
Mia with her quilt.
On Christmas Day, my mom, brother, sister, Jason, and Olivia came to hang out with us. Jake and Hannah bought puzzles for all of us and Mia really wanted to do hers. Thankfully, Jason obliged in helping her and soon after Courtney joined in. We were doubtful they'd finish but they were sooo determined that they accomplished their goal by the end of the evening.
Grandma and Olivia.
Over New Years we were able to go to Tremonton for a few days to spend time with my dad who was in town and Jake and Hannah's family. Here are some cute cousins playing Sleeping Queens. We sufficiently gorged ourselves on sugary, buttery foods and rang in the new year playing games. On New Years day, Courtney and Jason had little Olivia named and blessed. She is just so precious!
