Merry Christmas 2010

What a very fun Christmas we had. Wyatt and Jade both seemed to enjoy their first Christmas. Wyatt was very excited to meet his newest cousin, and we managed to keep him far enough away not to grab hold of her too tight.

We visited Rachel and Brennan's new house and played like maniacs on the lovesac. A three boy pile up, so cute.
Lots and lots of lego building was done with the uncles.
Christmas jammies were so cute and snuggly this year.

Christmas caroling was one of Gavin's favorite parts of Christmas Eve, though Star Wars jammies were a close second.

This was the first year that Henry really got into the real spirit of Christmas. It was so fun to see his excitement and anticipation of all the fun events.

And of course there was plenty of game playing for all.

Lots of Iowa gear to snuggle up in with a good book. Ben was enjoying his gifts.

Macy was the little chef of the family. She made imaginary food for us all most nights, and finally got a little baking set to make us some delicious cupcakes on Christmas morning. She was quite in her element.

Kelbie's cool new toy was all the rage for everyone for the whole day. Plenty of fun and no one could beat it. Nothing like a challenge.

And of course, lots and lots of present opening.

Iowa Ice and Snow

We definitely got a little (or big) taste of Iowa winter on our short trip. The boys went ice skating with the Esklesens and played a little ice hockey. Then on Christmas Eve the snow just kept coming so there was sledding and more sledding. Both Gav and Henry love to sled and play in the snow, so they had a great day. Gavin was even rockin' it on the kids snowboard of Caden's. He did amazing and managed to make some decent runs down the sledding hills. Henry was a maniac and just kept going and going even after he "had snow ALL over" his face. We had to borrow some gear from Crystal's kids, and while Henry refused to wear the pink heart mittens, he had no problem with the purple princess gloves. Though he did deny that they had princesses stitched to the back when anyone asked him about them. Good times.

Headed to Iowa

We headed to Iowa for Christmas, the way out was a nice flight to St Louis with a layover in Dallas. A bit out of the way, but it when it is basically free for our family of 5, thanks to some saved airline miles, we won't complain too much. We got through security in a breeze and didn't even have to go through the violating body scanner. We waited in next to no lines, and all things considered, even Wyatt did quite well on his first flight. Gavin and Henry were so excited to get to go on a plane that they were helpful and acted great.

A Busy Christmas Time

We've had a busy couple of weeks enjoying our holiday season. We've shopped and wrapped and played.

There have been snow angels...

And a super awesome snow fort.

We've been to Temple Square and seen the lights...

My favorite spot.
We even got free hot chocolate from the Lion House Bakery...

With real whipped cream... Very yummy.

Definitely enjoyed it.

We've even managed to get the tree up and decorate it, nice and early.

We've been having so much fun and staying super busy. And meticulously counting down to Christmas. Now we just have to finish the week of school and work, and then get ready for our first trip to Iowa (via air and land), as a family of five.

Boy trapped

That's what I am... every day. Some times one of the boys will try to think of a place that I can sit at the table, or in our house that would keep me from being boy trapped. This always ends in what they consider a surprising conclusion that at our house I will allows be- boy trapped.
If it has to happen, I am glad that there are such cute boys to surround me.

Wyatt is officially bald... he has reached that phase of life where his head feels just like a peach. Love it.

Already?

Wowser! Is it Christmas time already?
And some of us are already worn out.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

This year I was looking for a good way to help my kids learn to express gratitude. I found a list of great ideas in a copy Parents magazine. While there were some elaborate ideas that looked great, I had to shoot for something that I knew we would be able to accomplish even when I am working a couple nights a week and Caleb is gone to meetings etc on other nights. What we ended up with was-

THE THANKFUL JARWe tried to each take some time everyday to write something that we were thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. Some days when we would ask Henry what he was thankful for he would just say, "I have no idea." But I think by the end it was a good exercise and we had a good time sitting down to read all of our thankful notes this morning. We really have so many blessings and I love this time of year when we can really focus on counting them.
(The fabulous ribbon was on a baby gift we received for Wyatt and the boys have been dieing to use it for something... so voila.)

Frozen Red Butte Garden

This month we had a free pass to Red Butte Garden. Since we missed the chance to go on the nice warm days at the beginning of the month, we decided to head with Nana before the freezing temps and snow arrived. We spent our little time walking around and telling my mom what it would have been like if we had come when things were actually growing. Even though it was a bit windy, we still enjoyed ourselves for an hour or so, and had a nice walk.

It really is a fun place, and hopefully somewhere I will remember to take my mom when she visits in warmer weather.

Because my brain needs a time out

This weekend my Mom came into town and we rounded up some girls to go to Time Out for Women. It was a pretty huge event at the Salt Palace, much bigger than the Phoenix event we have been to in the past. Thanks Mom for reminding me that I really enjoy going to this.
We listened, laughed, chatted, and of course ate at one of my favorite Salt Lake spots, The Blue Lemon. While I missed my sisters a lot, I was so grateful for my sister-in-law and my sistahs (rena, can I pull that off?) from Salt Lake that came along with me.

It really was a great break, and when people ask me how Caleb does watching the kids, I love telling them what a great husband I have. He is alone with the boys often while I work, and he doesn't even blink at staying home while I do something good... and having over a few extras as well.

I enjoyed all of the speakers, but my favorite take away messages were-

Comparison is the fast track to misery.
Get out of the business of Competition.
Be Your Own Best Kind of Mom.
Look at these beautiful ladies taking on the world.

And just because this picture is awesome-

Don't know if it was the high winds or the high spirits that were lifting Caryn off the ground, but I love it.

Our Little Family 2010

So many great shots to chose from. These are some of my favorites. It is pretty obviously that Caleb and I felt a little silly having our photo taken without kids... but silly in a good way.