Christmas 2015

Opening stockings on Christmas morning.

 Handsome boys in their new Seahawks stuff.

 Sara asked Santa over and over again for a "lay down stroller from Costco." Santa came through with exactly what she wanted.

 Mary and Sara with their new American girl dolls.

 Mom and Dad admiring the 2016 calendar that Luke made for us in 2nd grade.

 Sara was so happy to give us this plate that she made in preschool. These homemade treasures are my favorite gifts. 

 The Wii U and Disney Infinity Star Wars were a huge hit for the boys this Christmas.

 Michael made these baseball stands in wood shop class for Benjamin's new baseball collection.

 Mary reading with her new doll Grace.

 The girls showing off our tree gifts from dad.

 Our Christmas morning chaos.

 Skateboarding in the house with Star wars Legos in hand.

 Shoveling 1 foot of snow on Christmas.

 Grandpa and Grandma came from California on Christmas afternoon. We had Christmas dinner together and then they stayed overnight with us.

 Enjoying our new checkers/chess table.

 All this excitement is enough to make her want to cuddle her bankie and Minnie baby while sucking her thumb. It's always the first sign of sleepiness.

 The millennium falcon was completed in 5 or 6 hours.

 The LoveSac was put to use almost immediately.

Boxing Day started with breakfast at Kneaders.

We couldn't ask for a better Christmas. It was wonderful to be together and share in the joy of the season.

Christmas Eve 2015

We hosted my family for a Christmas Eve party this year.

 After the party, we acted out Luke 2 according to tradition. New this year, Sara wanted to be Mary. So we acted it out twice. Once with Sara as Mary and another time with Mary as Mary.

 Opening new jammies. Unfortunately, Luke's "good dinosaur" jammies were too "baby-ish" so I had to take them back. I need to remember to just buy sports for the guys now.

The snow started falling on Christmas Eve around 9pm and it didn't stop until afternoon on Christmas  Day. It was a wonderful winter wonderland. I loved it because we were all home together and we didn't have to travel in it.

Christmas season happenings

Michael played the baritone in his school Christmas concert.

 We shoveled lots of snow in December.

 The kids played in the snow and built many snow forts.

 Todd and I attended the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. It was delightful.

 I made 2 batches of Kneaders Sugar Cookies. It's the best sugar cookie recipe I've ever made. Delicious!

 The family ready for church on the Sunday before Christmas.

 Admiring Draper City's "Tree of Life"

 Michael was out of school 2 days before the other kids. He used that time to finish painting 2 longboards. One was Benjamin's Christmas present.

 On Michael's last day of school before winter break, I went to his school to bring home C2 (the science class's Ball Python). When it came time to clean out the tank, notice who is handling the snake and who is taking pictures...I'm just sayin...

I understand now why the reptile house at Hogle Zoo smells so bad. Again, I'm just sayin...

Luke did the sprinkler dance move in his 2nd grade Christmas program. He's adorable!

Boart Christmas party

The Boart family Christmas party has become our favorite party of the season. The kids were able to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

 The girls had their faces painted. We watched a high-school madrigal group perform while eating Chick-fil-A.

 And we went ice skating.

 The boys practiced all of the skating merit badge requirements.

 We skated...

 and skated...

 until we bruised our tailbones and then we stopped for hot chocolate.

Such a great party. Thanks Boart Longyear!

Thanksgiving 2015

Luke adding an ornament to our gratitude tree during a family home evening in November.

 Benjamin's gratitude turkey that he made at school.

 Our boys eating the extra stuffing for breakfast on Thanksgiving.

 Licking the whipped cream beaters.

 Checking out the black Friday sales while the turkey cooks.

 We had my family over for Thanksgiving this year. The turkey was delicious!

 The kids table.

 The adults table.

Grandma Child

My sweet grandma celebrated her 90th birthday on November 18th. We had a wonderful visit with her on her birthday. She suffered a stroke in May and her health declined after that, but she still attended U of U football games and she still had an incredible memory.

 Sadly, just two weeks later, in the early morning hours of December 1st, grandma passed away. Although we were sad to lose her, we couldn't help but be happy for the sweet reunion she must've experienced with her husband, son, brother and parents.

Our children were full of questions about death. We cried together as we talked about how our bodies die but our spirits live on. It was a sweet opportunity to tell our children about how thankful I am that our Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to return to live with Him again. I am so thankful to know that death is not the end.

 The funeral service was beautiful. It was a great opportunity to be with family and celebrate grandma's remarkable life.

My grandma was very thoughtful. She always sent a card to our kids on their birthdays with one dollar for every year of their age. Even when we were overseas, the cards were always on time. She took great care in selecting just the right card for each person. Her thoughtfulness will be missed. We love and miss you grandma.  I should note too that grandma was my most faithful blog reader. I'll still blog for journal purposes but grandma will be missed.