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Guess what we had for dessert after FHE?

Yup.  Melted marshmallows in a bowl.  That's why every kid needs a dad. 

Nor

Oh sweet baby of mine.  You can't say a single word, but you communicate ALL DAY LONG with me.  I love when you put a scowl on your face, point your pudgy little finger at me and give me a good scolding.  I love the constant bruises and scrapes on your face because you are convinced you are a big kid and can do everything they do.  I love that you throw all-out tantrums whenever I don't let you go outside.  I love when your bottom lip quivers because you are cold getting out of the bathtub.  You are a funny one, my dear.

Wedding

 This is what we've been doing lately.  My brother AJ got married last week.  It was a beautiful wedding at the Salt Lake temple followed by a dinner at Red Butte Gardens.  I'm thrilled to have Kelsey join the family.  She and AJ are perfect for each other.

It was fun to have all my siblings come in from out of state to celebrate with AJ. 

The happy couple. 

 The grandkiddos.  Annie is pretending to smoke her flowers and Norah is disgusted.

 Proof that I was there.

My brothers singing at the wedding dinner.

 (All pictures from Sammi Jo Photography)

Christmas Vacation

We spent Christmas at my parent's house this year.  Since my sister was in town from AZ and my little brothers were there, we decided to pretend that we were on vacation in Draper, even though it is only 25 minutes from our own house.  So we packed up our bags and spend five days there.  It was really fun.  Landon was able to go to work and I got to hang out with my siblings.

Here are some pictures from Christmas.  I didn't take any pictures so these are all stolen from my dad.

The family in matching monster pajama pants. 

 Landon spent a good amount of time fixing this receiver.  It is his idea of a good time. 

 Here are the kids with the tray they made for santa with all of his favorite goodies.  Grapes, goat cheese, water crackers, sparkling grape juice. 

 When the kids went to bed on Christmas Eve, the adults got some delicious dessert- chocolate mousse, whipped cream, and berries.  My mouth is watering looking at this picture.

 

Earlier in the day Pampa took the girls home and helped them nap. 

 Meanwhile, Landon and I took Aiden bowling with the other adults. 

 

On Christmas morning we lined up according to height before we got to see what Santa brought. You can't see Landon's head because he is SO tall. 

 Aiden got some awesome skis.

These are the presents Aiden and Annie picked for eachother.  They were thrilled.

 Little Norah got this snack cup from Santa.  She couldn't have been happier. 

It was a perfect Christmas.

Post-Christmas

There is a huge pile of Christmas toys a mere 20 feet away from the kitchen.  But this is what my kids have spent all morning playing with.  Why did I even bother with all that Christmas shopping?

hi

 At our house, it's safety first.  Merry Christmas.

shake what your mama gave you

Every once in a while you find a gem.  And with Annie's dance class, we found a true jewel.  Her teacher is the sweetest woman and adores teaching all these little girls.  Her backyard dance studio is full of pink and sparkles- ideal for my little Anne girl. Last Saturday was the Christmas dance concert, a very casual affair which was perfect for Annie's first time on the stage.  At one point during the performance Anne got offended because another little girl was being mean to her, but she eventually got over it.  The show must go on!