Christmas 2023

The kids absolutely love our sibling gift exchange we do every year on Christmas Eve.

It was nice to have the extended family thing done in advance so we had Christmas Eve all to ourselves. It was a Sunday so we had just one hour of Church, went to Taco Bell for food, and just enjoyed our day. Made cookies for Santa of course. I woke up with a sore throat and was worried about singing in the choir but made it through. Later that night I was feeling really sick so I just slept in bed for hours. Brandon made breakfast burritos for dinner, brought me one in bed, I ate it, and went back to bed. 

So fun having everything all ready for the kids to wake up to in the morning. I was able to get up and help Brandon get everything out, but man, I was not feeling great.

Christmas morning was great. I wasn't feeling good, but was able to sit there through them opening presents and then made breakfast before I crashed in bed for like 4 hours. We started out with telling the kids we were going on a cruise in 12 days. It was so fun to finally tell them. Brandon and I had booked it months earlier.

Kallie got her long awaited mannequin. Even creepier than I imagined.

Had to get her a pickle blanket to match the one she got for Sophie for her birthday.

Got to surprise Mckinley with these slippers that she thought she wasn't getting anymore. That was a fun one.

Ava loved the coat she already picked out and knew about.

Tyler was stoked about his new suit since he is getting the priesthood and will start passing the sacrament soon!

Sure love these kids and how much joy they bring into our lives!

Christmas tree french toast for breakfast.

Headed over to Brandon's parents' house at 2:00 for food and presents. We had a good time. I was super tired but made it through.

Went back home and I slept again from like 6 to 10. I don't know what I had, but it sure wiped me out. I still feel like it was a great Christmas. I just feel bad that I wasn't there with the kids while they were opening their new stuff.

Boxing Day the next day Brandon just went off with the kids but I wanted to be there and was feeling a little better than the day before so I showered and met them there. It's funny how most of the kids talk about this being one of their top favorite traditions.

Karen got breakfast burritos from Betos for everyone instead of doing scones which I think everyone really loved.

Tyler had an indoor soccer game that evening. He had three games the week of Christmas! Their team went undefeated for this season and had a blast.

December

December was a little up and down. I'd feel really good about how Christmas prep was going, and then I'd be super stressed out by it, ha ha. But for the most part, it was a good month. We never did get any more snow, which was disappointing. And actually we had quite a few warm weather days which was strange for December. And some rainy days. Weird. Anyway, on to the pictures.

Jackson's play group has been a real struggle so I always appreciate pictures of him smiling.

When I picked him up from Cade's house he had to show me his hiding spot behind the couch.

My parents took each family on an experience this year. We got to go out to eat at Golden Corral with them and then went to the movies and saw Wish. It was pretty dumb. But a fun outing anyway. And then because our outing was so cheap (everyone else did either Luminaria or the Ice Castles), we also got to go to Nickel City after Christmas. Fun Christmas present!

Our elf Buddy stepped up his game this year. Because Kallie decided to be in charge, ha ha. It was fun seeing her creativity.

Finally made it to the Orem Temple Open House right before it ended. 

Jackson insisted on a picture up at the top of the stairs outside the library. I love having little kids that are excited about things like this.

Another play group success picture!

The pond outside was absolute glass one day and was just so stunning. I never tire of our view.

Jackson still falling asleep all over the place. I absolutely love it.

A crazy day in church where Mckinley was down on the floor with Jackson and Tyler and Kallie were both laying on the bench, just a couple weeks shy of being in young mens/young womens. It was just so funny to me I had to take a picture.

Ava got a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause at school.

School Christmas sing. One of my favorite events to attend!

Tyler and Kallie wearing the ugly Christmas sweaters I borrowed for them for their ugly Christmas sweater song. They really didn't want to wear them!

We got to go see Wonka with Agents United. I loved it!

School Christmas class parties! I love the Christmas week of school. This year the kids went to school all the way up to the 21st, which was a Thursday. They had a half day that day, and then Friday off of school and Christmas was Monday. Then two full weeks of school off after that. School doesn't start up again till January 8th! We usually go back right after New Years. I'm loving it. And we are going on a cruise during the first week of school, so this is a really long break and I couldn't be happier!

First grade Christmas singing concert.

Ava's class party.

Jackson actually participated for the first time ever!

We went swimming at the Provo Rec on a whim the Friday before Christmas and it was the most fun time I think we've ever had. The place was empty and it was just awesome!

My aunt Rebecca died unexpectedly a week before Christmas. They think it was a blood clot about a month after having knee replacement surgery. So I went down to Mount Pleasant for her funeral which was 2 days before Christmas. It was absolutely beautiful and the most amazing funeral ever. Really great to see family.

My mom's generation.

Later that evening we hosted my family's Christmas Eve dinner at our house and had a really great time!

Riverwoods and the Aquarium

The Monday after Thanksgiving break the kids and I attempted a Christmas Market for Orem City but it was way too crowded so we skipped it and just headed to Riverwoods. Brandon was going to meet us there but ended up not being able to make it.

They didn't have their regular Santa when we went, but it's always nice to go early in the season when there is no line!

We had fun looking at the lights and taking lots of pictures.

The last day of November we finally got to use our PBS Adventure pass to go to the aquarium. This is the first time they've offered free tickets for the kids to get in to the aquarium so we definitely wanted to take advantage. I'm so glad we did because the aquarium isn't on there for next year.

We went with Kristen's and Amy's families so it was a little slow going but we had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the virtual reality experiences.

I love making memories with these kids!

Jackson and I went with Amy and Kristen to Christmas Around the World at BYU. We had a good time.

The kids got another snow day on Saturday! They went out and built a big bench out of snow. They were out there all afternoon. So much fun!