Merry Christmas

May we remember the true reason for the season.

I am so thankful for my Savior and his love for all of us.

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas.

Mommy Loves

Photo taken just before bed tonight.

THINGS I WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT TODAY:

*You were playing with a baby Jesus picture you got from nursery. I told you, "That's baby Jesus." Then you said as clear as day, "Je-sus." It was so sweet.

*I loved as we were walking outside, the big snowflakes would fall on your face and you'd hunch your shoulders and giggle.

*I loved how you were so excited when you got an orange balloon at the store. You've been calling it "bobo" all day long.

*I loved when you crawled into bed with me and snuggled right into the pillow. Then you just stared with me with a big grin on your face. Following that came big slobbery kisses. :)

*I love seeing your little round belly after eating a big meal. You have a major outie belly button.

*I loved how you ran away from me as soon as you were naked for bathtime. I found you perched on my couch pillows waiting for me to "come get you".

*I love your hair after baths because its especially curly. You are one darn cute kid.

*I love how you know your bedtime routine when we read books, say prayer, and sing a song. You leaned your head on mommy's shoulder as I sang you "Away in a manger".

December Happenings

You may remember last year how we did a Christmas activity every day in December. We continued the tradition this year as well, and we've had a lot of fun already. Here are some of the fun things that have been going on.

We made GINGERBREAD HOUSES. I should rephrase that. We decorated gingerbread houses. This was a prebuilt one from Costco. Quick and easy, but not recommended to eat. Maybe next year I'll be adventureous and make a homemade one.

We decided it would be easier to decorate it after Logan went to bed. Kinda sad, but he's just too little to help and the kid loves sugar. He would've ended up eating anything and everything.

Not that I haven't let him have his fair share of sweets. He was not a pleasant boy once I took this chocolate sucker away.

We said farewell to our friends (Benj's old mission buddy) who are moving to London. Logan had so much fun with their little boy. They are only 3 weeks apart. Just look at both of their curls. So stinkin cute.

Logan was pointing to a christmas tree hanging from the ceiling.

Our ward Christmas Breakfast - Santa came to visit all the excited children. Just look at Logan's face.

Not having Santa's lap. I'm hoping the professional photographer got a better picture. This is the best we got.

Round 2 - Santa trying to lure Logan in with a candy cane. He didn't get any closer than this. Better luck next year?

More sugar on its way - we made sugar cookies!

And they were delicious! Logan was particularly fond of the frosting.

Last weekend my family came down for my cousin's wedding. My little brother Andy babysat for us while we attended the sealing. Logan LOVED hanging out with him and wouldn't even come to me when we got home. His favorite activities with Uncle Andy were playing with toys and climbing all over him.

Later that day we attended the wedding luncheon at La Caille. It was beautiful. Sadly I'm not used to the more fancy things in life: valet parking, hor d'oeuvres, string quartets, 7 utensils, etc. It was so much fun and so beautiful. We were in an atrium so we could see the beautiful snowy landscape.

My parents enjoying their coconut shrimp and hot wassail. They just celebrated 30 years a few months ago. :)

Typical picture of the siblings: Jenni looking cute, Sam (sigh) and suave Andy.

That's better. These two have been married a year!

Our wonderful desserts - rich chocolate cake, creme brulee, and a delicious fruit tart.

We hadn't eaten that much in one sitting for a while (we're eating 6 300-calorie meals a day). My man has already lost 20 pounds! So proud. I must say he can pull off a beard quite nicely, don't you think?

So wonderful to enjoy an elegant dinner without a toddler. Benj and I vowed to do this more often.

Hope your December has been full of fun as well! So much to do this week!

PS - Don't forget the blog is going private so leave me your email if you haven't done it already!

ANNOUCEMENT

No, I'm not pregnant. :)

We are making our blog PRIVATE.

My plan is to change at the beginning of the new year. I invite all family, friends and acquaintances to send me your email via facebook, email, text, phone call or leaving a comment here on this post. I would love all of you to keep updated on our little family.

Christmas Spirit

There is nothing that invites the Christmas spirit more than visiting Temple Square. It was not only beautiful, but very peaceful. It was such a wonderful reminder to keep Christ in our hearts.

Benj's wonderful family came with us.

It was a little chilly, so we kept Logan bundled up tight.

Logan had the best spot for looking at the lights and nativities.

Now it feels like the Christmas season has officially begun.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for the life I have and the wonderful people who are in it. I love all of you. I'm thankful for good health, the beginnings of a new day, hugs and kisses, the beauty of the earth, and most importantly for my Savior.

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

He Did It!

This little guy made it through two whole hours of NURSERY! I'm so proud!
We went in for a few weeks prior to him being officially 18 months for "trial runs" and either Benj and I would stay with him. Yesterday when we walked in he went straight for the toys and never looked back at us. Throughout primary I was expecting to see a nursery worker with a crying toddler, but it didn't happen. We found out later that singing time was a little rough. He liked the singing part, but in between songs he would cry.

I felt bad when we came in at the end and got a whiff of Logan. The nursery worker said it barely happened, but man, it was a doozy.

I took pictures at home right after church (and after changing the diaper). He made the chain but wouldn't hold it. He liked a booklight instead.
Now hopefully he'll be this good EVERY time!

Fall Walk

Little man and I went on a little walk because I simply HAD to be outdoors on such a beautiful day. The fall colors are so gorgeous right now. I literally sighed each time I turned a corner and saw more and more beauty. I encourage everyone to enjoy it while we can! I hope this weather stays here for at least a little while longer.

Logan was collecting leaves. He LOVES being outside.

I just loved the look of the leaves on the side of this house.

Hope you enjoyed your little tour of the neighborhood!

ITSY BITSY SPIDER

THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER CLIMBED UP THE WATER SPOUT . . .
DOWN CAME THE RAIN AND WASHED THE SPIDER OUT!

UP CAME THE SUN AND DRIED UP ALL THE RAIN . . .

AND THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER . . .

CLIMBED UP THE SPOUT AGAIN!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Family Portraits

My friend Savanah took some family pictures for us a couple weeks ago. I think she did an amazing job. What do you think?

He loved his little pumpkin

The famous scowl

Tickles!

Love this one