Christmas Top 10

Christmas Top 10

1. Waking up to an awesome sunrise!

2. Having all the kids on our bed telling us to GET UP!

3. Ella telling me, "What if, just what if, there's a real puppy under the tree!" One day I hope she gets her puppy. Sheesh.

4. Dash and his new train (Thanks, Gillespies! It was a favorite! Not to mention the kids loved their avent calendar)

5. Realizing no matter what angle you take the picture, you are still really round and pregnant!

6. Watching Lion King in 3D with the Petersen's and watching Kate give all their teenagers makeovers with her new beauty kit

7. Dinner with friends who treat you like family

8. Playing UNO with the kids and realizing our little people are growing up!

9. Putting the kids to bed early and watching The Mentalist with the hubby

10. Feeling much love and gratitude for the love of our Savior and family. Merry Christmas, everyone! We miss you very much!

Leavenworth Family Tradition

Last year we moved to Washington over the holidays during a two week blizzard. DEPRESSING! So we ended up spending Christmas Eve in Leavenworth and it really lifted our spirits. This year we thought it would be a tradition worth repeating.

We spent Friday skiing as a family. I was lodge support. Next year I plan on joining them on the slopes but it was still fun to watch. Dash took one look at the skiers and said, "I want to do that." Ella said she was "shredding the DH" and Kate, our little nudist, couldn't quite get used to being all bundled up and opted to try again next week.

Then we drove to Leavenworth to spend the night. The kids call it the Christmas Village, and since every building is decorated like a lit-up gingerbread house it definitely has the holiday buzz. We met some friends for dinner and had a great time sledding in the town square.

Our hotel was super family friendly and had a Christmas tree in our room for the kids to decorate, as well as an awesome hot breakfast. I was thinking that although I love cooking and entertaining, it was so nice to just kick back and relax with no cleanup or hassle.

After a two-hour bath, the girls put on their robes and would not stop giggling. When Dash saw them he said, "You guys are wearing all the laundry!" (I guess I wash a lot of white towels at our house). Anyway, Merry Christmas, everyone!

Dash's B-day and Early Christmas Surprises

Lately Dash has been insisting that I sit at the table with him when he eats his breakfast. It has turned out to be such a sweet blessing of motherhood. For 15 minutes we talk about what we're going to do during the day, wave hello to the train that goes by our house, and enjoy each other. Ella and Kate have usually eaten with Kyle by this time so it is just the two of us. During one of our morning chats, Dash turned to me and said, "Mom, you're in my club." Needless to say, I love this little guy and am so glad he is three!

My parents also drove up for a quick weekend celebration. We weren't able to go to Utah this year but having them here helped get us in the holiday spirit. My dad has a habit of buying our Christmas presents in July and then telling us about them in August, but this year he was determined to keep it a secret until December. It was worth the wait and a total home run! Besides spoiling the kids with surprises, they gave us a Springbar family tent and and sleeping bags for the kids! This has been on my secret want list for a long time and we can't wait to try it out!

In addition to some yummy food, going to see Sherlock Holmes II and some serious gingerbread building, we were so glad just to have them around! In kate's words, "YOU HAVE THE BEST PARENTS EVER!" Love you guys!

Through a different lens

Ella loves to take pictures. Here are a few images of our world through her view.

Random

Ella put on her helmet and goggles to start school this week. "Today I'm ready for anything." Not a bad attitude for a Monday.