December Fun!

In December, Bryce had a job down in Salt Lake so we tagged along with him and then afterwards we went over to Temple Square to walk around and look at the lights.  It has been years since we have been down to see the lights at Temple Square. It was cold, but it could have been much worse. 

Jocie, Kyle and their kids came down to see us at the temple.  We took pictures, the kids ran around and tried not to get lost in the big crowds.  We ended up going out to eat in Layton at Garcia's afterwards.

To celebrate Ty's birthday, all the kids went to the Jump Zone.  My kids love the Jump Zone.  Even Parker had a great time crawling around and playing in the foam pads. We celebrated our Anniversary the following weekend after things slowed down. Most of the time our Anniversary gets overlooked because of my birthday and Christmas. That doesn't sit well with me.  In fact, it infuriates me.  So, after a good long talk, we ended up going out and trying to make our anniversary special. 

Christmas Day

On Christmas Eve, the boys left out the Legos, so that Santa would build something for them. They also left him a peice of paper so that he would write them a letter. We spent Christmas Eve at the Gabrish's home, where we decorated sugar cookies, created gingerbread houses and watched the "No Ordinary Shepard."

During the Christmas season, I always pull out my small collection of nativity scenes.  This year, Parker was the perfect age and height to be very entertained by these small items. She loved to pick up baby Jesus and the cow every time.  She had her own plastic set, but she would always go for the breakable ones!

On Christmas morning, the boys were so excited about thier letter from Santa, that they ran downstairs past all their presents right to the letter.  They sat down and read it before they even noticed their presents. Clayton received a bow and a camera for Christmas.  Cooper got a new bike.  We had a very mild winter so there was no snow all the way till Christmas morning.  We got quite a bit of snow so Cooper couldn't try out his bike for a couple of days.

Cooper also got some camo for Christmas so that he will prepared next year for the hunting season.  Last May, he was able to go Turkey hunting with Bryce at Grandpa's ranch and he really had a great time.  This year, he will have the camo so that he will blend in. 

Parker got a few little toys and some outfits.  She was still too young to even understand the unwrapping of the presents.  She just wanted some candy and breakfast.  After we opened presents, we ate cinnamon rolls and let the kids play for a few hours before we headed to Cache Valley.

Bryce decided to buy me some camo for Christmas as well.  It fit perfectly and it was nice and warm and comfortable.  Now that I have some camo, I might be able to go hunt with him in 3 or 4 years when Parker gets a little older!  He also bought me new tires for my four wheeler! What an interesting Christmas!

Bryce wanted and needed nice hunting boots, so that is what he got for Christmas.  I also ended up getting him so clothes and a pea coat but none of them fit him.  We ended up exchanging them for some bigger sizes.  It was a fun Christmas morning and the kids enjoyed opening their gifts and helping Parker with her presents.

After breakfast, we headed up to see Grandpa Cooper, Jocie and her family.  We ate Christmas lunch at Grandmas' house and then went up to the Douglas' for Christmas dinner. 

Hayes Sealing Day

Chelsey, Scott, and Payton were sealed to each other in the Logan Temple on December 13th.  Payton looked so cute in her white dress and Scott and Chelsey seemed to be very happy.  The Sealer talked to them about having angels in the room while they got sealed.  This was very emotional for Grandma and all of us.  We knew that Grandpa was a witness at that sealing. As we took this picture above, Jocelynn said, "Why are we taking a picture?" Steph said, "Because we can!" That comment really hit me hard. It is true that we need to take advantage of the moments and time we have with family and friends. In a blink of an eye, they could be gone.

Afterwards, we all headed over to the Marriott to eat a yummy lunch and visit with each other.  WE are so blessed to have the temples to close and to be able to be here on the Earth right now during the Restoration of the Gospel.  We are blessed to have knowledge and to make covenants in the house of the Lord. 

Bandito

In Mid-December, Steph bought tickets for the family to go see the play, "Bandito". They are friends with the owners and main character from the play. They do most of their plays in the Pickleville playhouse in Bear Lake, but during the winter, they are in Logan.  I wondered how Clayton would do for it, but after the first half, he told me it was awesome.

During the intermission, Steph let each one of the kids pick out a hat and a mustache. The play turned out to be amazing.  It was kind of based off of the Christmas Carol.  They did a great job with the acting and music. I loved to watch them try to mess each other up and make each other laugh.  It was very entertaining and I would definitely like to go again.