Christmas Catch Up

As always, we packed a lot into our December. We had the Riley's over to make gingerbread  houses. My kids look forward to this night all year long. The kids all get very sugared up and have a lot of fun goofing off. And their houses turned out as crazy as they all are. 

We went on one of our favorite outings and drove around Salem Pond to see the beautiful lights. 

We decorated cookies. 

Tessa's ice skating class had a Christmas party and the whole family was able to go skate together. Daddy was out of town, so Mommy and the little ones just watched Adam and Tessa skate. Santa even showed up to skate with everyone.

They were pretty good sports about watching from the sidelines. 

Poor Adam, he still can't stay up on the ice. Tessa tried so hard to help him. 

But they had fun!

We had fun being silly while we waited. Caleb loves wearing his "roar" hat. 

We finally made it to see Santa! We got some pictures with him and the kids were able to tell him what they wanted. Gwen asked for the $400 carriage at Walmart, Tessa asked for a stuffed Pikachu, and Adam asked for classical books. 

We welcomed baby Brooklyn to the family. She looks a lot like Caleb!

We loved doing Advent all month long. It's one of our favorite December traditions!

Poor Pa had knee surgery right before Christmas. We went to visit him one day. Gwen wanted to help take care of him, but accidentally jumped on his knee. When we got home that night, Gwen said, "I am so embarrassed I jumped on Pa's knee." She felt really bad 

We were busy for a couple of days doing our holiday baking. I was glad to have some helpers this year!

We made reindeer food.

We loved our experiences with Light the World all month long. On the day we focused on gratitude, Eric and I found thank you notes under our pillows from each of the kids. It was very sweet. 

Our reindeer breakfast this year consisted of Mommy's reindeer doughnuts. 

Santa Yoda!

Over the break, the girls spend one morning doing yoga. Tessa taught Gwen some poses. Adam and I were laughing so hard!

The Thinker

The Peacock

The Stork

The Gymnast

Christmas Culture

We were very lucky to have several new experiences the week before Christmas. We called it our week of Christmas culture. 

The Saturday before Christmas, Mommy, Daddy, Adam and Tessa were able to attend a special Christmas performance by the Utah Symphony. It was Adam and Tessa's first time at a live Symphony and they loved it. They were so surprised when Santa showed up and even conducted a couple of songs. 

On Monday, Mommy was able to take the 3 oldest kids to see The Nutcracker. I wasn't sure how well they would all sit through a ballet. But, they all loved it and asked if we can go again next year. Gwen literally sat on the edge of her seat through the entire first act. 

I always loved going to see the Nutcracker with my Mom when I was growing up. I was so glad to be able to start the same tradition with my kids!

Last, but not least, Mommy and Adam were able to have a special night out together. We went and saw A Christmas Carol at the Hale Center Theater. It was Adam's first time seeing  the story on stage and he really liked it. He was extra excited to eat afterwards!

Gwen's First Dance Recital

Gwen had her first dance recital in December. She and her little class have practiced for weeks to be darling little penguins in the Christmas show put on by her dance studio. She has been so excited and a little nervous. She was excited to wear make-up and she couldn't wait to see what her costume looked like. Her teacher kept her costume a surprise until it was time for their dance. 

She was the cutest little penguin in her class and she did her dance so well! She loved being on stage and told us after the show that she can't wait to do it again!

We got her a rose and she was thrilled!

Gwen and her teacher, Miss Annie. 

Gwen loves her and greets her with a giant hug every week at dance class. 

We were all so proud of Gwen and how brave she was. We can't wait for her spring recital!