I'm Humbled

I am truly humbled this year by all the love and generosity that has been shown to us by family, friends and neighbors. 

Since we won't be able to be together on Christmas the last two Monday evenings were spent having special visits with both my parents and Paul's. Each visit was wonderful. Stories were shared, tears shed, love felt and memories made.

We were invited to spend some time in Park City with Paul's older sister and her family. It was great. They were so generous with gifts, pizza and their time in their hotel. The cousins had great fun swimming in 19 degree weather, experiencing frozen hair and watching Christmas shows on TV while the adults talked and laughed.

We've had friends dropping off little goodies here and there. We've had Nutter Butters made into Santa

and holiday towels just to name a couple of the things we've received. They have all mean so much and make us feel so special. Andrew went to drop off a candy bar for a classmate and came out with a candy bar & marshmallow shooter for himself and a bag full of beautiful goodies for me. Wow! Our tree already looks loaded with gifts and goodies and everything is from friends and family.

I feel like our little tokens of love and appreciation pale in comparison but I know these people and I know they don't give with hopes to receive. They give because they are kind, generous and good.

I am so thankful for all the amazing people that we are blessed to have as a part of our lives. We are so so lucky. I can't thank them enough for all they do and the love they show us.

The cousins in the room in Park City last night

Walking to the pool, outside and please note, it's 19 degrees people.

Did our kids stay in the indoor portion of the pool? Of course not. They were outside the entire time.

Walking back to the room was gorgeous but so unbelievably cold! They hair literally froze on the walk back.

A pretty little fire along the way. It was too cold even think about sitting near it.

We Want to Wish You All A Merry Christmas! 

(We did not send out traditional cards this year but if we had this would have been the picture we used.) 

Merry Christmas everyone! We love you.

Tis the Season...

We have had a lot of stress since Thanksgiving but finally that's all behind us. Luckily, just last week, on Thursday to be exact, we found out all is well. What a relief and blessing. Now it's time to enjoy the holidays LOL!

We've done some things here and there but most nights we've just stayed home and watched Christmas movies together. Here's a smattering of what we've done.

On December 4th we watched An Elf's Story. It was really cute. We all enjoyed it and I learned a lot about elves. I used to think they were pretty lame but after watching this show I thought one could be a fun addition to Christmas. When it was over Emma declared "I want an elf!" Hmmm.

It took a while but we finally got the tree in the house on the 5th & decorated on the 6th. There were some issues with the lights so we didn't get it decorated on the first night. We went back to having the full sized tree this year. Note to self, don't do that again. It's too big! 

Every year I look forward to putting on the new ornaments that we've collected on our vacations through the year. This is Bidwell Mansion from our summer trip to Chico.

There were many nights spent watching the Christmas shows in MY bed. I prefer the kids to be downstairs.  

We've tried two new recipes. Both were good! I'll do a different post with the recipes.

Sunday (Dec. 11th) morning we woke up to a special visitor in our tree. Emma's wish had come true. I'm thinking Santa must have heard her. All of a sudden we had an elf! The kids named him Buddy like from the movie Elf. 

We were all enthralled. Where had he come from? He's been very busy ever since arriving.  

On Monday he was in our stockings.

Tuesday he tried roasting marshmallows.

Wednesday we found him in a tender embrace with Santa.

If you touch the elf they lose their magic. Emma is very worried that someone is going to touch him. Paul and Andrew do everything they can the tease her. So far they haven't actually touched Buddy but they sure have come close.

Thursday he was high on the shelf with an arm full of candy canes.

The kids are still loving their Lego advent calendars.

Friday Buddy went ninja on us by zip lining between the fan and the tree. He sure has been entertaining us this holiday season! 

Meanwhile Marius is still a turd. 

On Saturday the 10th Paul and I went back to SLC to attend the temple, the kids got to have a cousin party birthday party, I got more macarons from the Grand America and we window shopped at Trolley Square.

I got a peppermint, chocolate orange and a cranberry. I can't tell you how much I enjoy these little yummies. I could eat them daily. Daily I tell you! 

Sunday the 11th we made rosette cookies. 

Oh baby!

On Friday the 9th we had a ward Christmas party. It was a Polar Express theme so we were allowed to wear pajamas. I was asked to take pictures of the kids and Santa. I managed to get in a few shot though. It was a lot of fun. I love our ward.  

The relief society presidency minus Virginia.

Emma and I

I never get to visit with Santa it's always the kids who get to sit on his lap and tell them what they want so when I got a chance this year I took it! Thanks Ariel for taking the picture for me.

The kids after church.

Andrew sizing up Buddy!

This picture should be up with the other pictures of Buddy on the first day. Andrew is the one that discovered him. He was not too sure about him at first. 

Saturday morning (the 10th)  we found out our next quilting assignment. Ack! I have to make these during the holidays? Help!

Hypsta Buddy! 

Saturday morning we found Buddy joyriding in a warthog.

On Sunday Buddy took it easy and snuggled up with a good book.