Christmas Parties!

My bunco group has been SO fun! And the best one to look forward though the year is the white elephant gift exchange! So much laughter! So much fun!

Here are a few of the best of the night!

I got to help with Carter's Christmas party this year and it was pure chaos but so fun! The teacher was relaxed and just having fun! Lots of sugar but lots of fun!

 They got to wear their pajamas too and I think the fact that it was the last day in this school attributed to the high spirits! When they come back in Jan it will be at a brand new school!!!

 Good bye old Harris Elementary!

 Brielle's Party and performance were next! She looked absolutely adorable in her Santa hat but she wasn't a fan of it! As always, Miss Lori had tons of fun activities, the store for her students to use their tickets they earn for good behavior to buy fun things, and of course the cutest program!

 They sang several songs and each had a part.

 The kid next to her, Aiden, was singing his heart out a little too much and it was hilarious but Bri kept looking at him and laughing. HAHA!

 Earlier in the day at school they made gingerbread man cookies and one of them escaped and ran away! They were supposed to look for him throughout the afternoon. After the program, the gingerbread man reappeared! Each kid got to sit with him while Miss Lori talked about each child. She said that Bri was always happy and helpful and was writing her name at age 3!

We made a few treats for friends and family (and us!) Don't let the caramels fool you, I ate most of them! The snowmen pretzels didn't exactly turn out like the pintrest picture, but they were fun to make and eat and deliver to friends!

Despite the season being so busy, I always enjoy it because there is so much to look forward to! This year we decided to stay in Idaho for Christmas with my parents! It took ALOT of organizing and preparing and packing to get it all in and us there. But we did it and enjoyed ourselves!

Christmas festivities

A favorite chrismas tradition is visiting the live nativity in Grantsville. The kids love seeing the animals, having hot cocoa and seeing the nativity 

 Rylee especially would run from little animal to little animal petting them. She REALLY wanted to ride the camel!

 I could sit and just stare at this scene for a long time every year I go. They don't move or say anything...but I like to just sit and ponder and realize the reality of it. How humble his birth really was. How miraculous. How perfect. I'm sure glad we get to attend this small town event and feel the real meaning of the season.

 I love when the trees get frosty like this. It's so pretty against the bright blue sky!

 I think Mollie wrote this for a school assignment....duh! You're safe at our house santa!

 And one of MY favorite christmas traditions! We have loved our little fire place!

 An unexpected surprise this month was my cute activity day girls came caroling to my house! It lifted my spirits so much and they sounded like little angels! I'm so grateful for these girls and how they taught me so much as their leader and as a primary president! And i'm glad they listened to a prompting to visit me because I really needed it! Thanks girls!

 I thought Carters christmas list was well thought out and organized but I had to sit down and have a talk with him about the cost of things and how Santa doesn't bring super expensive gifts to our house. He was able to come up with a few more realistic ideas at the bottom with some help. But I thought it would be fun to look back on one day. Another one he made had a baby brother on it!

 Family christmas movie night!

 A very adorable girl!

 And vandalism at its worst!!!! Our neighbors' thought they were pretty funny putting this in our snow, However they didnt hide their tracks!

 We always try hard to follow the Light the World initiative and its been fun seeing my kids catch on and understand and WANT to do service. This kid shoveled many of the neighbors walks this winter and as I sat and watched him I realized he was lighting my world. I'm so grateful for Carter and his willingness to help anyone, anytime.  A great Hymas trait to inherit.

Brielle's 4th Birthday!

Dec 10 is always a happy day! I especially love celebrating kids birthdays when they are little because I don't think they really know what is coming or what it means. So everything is so exciting and a big surprise! This year she woke up to a new ourfit and 1 gift to open in the morning. 

 I love her expressions and her happiness in her face. G&G Reed made it down for the party so that was fun.

 She was so pleased with her Moana set! That was also the theme of her birthday party.

 Here she is getting ready for her first friend party!

 The girls were all good about helping!

 When her friends arrived we started out with some dancing!

 Bingo and pin the necklace on Moana were next.  4 year olds weren't QUITE ready for this structured of a game but they all did pretty well.

 Next up....PRESENTS!

 Alayna, Mollie, Zayne, Brielle, Charlie, Annabelle, and Rylee (Milo was also there but wasn't interested in taking pictures.)

 cupcakes!

 Adam and Brittney also came down for the party and to go see temple lights later.

 We ended the party by watching Moana. All the kids were really good and I think Bri had a good time!

 After friends, it was time for family gifts!

 Here are a few favorites! I love how much she loves supergirl and how she is always talking about being strong and tough and saying "I can do this!" or "Be strong!"

 After gifts, we took off to have dinner at City Creek and see the temple lights. Here's a massive tree in city creek.

 It was incredible at how fast we got our food at Chick-fil-A! It was packed and we had our food just as quick as if no one was there! Great job!

 We love seeing the pretty sights at the temple but REALLY hate the crowds and cold. I think this year might be our last for a while. But it sure is pretty and I'm glad we are close enough that we can go whenever we want!

 To finish off the birthday festivities we stopped at Leatherbys on the way home for icecream and fries! YUM! Bri was sure pleased with her own little cup of superman ice cream.

My little Brielle is such a special little girl. She loves life and is almost always happy. She loves to laugh and create and learn. Her happy disposition has brought joy to my life more times than I can count. It has been amazing to watch her learn this last year in preschool and I am so proud of her! She is kind to everyone and loves being a friend. So many people who meet her tell me they just love her and how sweet she is. I'm so glad you came to our family Miss Bri! We love you more than you'll ever know and I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father for sending me exactly what I needed in a little girl. You are so special to me and your dad. Love you little lady!