Christmas, the build up...

I have lots of blogging to do before the year is over to get in all of our Christmas stuff! The week before Christmas we had great plans to go to the temple on family night to see the new nativity display they have, only to be disappointed when we got there and found locked gates. But the kids got to walk around the outside of the temple and we got some great shots of our beautiful temple at night.

Later that week we baked all day and made lots of Christmas cookies to decorate.

Just 'cause she's so cute!

And the kids were crazy, as usual!

More Christmas to come!

Merry Christmas!

We hope it's merry and bright!

SANTA!!!!!!! I know him!!

The big guy showed up at our church Christmas party on Saturday night. The kids were really excited, although I think Grace has him figured out. After the party she said, "That wasn't Santa, that was the guy we got my baptism clothes from". Can't fool that girl! Then she said, "he must just be one of Santa's helpers". Exactly. My friend Misty took pictures of all the kids on Santa's lap. Thanks Misty!






I wish Maggie didn't have sharpie on her forehead!

Yes, I know Naomi is dressed completely inappropriately for winter, but you have to pick your battles...

Santa Clause is comin' to town! Only 10 more days, yikes!!

Trimming the Tree

We were going to get a real tree this year. The top of our fake tree broke off last year and half the lights stopped working. However, in an attempt to save a little cash we just fixed up the old tree. It's amazing what a little duct tape will do. And we got some new colored lights to put on. I LOVE them!

The finished product

The kids all working hard to separate all the branches

Ray made all the kids stand in line a few feet back and take turns putting ornaments on to avoid the chaotic free-for-all that usually ensues.

Waiting patiently

Front and center, of course...

I didn't get a pic of Grace hanging up an ornament. I was probably distracted by this hilarious ornament she made in preschool. Love those school pictures!!

I can't adequately put the awesomeness of this picture into words, so there you go!

Merry Christmas!

Snow!

Well, it looks like we probably aren't going to have a white Christmas this year. We haven't had any snow since the beginning of November.



As it turns out that's all we've gotten so far. I'm not complaining, it's much better for business, but the kids sure love it when it snows! Elliot went out and built his own snowman.

Maybe we'll have better luck in January! (or not :) )

Semi-Single Soccer Mom

Catchy title, don't you think? Nice use of alliteration, as Elliot would tell me. Anyhow, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the activity that dominated all of our lives the first 8 weeks of school...Soccer! I have a love/hate relationship with the sport. I love it because the kids like it, they get really good exercise, and it teaches them about teamwork. I love seeing them improved year to year. I hate it because we have to deal with soccer practices during the week and 2 games every Saturday. And Ray worked almost every Saturday of the soccer season so I was the semi-single soccer mom dragging all 4 of my kids to 2 games every Saturday and 3 practices every week by myself. We actually had really good weather this spring, which isn't normal, so it was definitely bearable. Ray did the games by himself on the last Saturday of the season because I had a church thing going on all day. And that was the only day it was rainy and cold (not that I was laughing inside or anything!).

Elliot taking the corner kick

Not gonna lie, I *heart* Spokane!

Luckily there was a park at all of Elliot's games, which kept the girls busy.

Grace has this newfound intensity when it comes to soccer this year.

She's had the same coach and teammates for 2 years and they have improved by leaps and bounds. Mostly they have learned to be aggressive. He is an awesome coach!

Grace has become quite the defender. She has a heck of a kick when she wants to!

Until the spring, soccer peeps!

Happy Halloween!

We have had another successful Halloween. I love Halloween, but I'm always so glad when the kids are finally in bed asleep on Halloween night! I weighed the kids candy all together and it came out to a whopping 16 pounds!! I think we'll be selling it to the dentist this year. We started off the night with a trunk-or-treat at the church. There were a ton of kids and a TON of candy given away! Then we came home and the dad's took the kids out trick or treating in the neighborhood, while the moms stayed home and handed out candy. We got lots of trick or treaters at our house again this year. I love seeing all the cute costumes. I don't love all the teenagers who show up at my door asking for candy, especially when they don't have a costume on, but you can't win 'em all. I think we will have an age limit of 12 or 13 for trick-or-treating at our house. :)

Elizabeth the witch, Elmo Aria, and Bad Spirit Cheerleader Grace

Luigi and Mario

Naomi the fairy, Clara the princess, and Maggie the Mermaid

I kept telling Grace to act like she has a bad attitude (not a real stretch sometimes, if you know what I mean) but she couldn't stop smiling. :)

I didn't have to pose Maggie at all, this was allllll her. Wish I would've gotten a picture where her face wasn't blurry!

Hope you had a great Halloween, too! 'Till next year!