December 2018

One random day in December we visited Cadence Park near our house and noticed this large mound of ice.  West played in it a little, and later when we picked the kids up from school, we stopped there to play.  The kids played with it until their hands were frozen.  They had so much fun slipping around on the ice and then throwing it around. 

This is what we usually play with in December...leaves!  Lincoln and West had fun playing with these on our way to pick the kids up from school.  

Gwen received her Math Facts in a Flash Award.

Nyle received recognition for receiving the Super Star Award in his class 

This school year we a few moms and I held a twice-weekly play date.  During my turn once in December, we decorated gingerbread men.  

Gwen continues to leave my sweet notes on my bed from time to time

Having already done gingerbread men with the little kids, we decided to invite friends of the big kids over to decorate graham cracker houses.

At our annual neighborhood breakfast.  I love that a few of my kids are not too big to sit on Santa's lap

Our ward Christmas party

Christmas eve concert playing while Tammi and Mom sang "For Good" from  Wicked

Aunt Leslie joined us for Christmas morning.  It's fun to have her close.

Gwen made gifts for each member of the family.  They were so thoughtful and it was easily the highlight of the morning to see how much effort and thought she put into everyone's gifts. 

Showing some gratitude to his thoughtful daughter

A new Christmas dress

We love our neighborhood's rec center.  I think we use it more than any other family in the neighborhood. We're always up there playing in the indoor Basketball court, or racquetball courts, or pickle ball at the tennis courts.  We've been known to play line tag,  duck-duck-goose, or All Clear,  when the Basketball court is empty.  

Gwen trying out her sewing machine

New Year's Eve?

Our neighbors are always so nice to give gifts to our children for Christmas.  Each child received a super soft stuffed animal.