Christmas Day...

The kids were really excited for Christmas morning this year. Santa worked into the wee hours putting together the basketball hoop, bike and ping pong table! I think Santa needs a break from any assembling next year.  Safe to say the kids were on the nice list this year. 

We have been hosting Christmas dinner for the last several years. I have to admit it is a little stressful but the memories we create each year are well worth it. Gay brought her red pepper jelly, mom brought the prime rib, Heather brought her potatoes, Rachael brought dessert, and I made rolls...it really is nice that everyone contributes their part to put on a really yummy dinner. Justin does the entertaining. His trivia is becoming quite the tradition and we always end the night with our gift card exchange, while the kids exchange their gifts.

Even though we have a lot of fun on Christmas with the gift giving and way over fill our bellies with an abundance of food, we remember why we celebrate this special day. I am so thankful for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the reason we celebrate. His example of love and service is everything I strive to be like. 

Christmas Eve...

 We spent Christmas Eve over at Andy and Mari's this year. This is becoming quite the tradition along with our rendition of the Nativity...same story different roles. Preston had so much fun dressing up, but our favorite was his discovery of Heath's old dinosaur Halloween costume. Halle was home from her first semester at University of Utah. Being with family and those we love most always bring joy at this time of year.

New Celebrations to this Season...

Justin and I were invited to an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. Thank goodness I stole all of grandma Laraine's old Christmas sweaters so they could be used year after year to spread more cheer beyond their years. Ashley and Jo Martin hosted a really fun party, we had a great time!

This year we decided to check out the Grotto over on the east side of town. Every night they have a different set of performers who share a musical talent of some sort in the church. But before you get to the actual church they have some amazing Christmas lights and displays to see along the way. When we made it to the church we heard a quartet of singers along with a harpist. The rain put a little bit of a damper on the whole outing, but what did we expect, after all we do live in Oregon!

Zach's 14th Birthday!

Zach turned 14 today! Time really is flying by. I can't stop thinking about how next year he can get his learners permit, and then the next year a drivers license, and soon after that comes a mission and college. These moments are fleeting. We celebrated with dinner out, followed by opening presents. We celebrated with cake on Sunday with the McCauley's and Allens. Zach is an amazing kid. He is so good at playing with his younger brothers and often babysits without complaining. He is obsessed with soccer and the Eagles, and enjoys playing basketball. He is working his tail off to get straight A's so he can get snapchat on his phone. I have no doubt that he will do just that. He is a determined kid who accomplishes all that he sets out to do. We are so proud of him and love the young adult that he is becoming.

Oh Christmas Tree...

Loch Lollyland had slim pickings again this year! All the trees were either new plantings or oddly overgrown shaped tress. We bought a pre cut tree yet again and enjoyed our annual trip to see Santa. Seeing how big Zach and Kate are getting when standing near Santa is starting to make me realize how fast time is going by. I am feeling lucky that the kids still want to come with us to pick out our tree!

 

2018 Family Photos...

My intentions this year for family photos was to capture just the kids. Amazingly, Aunt Mari worked her magic and got us all in a photo or two, even if it wasn't planned beforehand. Any photographer will tell you how difficult it is to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time. I know in years to come these photos will be some of my greatest treasure. November is a great month to show and express gratitude and I am definitely grateful for this family of mine. A hardworking husband who would do anything for his family and best of all is my best friend, and three healthy kids that fill our lives with lots of excitement! When I was a teenager and dreamed of my future family I don't think I could have ever imagined what I have been blessed with. We are so lucky!

Visiting Dad's Office...

 We took a little trip down to dad's office today to run some gift cards into the front office girls and ended up with Preston letting Shelly give him a happy visit of water, suction and a little teeth polishing. Trust is everything, and he trusted Shelly...the cutest little patient you ever did see!

Portland Winterhawks...

 Our good friends, the Carters, invited us to go to a Winterhawks game. Needless to say Zach and Ryan are now new fans of hockey. What a fun night! Anytime we get to hang out with Sara and Cole is always a treat.