We kicked off the new year with my parents and Jen and Daniel, with a fondue dinner and hourly activities for the kids. They once again celebrated the New Year with the East coast, aka 10 o'clock. We used Netflix's countdown anytime show, which was fun and worked well. Then my parents, Tony and I stayed up and rang in the real new year.
Lets see other than getting settled in Springville, I FINALLY got the boot off my foot! Stress fractures can take forever to heal!! Such a pain!! I had several appointments with my ENT as I had ear infections that I couldn't shake and subsequent hearing loss that was kinda substantial especially in my left ear. Other than that life was mostly status quo. January is always a hard month for me, what with my brother's birthday and then two days later anniversary of his death. It never really seems to get easier, but I'm always grateful for all the support of my family. My mom always has a super fun Mardi Gras party at the end of the month!
There's no toy in the world that can compare to a cardboard box!!! :)
Selfies!
Little Miss Chef putting her Christmas present from grandma and grandpa to good use!
She loves to help us cook!
Putting birthday balloons by Eric's headstone on his birthday. I miss him SO much!!
Mardi Gras Party!!! The kiddos getting all dressed up in the spirit of Mardi Gras!
These are the pictures from our trip to Temple Square. We got there just as the Nativity Story was starting, and as it ended it started snowing softly. The kids were so happy! Then we walked around and enjoyed the beautiful lights.
Nothing like catching snowflakes on your tongue!
We had to wait a few minutes for the lights to turn on so the kids ran around catching snowflakes on their tongues!
Christmas Eve Holbrook Party!
Present from Aunt Jen and Daniel.
Nana's stockings!
New pj's from the elves!
Daniel giving Nana a big hug for his new doggie blankie!
Present from Nana and Papa.
It's a volcano that unfolds into a cool dinosaur land!
He LOVES it!!
Lizzy's turn!
It's cute closet with a few new adorable outfits for Kit!!
Lizzy and Kit in their matching pj's from the elves.
Christmas Eve and they're soooo excited!!
The special Santa key, Lizzy's reading the poem that explains why it's used by those who don't have a chimney. ;)
Devin putting the key on the doorknob.
Last Christmas advent dvd countdown, Lizzy is reading the scripture
Devin set out a cookie...
and Lizzy set one out.
Ready for Santa and his reindeer!
Tony reading Twas the night Before Christmas.
Lizzy reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to Kit.
Christmas Morning video!
I love our kids faces and reactions!!
After being thrilled that Santa came and brought them just what they'd asked for, they checked out the fun things in their stockings!
Lizzy gave Devin the talking Catboy(from PJ Masks) that he really wanted! He gave Lizzy the mermaid Wellie Wishers set for her Emerson American Girl doll!
Shadow getting Papa loves.
Getting Mama loves and wondering when it was her turn!
Devin giving me his present to me....he was so sweet about it!
It was a movie and Symphony chocolate bar!
Lizzy made me a super sweet card with her gift!
Spoiled dog!
Tony's turn!
Legos....always a favorite!
Lizzy gave him a new Y hat!
Devin got him new headphones!
Finally Shadow's turn!
Playing with their new treasures!
Lizzy loving her new dollhouse sticker book.
Playing with his PJ Masks headquarters Santa brought him!
I found this Discovery Kids microphone and knew it was made for our Miss Lizzy! Devin rather enjoyed it too though!
Here's a video of them singing along to a song on the Trolls soundtrack.....priceless!
We were married in the Salt Lake Temple August 4th 2006, and have only grown closer and more in love since! We welcomed our first child, Elizabeth September 12th 2008, and our second, Devin March 3rd 2011. It's been quite the journey so far with plenty of ups and downs, but we grow stronger and closer as we continue in faith.
