Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve we were with my mom. We had our favorite Christmas Eve dinner, sat by the fire, played some good games, and opened our new PJ'S!

Enjoying the fire.

Tate has now discovered games. He loves getting into them and playing with the cards. 

He did this the whole time we played our games.

Then came the opening of our Christmas Pajamas. I love this tradition.

Merry Christmas

Picking Up Trev

Trevor got back from Jerusalem today. We thought it would be fun to get a hotel and stay in SLC over night, and pick him up in the morning.

We got there just before the storm hit. We planned on going to see the Temple lights, but due to the storm and having so many little ones, we walked around Trolley Square instead. 

We stayed at the Embacy Suites. The kids loved the fountain and riding in the glass elevator. We took many trips!

Getting checked out to go to the Airport.

Here he comes...

One happy lady...

and two happy nephews!

(Especially the one on the left! Ben was happy, just tired)

Welcome home Trev, we're glad your home safe.

Yaaaa!

I am so proud...

Family Cookie Exchange

My family had their annual cookie exchange this week. It is always fun, and you always leave with more cookies than you know what to do with!

I took these Andes Mint Cookies. I got the recipe from a friend and I think they are dang good. I'm a sucker for Andes Mints though... and no, they don't count as candy if they are in a dessert! I think that is the only way I am making it through this no candy thing. I'm struggling right now thinking about no candy in my stocking. SAD!! :)

My Aunts house is beautiful and so festive this time of the year. It is the perfect place for parties, and she is the best host!

The kids watching the train around the tree.

Thanksgiving Point Lights

My mom called me last minute with tickets to ride the Thanksgiving Point Trolly and see the lights.

Cole wasn't going to be home from work and so we jumped on it! (We love having things to do while he is away, it helps pass the time!)

Someone from her work won them off FM 100 and had extra.

Thanksgiving Point's atmosphere is always so inviting.

They have everything set up so neat right now for Christmas.

Tate refused to stop for any pictures.

I especially loved these stockings.

Think they would be too hard to make? I may give it a try when (and if) I have baby # three! 

Boarding the Trolly.

The three of us waiting to go. We were scheduled to leave at 6:30 and didn't until 7:00. We were all anxious by the time we got going. It was neat to see but I wouldn't do it again. I'm more for lights on the tree's and houses. They are more impressive.

New Fav

Have you tried these yet?

They are my new found Favorite.

I'm am usually really bad at eating "rabbit food" at home, but this new find has got me head over heals!

I found this salad that looked so good, but instead of making the dressing I just spay this on! Simple and I'm not joking - it's SO good! 

(NOTE: I can only vouch for the Raspberry)

P.S. Cole, I know you said I'm a nerd for this post but I just couldn't resist! :)

Santa

Last night Cole had a cute idea to put some candy out on Santa's tray for the Elf that would be coming during the night to check on him! He took the tray out of Santa's hand, and had so much fun putting little candies into his hands.

He woke up this morning to find the candy gone! The elf came while we were all a sleep and he gave a good report to Santa - He will definitely be coming to leave presents for Tate on Christmas Eve.

Play Group

We now have a playgroup, and it's so fun.

Not only do the kids love getting out and playing with each other, it's beneficial for us Mom's as well!

Today we met at my house and they made little marshmallow men.

I got the idea from familyfun.com and they didn't turn out quite as cute, but they seemed to be pleased with them.

That's all that matters right? To see how to make them look here.

They loved taking turns using the frosting. Look at that concentration!

A little better view of the face he was making while working SO hard!

Three little monkeys jumping on the bed!

1st Real Snow Fall

This morning we woke up to a nice snow covered winter wonder land.
What a way to welcome in the month of December!

Tate couldn't wait to get outside and play in it.
He sat in front of the window watching the snow fall until I finally told him we could go outside and play in it.

He had so much fun walking around in the snow.
I on the other hand, got sick of sitting outside pretty quick. He wouldn't come in until his shoes were soaked through and his little feet were icicles.