Christmas Parties

December 5, 2015

Brenna, Darcy and I worked together to throw another adult only Christmas party this year.  Brenna whipped up a cute invite, and I worked on some decorations.

We had a super yummy and popular hot chocolate bar this year.  It looked cute and there were plenty of options to make some really good hot chocolate.

We played a quick and fun game that got all 40+ of us laughing, not to mention looking silly.   

We kept waiting for a white elephant present that would beat the live chickens from last year, but nothing was quite as good.  Although the toilet seat and the best looking ugly sweater that made it’s appearance for the third year in a row both came pretty close!

I’m not sure if Lee will ever let me live down this sweater…

It was such a fun party with good food and good friends.  Emma was in charge of 7 kids and we came home to find them all happy.  Thank you Emma!

December 7, 2015

A few days later we had a party at the Isom’s for the Stake AP/YW committee families.  We love all these stake friends and we enjoyed visiting with them, eating lots of good food, singing carols, and sharing a Family Home Evening message from Pres. Leptich.  Santa even came to visit!

I think Isaac’s favorite part though was when Nick Taggart shared some of his amazing magic.  He’s very talented and Isaac soaked it all up.

Emma was happy to hang out with Ashley.  Beautiful girls!

December 12, 2015

Later that week was our ward Christmas dinner.  Emma had to work that night so she wasn’t there.

But Isaac and Grace were glad to visit with Santa again. 

The Christmas season is so busy, but I love the chance it gives us to be with friends and family. 

Christmas Devotional & Grandma Dorothy’s Birthday

December 6, 2015

Grandma Dorothy turned 91 years old and we celebrated by eating a soup dinner while watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. 

It was a perfect way to celebrate her birthday as she loves the gospel and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and being with her family!

We sure love this young lady!

December 9, 2015

A few days later on her actual birthday the ladies in the family went to the temple and then out to lunch to celebrate again.

I hope I’m as young as spry as Grandma Dorothy is when I am 91 years old!

Light Up the Night & Operation Snuggle

December 4, 2015

Light Up the Night fell on a particulary busy night this year, but we were determined to fit the parade and tree lighting in anyway.  Emma barely had time to get home from swim team practice and take a shower before we were off to Wait Park, and then we barely had time before Emma had to be back at the high school and the twins had to be at basketball practice, but we did it!

And I’m glad we did.

(Even if the hot chocolate was watery!)

It was the first sighting of Santa for the season.

The lights in the park were beautiful.

December 5, 2015

The next morning was Operation Snuggle.  Emma and I initiated Grace into our mother-daughter tradition of making blankets for homeless kids in our area.

Oh I love these girls of mine!

The Hawkins girls joined us.

Emma abandoned us at one point to help the police officers.  Every year there is a competition between the fire fighters and the police officers.  The police needed some serious help so Emma helped them on a few blankets.  They were more than happy to have her blanket making expertise, and we teased her that she was making the right friends!

She came back to help us after a few blankets.

What a great morning!

Lee had to pick up Grace early for a basketball game, but it was fun to add her to our yearly tradition.

And it was fun to have good friends with us too!