Random Fun in Seattle

Staying in Seattle for 4 weeks was quite the trip. Days were full of laughter, games, outings, crafts, baking, eating, singing, cleaning, napping, school work, and lots of reading. We enjoyed the time with my siblings who are in Washington that my kids don't get to see very often. 

Grandpa now has a riding lawn mower that the kids had a blast driving. I wish I looked that happy as a kid when my Dad had me mow our lawn, oh wait, he didn't have a riding mower then. The other picture is of Oakley falling asleep on my shoulder. I absolutely melted every time she did it. This was her way of telling me she was tired and just wanted a cuddle. Usually a few minutes before she'd fall asleep she would play with my hair, once the hand fell I knew she was asleep. So precious.

Baking cookies and of course eating them was a fun activity the kids enjoyed doing.

A Christmas tradition in my family is to invite friends and ward members to our house for a sing along the Sunday before Christmas. My sister Rebekah is incredible at the piano and does the playing every year. It brings the spirit into our home and connects us together in a way that only music can. I cherish this tradition and hope to continue it on in our family.

These two cuties became two peas in a pod during our visit. They played so well and sang songs from Frozen all around the house. They both would find shoes to wear and strut their stuff. It was adorable.

Sweet Oakley became a master sitter when we were in Seattle. She is getting so big. Everyone just thought she was the cutest thing and of course they were right.

Aunt Beka's Christmas Party

Several weeks before we traveled to Seattle the kids got a card in the mail. Each child received an invitation to a Christmas party at their Aunt Beka's house during our visit. The kids were ECSTATIC! Whenever we visited cousins 3 miles away that is all they could talk about. Aunt Beka loves our children so much and she gives so much to them. I am truly grateful for her kindness and love towards my kids. She is the best Auntie ever!

One of the activities was decorating Christmas Tree cones. 

Candy, cones, and frosting meant tons of fun!

 There were lots of games. prizes, treats, and music for all the grand kids to enjoy.

 The best part was the kids getting to see Santa Clause! My brother Ben did a phenomenal job being Santa. He did a deep voice with the perfect accent. My sisters and I were cracking up over his performance. It was absolutely incredible. 

 The kids got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

 A group picture with all the grand kids and Santa! Thank you Beka for such an incredible party!

Lake Meridian Ward Christmas Party

While is Seattle, we attended my parents ward Christmas party. I enjoyed seeing so many faces from my youth and how some people have changed and others were completely the same. HAHA

The crafts were a hit with the kids. Fruit loop candy canes, cotton Santa beards, polar express tickets, and so much more. 

We love Aunt Beka and Uncle Ben! I loved seeing everyone participate in the pajama attire. 

Our mini Christmas

The day before the kids and I left to Seattle for the month, we had our own Christmas. It didn't make sense to take gifts to Washington for the kids just to open and being back. So, we decided to have our own little Christmas before we left. A tradition in my family that I love is for all the children to line up on the stairs and take a family picture from oldest to youngest. In our house growing up we weren't even allowed to see the tree before we took the picture. We cherish those photos so much that I just had to continue it on into my family. The picture of the kids in front of the tree is one of them holding the gifts that they got each other. Austin family does a tradition of brother sister gifts and we implemented that as well. They really enjoyed buying and wrapping gifts for each other. 

Emeri got an Anna doll with plastic dresses that you pinch open and close to take them on and off. I love that smile on her face when she realized what it was.

After opening these gifts from us the kids begged to let them take them to Seattle. We shall see.

Andrew loved Loved LOVED this gift from Isaac. He went crazy into character and began slicing the air like Raphael. He loves the Ninja Turtles, just look at what he is wearing.

I found these awesome swords at Dollar General for 4 dollars. They were so cool I had to get them for the boys. Even the older boys liked them, my brother Jon, Mitchel, and Austin all had a moment of super hero as they took turns swing the swords through the air. 

Fun from the 1st to the 10th

The girls got their ears pierced this past weekend. It was such an exciting and nerve wracking thing to do. Austin was a trooper, he was the one to actually hold the girls while they were getting it done. I couldn't stand to here them cry, I walked out of the store and stayed with the boys in the hall. Austin said they did great and when I saw them I just melted. Now all three of us girls are matching. Emeri loves the fact that she has ear rings just like mommy. I love how Oakley's blue ear rings bring out her baby blues even more.

 Painting with shaving cream is always a winner in our house. What made it even better was telling the kids they were painting with snow. Oh yeah, just became the coolest mom ever. HAHA

 Sweet Oakley loves to be up to the table with her siblings. Now that she can actually sit on her own in the chair she really enjoys being with the family during meals.

 For one FHE night we gathered around the table and made sugar cookies! Christmas is Austin's favorite time of the year and cooking treats is his specialty. The kids had so much fun rolling, cutting, spreading flour, frosting, and eating yummy cookies.

 The fun in action. 

Even Oakley wanted to help out.

We ended the night with some delicious hot chocolate made by Daddy of course.

 Later that week we frosted more of the cookies to give to our neighbor friends and ward members.