New Year's Eve

Since my mom got married we were able to be in Utah for New Year's Eve with family.  The day before we went to church with Travis' family and then had dinner with his extended family.  It was so nice to see them and let them meet Kenzie for the first time.  Leah was excited when her Aunt Melissa curled her hair for church. 

Crazy game of spoons

Krista, Kenzie, and Great Grandma Lucy

Krista and Kenzie

Then on New Year's Eve we took the kids sledding to wear them out so we could put them to bed early and stay up and play games all night with Travis' family. 

Every time a snowflake would hit her face she would giggle

My Mom Got Married!!!

A few weeks ago my mom called me to tell me that she was getting married!  I was instantly so excited for her.  I often worry about her being home alone and getting lonely with so many of her kids moved away.  She found a wonderful man named Ron, that understands her (he thinks he does) and he treats her well.  It was so nice to see my mother happy again and she was so beautiful at the wedding and really had a glow about her. Congratulations Mom and Ron!

Grandpa walking Mom down the aisle

The whole family

Jake and Daxton got to carry the ring, they were excited

 

 

 

Kenzie and her Great Grandma Smith

I love this picture

These next pictures show my families personalities pretty well!

Maddy and Jake

Scott "are you taking a picture?"

Not sure of a caption here...

He looks like the guy on "Men In Black"

Ryan "Is anyone looking?"

Christmas

This year was the first time we did Christmas with just us and our little family.  Leah is at the age where she knows what is going on and actually anticipates it.  For us as parents, it is fun to imagine how she is going to react and then watching her react that way.  It was enjoyable taking Leah shopping to pick out gifts for Kenzie and for her daddy.  She picked out a rubber ducky for Kenzie and even helped her open it, and then a wonderfully warm hat for her daddy.

Christmas morning began with a nice fire (thank you Netflix) and a tradition carried on from Travis' family, MONKEY BREAD!!!  I really look forward to this in the morning.

 Leah was so excited when she came out of her room and saw that Santa brought her a doll house and 7 Disney Princess Barbies. 

"oh my goodness"

Kenzie's Christmas Breakfast

Kenzie will have to grow into this

Kenzie also found her thumb for the first time

Leah's Favorite Thing

Leah informed me today that her favorite thing to do in the car is hold Kenzie's hand while Kenzie sleeps.  Such a great moment!!

Leah's Preschool Party

Leah had her preschool party today and we had a ton of fun at it.  The kids prepared a little program and just like in dance, Leah did not like the crowd and therefore she did not perform.  Even though she just sat on the ground it was still cute to watch.

Here are some of the projects from the party

Gingerbread House

Leah the Elf

Snowball fight with Miss Wendy

The Elf needed a ride

Santa, Snow, and a Light Parade

Down the rode from us in Cave Creek they were having some holiday festivities so we snagged our friends the Pendleton's and spent the day there.  We heard there would be snow so we had to go...I know, snow in the desert??  That is why we had to go, so we could see if it was really true.  Sure enough it was. and we even watched them make it.  It was like watching someone make a huge snow cone.  They took big blocks of ice and shaved it into snow.  They made enough to have a hill for sledding, not a big hill, but it was a hill.

Ready...set...GO!

Blake and Leah

 Of course we had to take pictures of the desert and all the cacti to show the contrast.

We also were able to see Santa and Leah was excited to tell him that she wanted Princess dolls and Barbies for Christmas...and lots of them.

We ended the day with the light parade, it was a little chilly, but fun to be with friends.

Blake, Landri, Heather, and Nathan

Waiting for the parade to start

Landri, Leah, Travis, and Reeves

Christmas Photos

Here are some pics from the photo shoot we did for our Christmas card, I think they turned out pretty cute!