Christmas Eve

Part of our Christmas Eve tradition is to read the Luke 2 story of Jesus' birth. This year we went a step beyond and acted it out! Melanie and Tom Hunsaker invited us over to their house where we enjoyed a turkey spread (I brought lemon cake dessert and white homemade rolls, my favorite additions) with sparkling cider. Kids behaved well and we had a great time! Levi made a HUGE baby Jesus and the look on his face told us he thought this was a joke! Austin was Joseph and Eva was Mary. Wesley was a shepard, Isaac was a wise man, I was a gold star (with a table cloth) and Jared was king Herrod.
   We of course then set up the sugar cookies for Santa and reindeer food. They were asking me how he was going to get in b/c we didn't have the special key anymore. I also had to work really  hard on Mr. Marshall and his many hiding spots! This is probably Wesley's last year of the magic (turning age 9). He wrote in his letter to Santa that he hoped he was on the nice list and that he didn't live in New Zealand (a joke I played in the santa email sent to him). Austin reminded Santa that "if you need me, I am in Wesley's old room." Cute. Jared and I worked hard (mostly I wrapped all the gifts and Jared tried to stay awake) and hit the sack at 11pm. A simple Eve.

Levi vs Yogurt

I am not sure who wins. Yogurt or Levi. Sometimes he can actually get a lot of it into his mouth and seems satisfied. Other times (most times), it ends up on his chest, all over his tray, onto the floor as he dumps it out (usually after I have mopped!!!) and of course in his hair and face. He loves loves loves to open up the fridge drawer, spoon in hand, and take them out one by one. He then looks at me, races over to the couch where he will try to pry it open. If I catch him, he will squawk at me and howl! Sometimes he will be extra sneaky and open them on the kitchen mat where he spills all over and then steps in it (which happened Christmas morning while we were distracted).  He loves candy canes, chapsticks and markers as well (taking off the lids is his favorite part). Thank goodness they are all water proof!

17 months and finally walking

Yes. It is True. Our little man decided to walk "before age 40" (as Gpa Lowe kept saying.) We are so proud of him, and my back is especially grateful to not have to carry him around. He loves his new independence, discovering all the upper drawers in the kitchen, how to climb onto the bathroom stools, up onto beds and bathroom tub. First he only walked for 1/2 the day, taking a few steps and then going back to crawling. That happened for 3 days. Then, he just started walking more...and more...and less crawling.  Good job!

Christmas concerts and recitals

Lots of caroling this month! For cub scouts we went hay riding and Christmas caroling! Great weather, fun tunes and hot chocolate. Boys had a nice time with their friends and I walked behind them while chit chatting with other moms. Gpa Lowe then came with us to listen to Austin's 1st grade Christmas concert. My favorite song was about the "never ending fruit cake." Wesley conveniently got in trouble and stayed home while Levi went to bed (babysat, staring out his window for our return).I learned patience that night with my oldest. It was later Wesley's turn and we all made it (dad raced back from his weekly temple session in Mesa) for his performance. He didn't smile once, but hopefully enjoyed being on stage and seeing us on that hard cold floor on the front row.
   Boys then played their Christmas piano recital pieces (Austin: Christmas parade, we wish you a Merry Christmas. Wesley: Holly Jolly Christmas, Raider's of lost ark). This was Austin's first recital and he did great! He even forgot the names of his songs right before he played. Cute. Wesley, Mr. Confident, got right up there and played near perfectly. I was very proud of them and all the students that came. I am down to just 2 girls now (besides my boys), so I was grateful that Amy Hall invited us to be part of her recital. She is so creative with decor and really made it a success.  Best part of the night was when Levi accidentally fell into the trash can, off of a chair! so funny!