Zoo Lights

We wanted to do something fun while Heather and Taven were here for the holidays so we headed to the zoo to see the lights (and the animals)! It was a very cold night! I kind of enjoyed being all bundled up walking around with hot chocolate though. Poor Heather was freezing! I guess she's not used to this cold weather coming from Florida. We lasted a lot longer than I expected, especially considering there weren't many animals to see. The kids rode the carousel to end our fun, but cold night!

More Christmas Fun!

We made our usual rounds on Christmas. First stop was to my parents house to visit and open presents. Seems like no matter how much time we have we are always rushed. The kids were excited about their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa. I was excited to give my Mom this cute hand-stamped necklace with all of the grand kids initials. My Mom always looks forward to the calendar we give them with pictures from throughout the year. I was happy to get some new clothes and a cute purse. Mostly, I was just happy to spend a few hours with the family!

Our next stop was Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house for dinner, visiting and more presents. I had been excited for a month for all of us to give them their present. We got pictures taken of the grand kids and enlarged our favorite on canvas. It turned our really nice and the kids all looked adorable. I think Jeff's parents really loved it! I was super excited about the 72 hr kits they gave each of us. The guys got a back pack and the girls got a rolling pack with our names embroidered on them. So glad that we finally have these. Thank you!

We had a really wonderful Christmas! I love the spirit of the season and all of the time we get to spend with family. Merry Christmas!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

It looks like Santa found our house! I'm usually sitting here waiting for the kids to wake up, not this year. Jeffrey came into my bedroom and said, "Mom, Santa came! We have to get up!" It was totally cute. He went in and woke Hannah up too. The kids are always so funny though when they walk out and see everything. It's like they are excited, but overwhelmed and don't really know what to do. They all just laid down for a minute and stared at their presents. Then Jeffrey said, okay let's open some presents! Hannah was kind of a little stinker at first. When she opened her first Barbie she said, this isn't the Barbie I asked for! At some point she found some number flashcards in her stocking. She was excited until I mentioned practicing her numbers. She then proceeded to drop them and kick them under the couch. Then there is Jeffrey who is just so thankful for everything, including the pack of underwear in his stocking. Jeffrey opened a Wii controller, not knowing there was a Wii console too. I said, that's weird, I wonder why Santa would bring a Wii controller when we don't even have a Wii? Jeffrey, being the sweet child that he is, said, that's okay we'll just save it until we get a Wii. Of course, they were both excited when they opened the Wii. Anyway, Hannah eventually warmed up and was thankful for the Barbies, and the Barbie cash register, and the games and clothes and shoes. Jeffrey loved all of his Lego Ninjago stuff and his Boba Fett costume and gun. Grayson was happy to be a part of all of the excitement. Santa brought him some fun toys too.


And can I just say, Merry, Merry Christmas to me!! Jeff surprised me with this awesome camera. Don't expect anything amazing from me just yet though. I still have to learn how to use it. I'll tell you what though, the few pictures we have taken with it look amazing.

Christmas Eve

We had our annual Christmas Eve party at Grandma and Grandpa Forsyth's house. This year we played a few new games (thanks to Rori!). We especially enjoyed pictionary, boys against girls. The kids loved drawing and did a heck of a lot better than I did! Although, the girls did end up winning, thanks to Rori's drawing and my guessing. Of course, Santa dropped off new pajamas for everyone. Mostly, we just enjoy visiting and taking silly pictures. There were a few especially memorable moments of the night. Hannah packed a secret outfit that she insisted on changing into. She came out looking like she was headed to the beach. Taven and Jeffrey put on their matching pjs and pulled their pants up to their necks looking like big nerds. Two cute babies in matching pjs rolling around on the floor with their new glow worms. Grandma Forsyth showing off her new ring that Grandpa gave her. We all had a lot of fun! On the way home, we took the kids to see the lights and read the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas story on Christmas street.

Pearson Family Christmas Party

We always look forward to Grandma Pearson's Christmas party. Grandma's favorite part is the live nativity. I look forward to visiting with family that I don't get to see very often. The kids are excited when Santa drops off a little gift for them. It's a fun time for all!


Poor Grayson was a little under the weather, but Grandpa Don still managed to get this smile out of him.

My Dancing Girl!

Hannah had her first dance performance a couple of weeks ago at the Festival of Trees. She looked so dang cute! I was worried that she would get nervous in front of all those people, but she did great. I think she got a little mixed up because the girl that placed them on the stage put her in the wrong spot. It was still cuter than heck though. I love watching her dance. I especially love when she does the little shake, shake moves.


Then last week was her Winter Recital at Taylorsville High School. The poor little thing had the flu but insisted she felt fine and really wanted to go. Don't worry, she puked outside by the relocatables right before we went in. I'm sure I looked like that horrible Mom that was forcing her daughter to dance even when she was sick. I held her hair when she puked then shoved her through the door to dance...ha ha! She did feel a lot better after that. Luckily, her teacher (aka Aunt Madi) was able to place them on the stage and they all did much better. I was so proud of her. Thanks to all of our family that came to support her both nights.

Jeffrey Turned 6!

I just really can't say enough about my sweet little 6 year old boy. He is so smart and creative. He loves going to school. He has made some great little friends at school. He still loves to draw and color. He still loves soccer and can't wait to play again. He is a great big brother! He is just an all-around good little boy who (usually) listens to me and likes to follow the rules. He is very caring and wants to make everyone happy. We love him so much! He got to celebrate his birthday at school before Thanksgiving break. I took a treat and read one of his favorite stories to his class. So cute to see him at school!


Then after school we headed to Airborne for his birthday party. He invited some of his friends and cousins. They had so much fun jumping around and eating pizza and cupcakes. There were only a few minor injuries! We loved watching Jeffrey run around with all of his buddies (and Hannah!). I would definitely say it was a success!


The next day was Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Hannah came down with a fever early that morning. We still headed out to Jeff's parents house for dinner and to celebrate Jeffrey's birthday. Poor Hannah laid on the couch with a washcloth on her head for most of the night. Meanwhile, Jeffrey had come down with a cough and I worried that he was getting sick too. Sure enough, the next morning on his real, real birthday he came down with a fever and could barely even talk. Poor little guy. Not a fun way to celebrate your birthday. He was a trooper though and still had the energy to open a few presents from us later that night.


Finally, on Sunday we got together with my family to celebrate (I know, another birthday marathon!). Jeffrey was feeling much better and we enjoyed pizza and cookies with everyone. Besides being sick, I think Jeffrey had a great weekend. I know he loves all of his fun new toys and gifts. Happy 6th Birthday Jeffrey!