Life Lately

I used to think I wanted a big house with lots of bedrooms so the kids could have their own rooms, but when I go to check on the girls and find them asleep like this picture below, I change my mind. They bond so much when they are in their room at night. I love to hear Tanner and Dallin talking and laughing in their room too. 

During Christmas break all of us except Nate got a stomach bug. It was pretty miserable. This was the designated throw up bowl since we have a problem making it to the toilet to puke. I've thrown it away.












Dallin had some friends over and they literally played with Legos for a couple hours. It was fantastic! These boys are each pretty energetic, so it was nice to have them focusing all their energy in creating stuff. 

Nate really wanted to play in the snow, so we got out all the snow gear and headed out to the mountains. We intended to go to a snow play area by Hiatt Lake, but when we got there the road into the park looked bad, so we ended up just playing outside of the park on the side of the road. I decided I don't like playing in the snow. I got out long enough to throw a few snow balls and take a couple pictures, then Amber and I stayed in the car until the others were ready to leave.

Nate will take the three older kids to Snow Capades with the scouts next month. I am relieved I don't have to go. :)

For Christmas Tanner and Dallin got dinosaur quilts from their grandma Spence. Since I had super hero decor before I had to change it. I looked around the internet for some ideas, and this is what I ended up doing on the boys' wall. I love art, but I don't have much time to do it, so this felt like a good excuse to use my talent. The girls want me to paint on their wall now. They have princess quilts, so I will have to think of something for them.

Tanner finished a season of basketball. He played on a team with several kids from his soccer team. Paula played college basketball, so she knows her stuff. She gave Tanner some pointers throughout the season. She'd be an awesome coach. Dallin will start basketball at the YMCA next week.

Nate took the boys ice skating one evening when me and the girls were at a girly birthday party. Tanner came home with bruises on his knees, but they had a great time.

Christmas Time

Christmas was nice, we had everyone over to our house in the afternoon. The kids were pretty happy with their gifts. 

The cousins

 All but one of my siblings were here. 

 Mom and Dad.

Christmas party and "Don't Eat Pete!"

The kids were invited to a swimming party. 

 I helped at Dallin's Christmas party this year. They decorated sugar cookies. Dallin put more toppings on it than there was cookie. And at every last bite. 

 Amber got to go to Ashlyn's preschool party and participate in all the activities. She can't wait to go herself. 

 We have a favorite game in our house: Don't Eat Pete! Nate used to play it as a kid. We often do it for family home evening, but the kids just wanted to play it the other day with Cheerios. 

Santa and Eye exam

 Amber as at that age where she is scared of Santa. She will look at him from a distance, but won't sit on his lap. This Santa was so great. He came over and personally handed Amber a candy cane and talked to her.

Isn't he a good Santa?

Ashlyn was referred to an eye doctor after she got a 20/80 on her exam at her pediatrician's office. Turns out her vision is ok. She is a little far sided, but not to a point that she needs glasses yet. They dilated her eyes. 

Glad she doesn't need glasses, but she would sure look cute in them. These were a party favor from a party she went to.  

Table Rock hike and Festival of Trees

Tanner had a basketball out in Sams Valley a couple weeks ago, and since Table Rock is close, we went for a hike after. I was so impressed by the kids endurance. They all made it. Amber was on either Nate or My shoulders most of the time, but we all made it to the top.

We got a new car! Love it!

Another tradition we started a couple years ago, thanks to my friend Erin, who gives us tickets every year, is going to the Festival of Trees. It is so fun to see how creative people are. 

Fall outings

I had a lot of photoshoots this fall, so Nate took the kids out a lot. They went up to Lithia park with me while I took pictures.

They went to an SOU football game another night. 

The girls playing dress up. They are so girly.

I took pictures in Vancouver for some friends of family, so the kids hung out with Nate and Uncle Matt.