Surprise AZ Christmas (12/24/15-12/28/15)

We took a surprise trip to AZ for Christmas.  We drive in Christmas Eve 45 min before the Tryon Family Christmas party.  During the party Santa came and the kids took part in the nativity.  Porter wasn't really interested in seeing Santa.  I asked him what part he wanted to play in the nativity.  He chose a wiseman.  While all the other kids were going to see Santa, Porter wanted to get dressed up as a wiseman.  Aunt Peggy was dressing him up and they were chatting. I went over to see if Peggy was telling Porter what he needed to do.  Peggy said no.  She said Porter was not interested in going to see Santa and that he said he wanted to see the baby Jesus and bring him a gift.  He was so much more excited to see Jesus.  I love that sweet boy.  He melts my heart.  Then during the nativity he was so proud to bring his gift to baby Jesus and while on the stage he was really trying to open the gift.  It was funny.  He was focused.

We also had a nice dinner with just the adults.  It was our gift to everyone.  David and I made the dinner and bought some tamales.  I think everyone has a good time.  There was laughing and talking.

This is what happens when Porter tries to skip his nap... He just can't make it.

He loved his new game, Don't Eat Pete.

He spent at least an hour singing into his new microphone.

Clint brought his dog by and the boys loved him, especially Jonas.  He was giddy.

Family dinner with just the adults and Sami.  She was our helper.

So tired at church.

Heading home.  In the hotel in St George.  I got to do initiatories in the St George Temple.  It was wonderful.

Enjoying a few Oreos.

It was a fun trip to AZ.  Jonas got to celebrate his first Christmas.  We sure love our boys and our extended family.

Polar Express Train Trip (12/22/15)

We met the Ulicny's in Heber to ride the Polar Express Train.  It was so fun!  We got hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, 

Porter wanted to participate in the talent show on the train.  He sang, "Do You Want to Build A Snowman?".  It was adorable and made me tear up.

First real snow play

Jonas got to play outside in the snow for the first time today.  He had touched it and been outside, but today was the first day he got down in the snow with all his snow gear on.  He loved it and crawled all over.

The Grand America

We stopped by the Grand America Hotel to check out the life size gingerbread house.  It was pretty impressive considering it didn't even look like it was edible, yet it was made of chocolate, gingerbread cookies, rice krispie treats and frosting.  The house was made as a replica of a cabin near Yellowstone.

But, the most were most impressed with the Mr Grinch display.

Quiet Time

I caught these two coloring together.  This might have lasted just a few minutes, but I am hoping for more of this in the future.

Almost

Jonas has started standing on his own and walking holding just one hand.  I'm pretty sure walking on his own is just around the corner.  He is pleasant most of the time and is starting to go to other people and not completely freak out if I'm not there.  Yeah for growing up!  Pretty soon he won't be my baby anymore.  Boo for that!

Not Enough

Porter was playing in the backyard in the snow. Jonas and I were in the kitchen watching out the back window.  All of a sudden I didn't see Porter anymore, so I was trying to figure out where he went. Then I went to the front door and found him in the front yard. I told him he needed to play in the backyard where I could see him.  He responded, "there is not enough snow back there. "The funny thing is, when he was back there he was trucking around in hip deep snow. I don't know how much is enough snow then.

So much snow

It snowed last night and all day today.  It is beautiful and creates this feeling of calm and peace.  I'm sure if I had to get out and drive in it, things might be a bit more chaotic.  Fortunately the boys and I could stay home all day and enjoy it's beauty.  Jonas was fascinated by it and wanted to be outside.  He was mad when we had to come in. Porter loved throwing it and trying to make snowballs. There is something about crisp air that is so refreshing.  

I went for a run tonight and even though I wasn't quick and I stepped in about a foot deep of water, I loved the run.  I wish I could go every day this week.  But David's on service so it's a bit trickier to coordinate.

Bath time with this kiddo is a blast.  Why is he getting so big?!

Randall was supposed to fly in today, but his flight was cancelled.  I am slightly relieved.  I need more time to prep and feel comfortable about him coming.  This is a trial run to see if it would work out for him to move up here.  I just hope he will be in control so that our home remains a safe place.

Randoms

Porter used to love this same little guy at Gayle's house. So it's fun to see Jonas loving him too.

David took Porter to get skis for himself, and Porter was ready to hit the mountain too.  Soon enough little man.

Porter took a permanent marker to Jonas's face. Jonas was sad sad sad.

Happy Thanksgiving! (11/26)

We had a great Thanksgiving. David played flag football in the a.m. We sent Porter with a "medical" bag since David always gets injured during flag football on Thanksgiving morning.  Porter took his job very seriously and ran out on the field at one point.

We hosted at our house and had friends and Ash over. I made hey turkey for the first time by myself. Lots of butter and aromatics in the stomach made it really delicious.

We have so many things to be grateful for. At the top of my list is our Savior and my family.

Christmas Street

We walked along Christmas Street tonight to look at the Christmas lights. This cul-de-sac is always very decorated at Christmas time.  Porter loved it and was running from house to house.  Then just a few streets away there is a street that has signs depicting the nativity in word and pictures in all the yards along the street.

Breakfast in Bethlehem

Had our ward Christmas party today, I was in charge and we did a breakfast in Bethlehem. It turned out really well. We did the play of the nativity. The acting was good, the costumes were great and the end was phenomenal when the curtains opened and Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were there as we sang Silent Night.  It consumed my life the last month, so I am glad it is now over and I can focus on other things. I know Porter was feeling really neglected this past week.  Here is Porter as one of our Roman Soldiers.