crazy weather

this winter has been strange indeed. we have received snow, but then we also have had warm enough weather to play outside with just jackets. i love it, but at the same time hold my breath for when winter does come with a vengeance.

 the bikes were put away, but then taken back out a few weeks ago

my old roommate from byu came to visit us this past monday with her cute family. they told as (as we played at the park) that this weather was like it was back home in arizona. 

 it is a good thing todd hasn't purchased a tarp to cover our play structure yet

 "check out our super lush, dead grass."

 we had to pry ellie away

abby sincerely hopes ellie gets a bike for her birthday next month, so she can inherit the radio flyer.

new year's eve

new year's eve has always been a big event for my family. we grew up having our favorite snacks and treats and were able to drink as much soda as we liked. this was big since the only other time we drank soda was when my mom made pizza. so, the tradition lives on as we gather together in both portland, oregon and here in utah. this year we hosted the utah crew. it was a fun night of food, movies, food, games, and food.

 abby looking oh so cute "working" in the kitchen 

 felicity and ellie as snow white and sleeping beauty

 thanks, grandma karen! the dress-up clothes and beads were a big hit

 you have to be quick to catch abby, i mean cinderella, in motion

 playing this year's new game- word on the street. verdict: a very fun game and was especially great for a group

 aunt jessica heading up the games for the youngins

loving the sister shots

 getting ready for the countdown

annalise getting into the new year's spirit

Christmas

Christmas day was a wonderful time spent with family. the girls woke up to having nona and papa at the house to see what santa brought them (the joy of having young children that you have to wake up for Christmas morning!). unfortunately, we only took video of their time here- so no photos of the beginning of the day...

a lot of our friends talked about how wonderful it was to have church on Christmas. i respectfully disagree. i found it challenging having our kids open gifts, enjoy their gifts, have breakfast, and get ready for church in the morning. plus, when we got to church, all our girls wanted to do was go home and play with their new toys. we spent the majority of our time in the hallway. getting off my soapbox...

we returned home just in time for grandma karen & grandpa kent and grandma & grandpa smith to come to our home. we got the girls back in their comfy pjs and spent time with our sweet grandparents.

 abby with grandma karen. abby is a cuddly girl and grandma karen is happy to take full advantage of it.
(michael, i know- we are planning to pull the binkie after this next group of teeth come in, she is too addicted to it.)

ellie showing grandpa kent her cool barbie car. it is a joy having a husband who plays the piano so well- listening to him play is one of my favorite things!

the evening was spent at my brother's home with a delicious Christmas dinner and time to play with cousins. it was such a special day seeing so much family!!!

Family Christmas Gatherings

we got together with some family from my mom's side for some appetizers, singing, talking and games. it was nice having everyone together- i hadn't seen my cousin jilene & her family in years!

 it was so fun seeing all the Christmas decorations i grew up with in my parents' new home. i remember playing with this toy for hours when i was young.

 singing Christmas carols with Jake, the wonderful pianist.

 playing games & chatting

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Christmas eve was spent with Todd's mom's family for dinner and the nativity. this is the best part of Christmas- seeing everyone together!

 uncle greg with emma and ellie.

 professor brian imparting his knowledge upon us. 

just have to throw this in: todd's family are huge university of utah fans, but brian teaches at my alma mater byu. this may be why i love brian so much- he really is a genius. :)

 todd played the music for the nativity.

final pose with all the cast.