Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Bowling!

Over Christmas break, we went bowling with Pa and Nana. Cole had been with his school before, but Jack had never been. Cole had a great time, and would stand watching the ball SLOWLY roll down the lane.
Jack...it was a little more difficult for him. He was tired and didn't quite understand the point of it all. This led to an epic meltdown and one of my favorite pictures of all time:
He did enjoy wearing the shoes, so that's something.
I enjoy this picture, as he obviously had something of great importance to tell Nana.
Thanks, Pa & Nana, for your patience!  

Christmas

I could not believe how quickly Christmas came this year! All of a sudden it was Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, I had to work until noon, but afterwards it was time for fun. The boys helped me make Cookie Butter Rice Krispy Treats (so delicious!), and then we went to Pa and Nana's. The boys put together these cute little foam Santa houses:
Then it was time to open our PJs.
We quickly got our cookies decorated and then headed home to wait for Santa.

The next morning, we woke to a white Christmas. It was beautiful. Pa and Nana came to visit and watch the boys open their gifts. We had breakfast and just enjoyed the morning.
Later that day, we made use of the new sleds from Pa and Nana and went sledding in the backyard. Cole and Jack loved it.
Later that day we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Thomsen and Great Grandma Allen. It was a wonderful day, and we enjoyed it all.  Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Sights of the Season

Gingerbread Men
Visits with Santa
School Programs
Graham Cracker Houses with the Thomsens
Dinner Out, Temple Square Lights and Candy Cane Windows
Barber Christmas Party, complete with Nativity and Theo as Baby Jesus via FaceTime.  
(Jack was "Jovus" [Joseph], and Cole was a shepherd)
We love it all! I can't believe we're only three days out from Christmas. With so many things to do, time sure does fly!

Unseasonably Warm

This December has been super warm. On one hand, I know that it's a bad thing and we need the snow pack. On the other, it's been wonderful not to have to worry about driving on the bad roads. We've also been able to spend more time outside. 

This was the scene Thanksgiving weekend - beautiful blue skies and trips to the park.
Then, in early December, we went for a quick hike in Millcreek Canyon. The boys are getting a lot of fun to go with - we don't have to carry Jack as much, and they can walk longer distances. Cole loves to pretend that he's on secret missions, and wants to explore all of the rocks and trails. 
Jack was content to load up his pockets with rocks.
We'll get out as long as we can!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Christmas Lists

We're really trying to get the boys to focus on just a couple of gifts for Christmas this year in an effort to make our holidays a bit more manageable. They put a lot of thought into these lists to Santa:

Jack:
I want - an animal zoo
I need - kitties (luckily, the stuffed variety)
I'll wear - slippers
I'll read - a counting book
I would really like you to bring me - a blue dragon
He's only changed his mind about a dozen times.  Grrrr....

Cole:
I want - Skylanders Trap Team
I need - a remote control orca vehicle
I'll wear - slippers
I'll read - "sciens" (any science book)
I would really like you to bring me - the leap band
Oh, and that's Santa at the bottom. The "Ho Ho Ho"s ended up as "Oh Oh Oh"s. 
Bad Santa!

Important Choices

The day we picked up two copies of the Toys R' Us Christmas catalog was the quietest day our house has seen in quite some time.  Important choices to be made...