Bowling Tradition

We tried. Oh, how we tried. We went to Fat Cats to bowl. But there was a huge line. So we tried to play arcade games while we waited. The machine ate our money. Then, once it was time to play, Cole pouted when he had a gutter ball, and Jack slipped and fell and refused to continue. And...we're done.

Christmas Goings-On

I was so incredibly happy that we could celebrate Christmas this year as we have in year's past. My dad was feeling pretty good, and it was so nice to be with him. Christmas Eve found us making sourmas, baking cookies and opening PJ's at Nana and Pa's.

Christmas morning was all about the presents. The boys seemed to be happy with what they received, and Cole is well on his way to pro-Hipster status with his record player, skinny jeans, and guitar-playing.

But, I think Cricket enjoyed her gift the most - a brand new comfy bed.

I was so happy to have our traditional Christmas breakfast of sausage soufflé and biscuits.

 

We enjoyed our time at the Thomsen's and then made our way back to my mom and dad's for traditional Yugoslavian food. YUMMY.

Here's to another FABULOUS Christmas with the ones we love most!

New Tradition

This year, we were lucky enough to have Bryce's brother Ryan and his family with us for Christmas. We wanted to go to a relatively new event down at Thanksgiving Point called Luminaria, and having been, I am determined we will go every single year going forward. It was absolutely amazing and I couldn't stop taking pictures. New favorite Christmas thing!

Check out that AMAZING gingerbread house. It was one of many.

All of the Thomsen cousins!

Barber Party

This year's Barber party was something new - for the first time in over 20 years, the party was not at my mom's house. Due to my dad's health and the stress of coordinating the party, my Aunt Tammy volunteered to have it at her house. It was so much fun, but I missed being at my mom's house. I'm not going to lie, though. It was nice to have someone else clean up.  :)

Jack's shirt was "too hot" under the sheep costume. Hence the belly shirt.

Christmas Guitar Recital

This year, Cole learned "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Silent Night" on the guitar. He had a guitar recital and he played at our family Christmas parties and rocked it.

 

10 million proud parent points. 

Short Break

The frost was starting to form, and all was cold in Utah...

But, luckily, I was headed for sunny Scottsdale, Arizona! Our next leadership training was down south, and it was a nice break from the cold. I had a great time with Sarah and Amy, and just enjoyed the break. Palm trees never looked so welcoming!

Prepping for Christmas

It's always very exciting when we pull the Christmas decorations out. This year, trimming the tree included adding some protections against a curious puppy. We also added another stocking to the mantle.. 

 

 

And finally, our elf arrived with a new friend (oh boy!).

I always love to see everything up and the lights on. We're ready for the holidays!

On Being Thankful

Trying to be thankful all year long can be tough - especially if it's been a hard year. However, I am always glad for the opportunity to really reflect on my life - and Thanksgiving is a good time to do that. This year, I'm especially grateful for family. Chemo has been rough on my dad, and he's been in the hospital with an infection after every 3 week round. Over Thanksgiving, he had a break and was feeling a little stronger than he had been. Thanksgiving was a nice time to spend together, and we played lots of games after dinner. I have so much to be thankful for, and it was nice to be reminded of all the wonderful things in my life.

 

Left to Right: my Mom, Randa, Tammy, and Carol

No one else can carve a bird quite like this guy.

A little football after dinner...

Jack was told his card was an article of clothing. He immediately guessed "Bikini!"

Decorating the gingerbread turkeys. Yep, that's a thing now.

And finally, I think Jack summed it up right with what he is thankful for this year. Both answers touched my heart.

Ravioli Time

I don't know as I'd make my own ravioli all the time, but it was fun to take this cooking class with Kelly, Horacio, and Bryce. We had a great time!

All Things Halloween

The kids are getting older, and Halloween isn't quite what it used to be.  (You know, when I could wrangle them into whatever costume I wanted.) This year Jack wanted to be Pikachu and Cole wanted to be Squirtle. Meh. But, I found a renewed excitement when I realized I got to dress up Cricket and she had no say in the matter.

 

Is it a surprise at all that I chose Wonder Woman? I think not.

Oh, and we carved some pumpkins too.  :)