Thursday, December 28, 2017

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.

Monday, December 25, 2017

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!

Thursday, December 21, 2017

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!




Sunday, December 17, 2017

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.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

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. 


Monday, December 4, 2017

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!

Friday, December 1, 2017

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!