Can't Help It

Literally, just a bunch of adorable pictures of Cricket:

My Little Buckaroo

Happy 70th!

As we went through Christmas, in the back of my mind, all I could think about that it would be my dad's 70th birthday in January. I wanted to do something special, something that he would enjoy. I sent messages to all my dad's friends and family asking for their favorite memory of him. I was so happy with the overwhelming response to my request. Everyone had a story to share. I got it all put it together into a book and wrapped it for his big 70th party. I also put together a Lake Powell cake, complete with Sun Runner replica of our favorite boat. It was a fabulous party, and I think my dad really enjoyed it - which was all I wanted for him. We certainly love our Pa!

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.