Christmas...um..winter dresses

This year for the Christmas attire I wanted to go for something a little different. I found some cute sweater dresses on sale. So ofcourse I had to buy all 3 matching and have the shoes and bows to go with. Carter and Caden wore their traditional suits. It would have been nice to have matching ties to the girls. That is something I want to learn to sew...can't be that hard. Anyways, they are all such great sports at letting me play dress-up and then taking the pictures.

Evey was busy marching. I think she liked standing on the rocks..something different...so it was a challenge to get her to look up!

Don't you just love her cheezie grin!

Curtis' 36th!

Curtis Birthday turned out to be the children's SNOW DAY...so they had the day off! I was excited to take them to dad's office to drop off a treat. We brought him cheese, crackers and meat and a plate of baking with a bag of truffles. Yum...the kids wanted to eat it before we even arrived. The birthday boy was very good about sharing. December is a lot of fun around our home...still one more birthday to come!

Christmas performances

Going to all the festivities this season was delightful...it spread it's Christmas cheer. It solidified that it indeed was Christmas!

Carter sang with all the fourth graders at a care center. I was able to follow the buses and be in the audience. They did an awesome job at singing out and projecting the words! The elderly sure appreciated it. Then they gave away their bulb plants that they had been growing for the last few weeks. He is here with his classmates McKenzie and Annie.

Caden had an afternoon school performance with all the second graders. I neglected to check his backpack so I missed the note with instructions to wear red, white, or green and to bring a Santa Hat. MAN....He still was a cutie and sang with passion. His class sang the Little Drummer Boy in French. Their teacher is French and was able to teach it to them. She was sad to miss the perfomance due to illness. It was so cool to hear the foreign words come out of Caden's mouth. He gave me my very own concert one evening before bed. What a sweet boy. I love his high singing voice!

Emery had her kindergarten performance and sang out real well! This time we didn't forget to wear red! Ms. Neslen won't be their teacher in the new year. We are very sad...she is so wonderful to her students. We met Mrs. Gilbertson after. She seems nice. We'll see...

Emery with Jace

Ella had fun tagging along and wanted to dress like her sister. It was fun to have 2 Mrs. Claus'!

Ella had her mini dance recital at her dance class. Miss Natalie is her teacher whom she just adores!

She was very shy at first but didn't take long to warm up!

This isn't the best picture but it's all we got...Carter sang in the school choir. They sang 4 numbers with talent show solos and groups inbetween. Carter attends choir with me every Friday after school since I am the pianist. Annette is the director and she does a great job with all those kids. It was fun to hear them sing out!

Our winter wonderland!

Yay!!! We are SO excited that it snowed. It truly feels like Christmas! Last night it just started coming down so delicately. Curtis said his birthday wish came true...so he had to go make a snowman for the kids to wake up to. Also that evening we learned that school was cancelled. Shellie called with the good news. Carter happened to be up late and joined in on the excitement. He was anticipating his sleep-in day...NOT! Caden was up bright and early bouncing around...WHAT? On most days I am dragging that boy out of bed! He must have sensed the frosty air! We got approx. 6"...apparently the most St.George has had in over 15 years. School buses aren't equiped with the winter tires and ofcourse there are no snowplows...driving buses full of children...just too risky on the roads. We had a fun day with the kids at home. They played in the snow virtually the whole day with Jace Meyer. It was a great adventure that we will always look back on. We are wishing for a white Christmas. How perfect would it be if this happened Christmas Eve!

Our children were freezing after their morning frolick. We HAD to turn on the fire. Look at Evey's OOOOO mouth. That's her new thing when she sees something new.

Weekend Christmas Happenings...fun fun!

Saturday morning was our ward Christmas party. A yummy breakfast was served..the whole works..pancakes, bacon, eggs, etc. Then the primary children sang a few songs and Santa came. Evey didn't seem to mind him...though I don't think she had time to look at him. Curtis just quickly plopped her on his lap as I was about to take the picture.

Evey was stuffin' the muffin!

You know me..I had to take pictures!

Evey got this adorable Christmas outfit for her birthday so ofcourse I had to make a bow and take pictures. She is standing on her own so well these days and is taking more steps!
She kept putting her beloved blankie over her head and laughing.

Saturday evening was Emery's Christmas Showcase. She was in the "Heavenly Choirs" number. It was so beautiful. She stayed true to her middle name; Grace. She really did dance with such grace(ofcourse a biased opinion!) We loved watching her perform. There were 2 shows in order to accomodate all the viewers. This was not enough performances for Emmy!

Emery has been so excited to dance with Elle this year!

Her instructor, Katrina.Cousin Lindsey was so good to come. She saved the day with the hair and make-up supplies. (I can't believe I forgot those neccessities!) She also spoiled Emmy with a bouquet of flowers. Lindsey, you are so great with our children! THANKS!

Evey's 1!

Our precious baby is ONE! We can't believe how the first year has flown by. Evey you have made it so memorable. Here is a list of the things we love about you:

Your little self can brighten a mood as quick as the switch of a light!

Your baby jabber is like music to our ears...."doe, uh-oh, tank-yoo, ohh, ooo"

Your pleasant discoveries of your surroundings makes viewing life through your eyes delightful!

Your cheezie grins make us laugh to no end!

Your excited bounces and flailing arms when we come to get you out of your crib.

Your easy going nature when you are continually showered(mauled) with attention!

The list goes on and on....we love you our dear Evey Brynn!

The morning started out with the traditional tinfoil presents. She didn't know quite what to do with them. Her siblings helped her out!

Evey was thrilled with the cheetos. They made for a yummy breakfast!The next day we celebrated with a family party. I had fun making a care bear cake from scratch. It ended up looking like a clown tenderheart...oh well. I think the coolwhip was not a good choice for part of the frosting. It made the smile and nose runny. Evey didn't seem to mind though.

Evey was the perfect 1 year old! She dove right in. What a performance!





Our niece Lindsey had fun taking multiple pictures. A girl after my own heart!

She definitely needed a bath in order to open presents.

Evey LOVED trying on her new clothes. She kept putting the shirts on her head and shoulders.

She got a new "walker" stroller. A hit...she LOVED it!


Thanks again everyone for the calls and gifts. Evey is one loved little girl!!!