December 2013 - Part II

My last post for 2013... Christmas crafts::silly girls (Clara is holding a magical tree)::cookie decorating at Angela's::Jason's company work party::where he danced with me (and someone was kind enough to take a picture)::sword fighting with dad::I should have had them wear these dresses for our pictures - cute and we already had them::decorating our tree::Hazel's music performance (we're nearing the end of April and she's STILL singing the Christmas songs she learned)::our primary presidency heart attacked our yard for Clara's birthday and she was thrilled::Sunday before church... Dear Hazel, sorry you had to wear that crazy long dress for Christmas 2013

we went to Bass Pro three times attempting pictures with Santa::celebrating Clara and Angela's birthdays on Angela's birthday::Clara helped me address our Christmas card and I loved how detailed she got on some::iPad bonding::so. I ordered two different sets of Christmas cards. I didn't love the first set and I paid way more than I thought and then I realized I didn't even order enough. It was kind of lame. But I'll work on it for next year. :)::visiting the house with Christmas lights synced to music - always cool::Clara loved the pj's Grandma Penrod got her and they compliment her red glasses really well::New Year's Eve party with friends - super fun

I think I've mentioned my dad and his hiking adventures. Here was another one we went on, the Hieroglyphic Trail. It was incredible. Going up, it wasn't the greatest view, but at the end, it is so awesome. As you can see, I couldn't stop taking pictures. I can't wait to go again.

Jumping back to New Year's Eve 2013... we went to the Fillmore's with lots of friend and had good food, lots of fireworks, a fire pit, sparklers and best of all, lots of friends. We were out way too late, so it's a good thing that only happens once a year. :) I have a feeling that 2014 is going to be a really great year. I felt that way about 2013 as well, and it did not disappoint. 2013 was a really great year.

Hazel's Birthday

My updating slowed down due to an extremely heavy workload, but I think I am able to pick up the speed again...

On December 26, 2013, we celebrated Hazel's 3rd birthday. Jason was off work so we had a full day of celebrating. We went and watched Frozen, had lunch with Grandma Penrod, Chrystie and her kids and then went home to open presents. At lunch, we told them it was her birthday so they brought her ice cream and sang to her. She loved it but I think it was slightly overwhelming and unexpected, as she hid behind her hand.

That night, we went to the train park with lots of family and treats. I thought since it was after Christmas, it wouldn't be too crowded, but I was wrong. After waiting in line for 30-45 minutes and having about 45 minutes to an hour left, the manager saw Maria (my mom's friend from Russia) in a wheelchair and promptly moved us to the front of the line. Apparently there is only one train that can accommodate wheelchairs, and it was the next one up. Ironically, this happened just minutes after Maria apologized for being a burden. Clearly, she was quite the opposite. :) After the train, we had dessert and rode the carousel. We have had many birthday celebrations at the train park, and I'm sure this wasn't the last.

Oh, my little Hazel. Somehow three seems and sounds so much older than two. To me that's when kids become more of a toddler than they are a baby. Hazel is such a fun child and as usual, words aren't near enough to express my love for her. She has the squishiest little cheeks that are fun to nibble. She also has squishy hands that I love to hold. She loves books, playing in the dish water, going to the park and tagging along with Clara. She really likes playing with the Barbies, legos and blocks they got for Christmas. She could watch movies all day long but is also great at exploring, using her imagination and playing by herself. She also loves to throw fits, sneak treats and get into mischief, especially when she knows I'm on a work call. We are so grateful for her in our home and feel so blessed to have her a part of our family.