That's a Wrap!

Here we are, wrapping up another year - an awesome year! 2015 was great, but I'm hoping that 2016 is even better! It'll be hard to do, but I'm up for the challenge

Cayden's class enjoyed being elves.

We've had many tea parties dressed as princesses.

We tried to be festive by making Christmas pancakes and trees; some turned out better than others. I'll let you guess who made what Christmas tree.

We drove around and looked at Christmas lights. Some had light shows synced with music (very cool!) and others let you get out and walk all around their house. The kids really, really enjoyed it!

 Grace enjoying one of her Christmas presents. She likes to lay sideways in her chair, prop her feet up, and drink her sippy. This girl is living a life of luxury. ;)

Christmas Eve pajamas. Love, love, love Grace's face. That girl cracks me up!

Number 9

Nine years! So thankful the snow didn't stop us from getting married that day. I'd make the same choice again if given the chance. Love you tons! And by the way, we make dang cute kids!

Obligatory anniversary selfie!

Love these kiddos of mine! I think they enjoyed celebrating our anniversary as much as we did. ;)

My Jedi's

May the force be with you.

And may my little Jedi's not attack you when you come over to my house. :)

Our Gingerbread Village

Building...

decorating...

helping...

(Gah! They are so cute!)

and more eating than decorating.

The whole gang, minus dad.

Ta da! The final product. Our little gingerbread village consisting of (L to R, clockwise) the designer house, the man cave, hoarder #1, hoarder #2, and white trash. ;)

Christmas Magic

Christmas with kids is so magical! Love these sweet little ones.

The kids visited Santa this morning. I was amazed that Grace didn't throw a fit about sitting on his lap!

They also got to see some of Santa's reindeer. Grace was obviously very, very excited. :)

Thanksgiving in Utah +1

Here's a little bit of catch up from the past few weeks. I think 99% of the pictures are from our Thanksgiving trip to Utah; actually, all the pictures but the first are from our trip.

 Cayden reading his story at his Authors Tea. The kids all read their stories and enjoyed snacks and drinks afterwards. Laura and Grace loved listening to all the stories and sitting with the big kids.

And now... Utah pictures!

When we were in Utah we made sure to visit both sets of Chad's grandparents. For some reason we didn't take any pictures with Great Grandma and Grandpa Higgins, but took this one of the kids with Great Grandma and Grandpa Hall.

I absolutely LOVE these pictures of Laura and Great Grandpa Hall. She loved him!

Laura helping Grandpa with some yard work.

Cayden helping Grandma make rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner.

The day after Thanskgiving the kids got to pull the wishbone. And... Laura won! I have no idea what she wished for, but I love her wishing face. I also love Cayden's face in the second picture. Lol!

I've got me some mean biker kids. ;)

Cutie girl enjoying the most delicious fries ever! I think that's all she ate for lunch that day. Sidenote: If you're ever in Sandy, UT stop by The Philadelphian. It is totally a dive, but the food is amazing!

Concentrating hard on those puzzles. Check out that tongue!

My Little "Swiss Swiss"

This little one turned two last week. I can't believe how big she is getting. I love her sass and funny personality and am so glad she's mine. Love this cute little one to pieces.

Having some birthday balloon fun.

A perfectly princess-y cake for my little "swiss swiss" (aka princess).

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween from the cutest police man and butterflies ever!

I could just eat them they are so cute!

The loot. This is after we handed out several bowls of candy. And people, this is a huge bowl; as in it holds 42 cups of whatever... and the bowl is overflowing.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and More Pumpkins

Our warty, witchy pumpkin.

Eating pumpkin (and mummy) quesadillas with cousins!

Meanwhile I got to talk with this awesome lady and snuggle that cute baby!

Cayden had no problem digging out the pumpkin guts this year. I am one proud mama!

Laura also didn't seem to have a problem with the guts. Except that she'd stick her hand way inside the pumpkin only to bring out one solitary seed. Every single time. I couldn't seem to convince her that it was going to take hours to clean out her pumpkin that way.

Grace however... not a big fan. Does it make me a bad mom since I can't stop laughing at this picture?

Proud kiddos with their pumpkins. Laura wanted a happy pumpkin and Cayden wanted a mean pumpkin. I think we succeeded.

The finished product.