Hmmm....what should I start with- Thanksgiving? My mom and dad came down to our house. Usually my mom cooks for my entire family, but this year she got a break. I'm so glad she came to my house because I have never cooked a turkey or stuffing so she came to the rescue. We had a great dinner and lots of food. It was kind of nice to be at home this year.
Dad carving the turkey
Nathan and me
My mom and dad
Temple Lights
The Monday after Thanksgiving we went to see the lights at Temple Square for family night. We took Trax downtown. The kids were excited to ride. I'm glad we went early to see the lights before the freezing cold weather arrived. The kids had fun. It ended up being a longer night than planned because we got on the wrong Trax train so had to ride to then end and then back track to the right one. Kind of scary being on Trax at 10:30 at night! But, we survived...
Waiting for our train
Enjoying hot chocolate
Claire's 5th Birthday
On Claire's birthday (Dec. 15th) we went out to the airport with Spence's family to welcome Jeremy home from Iraq! (Jeremy is Spence's nephew.) He finished a 15 month deployment. (The second one...) He got to come home in January for the birth of his daughter, Lily, but then had to leave again. So this was the first time with Lily since she was born! It was so awesome and emotional to see them together. Makes you realize the sacrifice our soldiers are making to be away from their families for so long. Thank you for your service Jeremy and to all the other soldiers!
Proud to wave our American Flag
Jeremy and his daughter, Lily
After the airport we went to the Spaghetti Factory to celebrate Claire turning 5. Spence's mom and sister's family came with us. It was lots of fun and lots of good food!
Nathan and cousin Gavin
Logan and cousin Berkan being silly
Claire and her cousin Brynn
Claire got a new bike for her birthday. It's so hard to have a winter birthday! The snow hasn't stopped her from riding though!
Build-A-Bear Workshop Party
Claire had her birthday party at the Build-A-Bear in the mall. We all piled in the car ready for the slow, snowy drive to the mall. We put a movie on- Spongebob. Once it started playing, a few of the girls said they weren't allowed to watch Spongebob, so we had to switch out movies. (Am I a terrible parent for allowing Spongebob?) In went Polar Express and we were on our way!
Patiently awaiting directions...
Putting in the stuffing...
Claire's new best friend
Shakin their booties...
Heather and Malia giving their animals a "fluff bath"
Claire and Naomi shopping for animal clothing.
Macy's new best friend- Hello Kitty
When walking through the mall with all 8 girls, a man stopped Spence and asked them if they were all his. Uh Hello! Spence laughed and replied "Don't wish that on me!"
Outside walking to the car I was holding hands with Malia and Maddie. Malia looked up and said "I wish we were all your daughters!" I laughed and said "Not me! I would probably pull my hair out with this many kids!" I asked her why. She said "Cuz then there wouldn't be any screaming and hollering cuz I don't like that." I said "Well, there is screaming and hollering in my house too. And why do you scream if you don't like it?" Malia: "Well, I only do to my mom and dad cuz that's fun." I looked at her- then she smiled and said "Just kidding!" LOL
Back in the car I asked what everyone wanted for Christmas. Here are a few answers: Ipod, real cell phone, Barbie, I forgot after I wrote it to Santa... Man, and these girls are only 5-8! What will kids ask for when older??
Thanks Claire's friends for coming to her party and for the gifts and for being so good! And thanks to Build-A-Bear for the easiest birthday party EVER!
Congratulations if you are still reading this post. You have finally reached the end! :-)
*Disclaimer: Not held responsible for dirty dishes in sink, unfolded laundry, dusty tables, dirty floors, dirty toilets and kids running wild due to time it took to read this post. Author of post did in no way force you to read to the end. Author's house just as dirty due to the time it took to write this lengthy post.
