Pre-Christmas Festivities in Idaho

This was our year to spend Christmas in Idaho and it was especially nice that Christmas was on a Sunday, so we could spend the whole weekend without worrying about re-arranging work or anything like that. I went up on the 22nd and Devin came up on the 23rd. That evening, my big kids stayed the night at my dad and Sharon's house and Devin and I went up to Carlie and Hudson's birthday party (the traditional "Carlie Stew"). 

Saturday, the 24th, we spent the whole day with my dad and Sharon. We had presents in the morning, a big breakfast, played games, and then went to the movie Trolls (which I loved). We had a great day. 

Grandma and Lizzie at Carlie Stew

The birthday girl. I love her dearly

Some of the girls at Grandpa Dave's

My dad and Sharon got all the girls these awesome trunks to store their "treasures". They were a big hit.

My brother Clark met Lizzie and Mishell for the FIRST TIME

Christmas Activity #5

One of the unexpected surprises of our Christmas Countdown were the lights on Sherwood Drive, a private residence in a town near us that does a phenomenal Christmas light show! Who knew?? It was so great, we will definitely add it to our list each year. Here are some video clips of the awesomeness.

Christmas Activity #4

Another one of our favorite Christmas traditions is going to see the lights at Temple Square. This year, we went on a day that was supposed to be really cold, but we braved it and it actually was quite warm and the crowds were low because everyone thought the weather would be bad. Win, win! We had a great time, as always. Uncle Lynn always joins us and Che' and Landon came this year as well. 

These boys...Best friends & I love it.

Christmas Activity #3

Another one of our traditional countdown activities is making gingerbread (ie graham cracker) houses. We had Che and Cortney and families join us this year and we all had a blast. It's fun having family in Utah so I don't feel like I am missing out on all the family festivities going on in Idaho. I do love my family (I think I may have said that before) :) 

Christmas Activity #2

This year, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir changed their system from a lottery system to first come, first serve for tickets to their annual Christmas concert. I hopped on RIGHT when the system opened to get tickets and did not get any! My mom got on like 20 minutes late and came away with 4 tickets on her first try. How does that work???

Anyway, she was on a cruise at the time of the concert, so she gave the tickets to Jennifer and Steve and Devin and I. We had a great time and really enjoyed the concert. It is amazing every year. Here are a few pictures. 

Christmas Countdown Activity #1

We had such a great month participating in our Christmas countdown. We had a ton of activities together as a family and we drew closer to Christ through the scriptures, songs, and stories. I really, really love the month of December and just the whole feeling that comes with celebrating the Christmas season. Having children makes the whole season so much more joyful. 

One of our first activities was to go to the Burger Stop and meet Santa, then go on a hayride through the local park to see all the lights. It was freezing cold, but we had a great time! 

Watch Me Grow: Lizzie 5 months

In Mid-December, cute little Lizzie turned 5 months old. I swear, time is FLYING!! She is growing up too fast. I had a chat with her today and let her know that I would like her to stay a baby forever (but not really, but kind of...). She is the light of our lives and we feel so blessed for the happiness she brings into our home. 

Here are some December pictures of the little lady (or "Little Woman" as Jace calls her)

I couldn't decide if this was a pair of pajamas or an outfit? We decided on pajamas. 

Overalls from Aunt Mari Ann. Overalls are the bomb on babies, yes?

Pajamas from Great Grandma Donna. Too cute. 

Lizzie and cousin Paige

BFF's forever. Lizzie and Sunnie :)

Pajamas from Uncle Brad 

Don't Moose with Me!

Here's the 5 month update from Instagram:

5 months of bliss with this little lady! Lizzie at 5 months:
*I feel like she's gotten fatter, but no recent weight to confirm. *upped herself to 6 ounces per feeding and also has solids each day and loves them. She's liked everything she has tried so far
*still only rolling from front to back. Getting closer the other direction. She can rotate herself all the way in a circle when laying on her back
*still not sleeping through the night. I did not have the heart to sleep train her yet, but after the holidays it's coming! She goes to bed at 7 and wakes up once at 3 and then sleeps again until 7 am, so it really hasn't been terrible
*loves her hands and sucking on anything else that she can get her hands on *holds objects and is starting to transfer them. *she's a happy, happy, girl almost always *edited to add...we finally put away all 0 to 3 month clothes and she's solidly in 3 months and some 3 to 6 months!
We just adore this girl. Happy 5 months Lizzie Pie.