It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

We've had snow for a couple of weeks now, and it's looking more and more like we'll have a White Christmas.  The morning after our first snow the kids insisted on going out to play.  Lincoln was not to be left out and loved playing in the snow.  Each time we go outside he insists on walking through the snow.

 We got our tree the first weekend in December from the Boy Scout lot.  It's beautiful and one of the freshest trees we've ever had!  We've been pretty busy lately.  So Dad set up the tree Sunday night.  I put the lights up Monday while the kids were at school, and the kids decorated it that evening.  Lincoln even helped this year!

 Our kids with Santa Clause.  As you notice it's the first year Carson hasn't sat on Santa's lap.  Although I don't blame him.  He and I had the talk about Santa a few weeks ago.  He is 12 after all.  During our conversation I got the impression that he already knew the truth about Santa.  After our conversation the first thing he asked was if he could help with the presents then...um, no.  Alaina is getting close to being too old for Santa.  Charlie is at the magic age and Lincoln still doesn't understand what Christmas is all about.  But I'm sure that Christmas morning will just be wonderful!

Glasses for Charlie

The last couple of months each of us have been taking turns going to see the eye doctor.  It now turns out the Charlie and Tony need glasses.  The day Charlie had his exam and had his eyes dilated he was given these "super cool" sunglasses.  He wore them for the next 3 days!  He's such a silly kid!

Young Man

This handsome young man hit a pretty big milestone in our church in November.  With Carson now being 12 years old he was ordained as a deacon.  This gives him the opportunity to pass the sacrament each Sunday.  He also has graduated from primary and now attends Young Men's and Scouts on Wednesdays with his Dad.  A few weeks ago he also had the opportunity to go on his first temple trip with the youth of our ward.  He thought it was really neat and it was an awesome experience for him and his dad who got to go too.  I have to admit that a small part of my mother's heart has a hard time with him growing up, but the majority of my heart swells with pride at the wonderful young man he is growing into!

Lily's Wedding Cake

 My latest wedding cake was back in November.  It's the first I've done in the new style of textured frosting.  I have to admit it was nice not having to roll out a bunch of fondant!  This simple beauty was fun to do for my niece and I'm still getting used to the fact that she's married!

Halloween 2016

Halloween was a bit busy this year.  I was partly in charge of planning a tri-ward trunk or treat.  It turned out well and I am glad to be done with it for another year.  The day before Halloween the kids and I carved pumpkins.  It's nice that Carson and Alaina are old enough to do most of the carving themselves, so I only had to do 2 this year.  Tony and I stopped getting pumpkins for ourselves because we were carving the kids and ours.  

 Lincoln with his "Boo" pumpkin, Charlie with his "Spider" pumpkin, Alaina with "Bat and Moon", and Carson with a "Spooky Skull".

Iron Man, Cowboy, Ballerina, and Nerd.

Halloween is fun.  We enjoy the activities, the candy, and the costumes.  But as a parent I'm also glad when the festivities are done.

Carson turns 12!

I will be the first to admit that I really hate throwing birthday parties for my kids, so when Carson asked for one I wasn't the least bit excited for it.  But with it being a milestone birthday I said ok.  Tony then told me that throwing a party for 12 year old boys is easy.  Just provide food, cake and video games and you don't have to worry about anything else.  He was right and I was relieved!  Carson loved having friends over and I loved not having to entertain them!  

 Carson wanted a cake with an Atom on it.

 Carson with his buddies.

Carson asked for some fishing gear for his birthday.  Now Tony will have to take him fishing which as many of you know will be quite the sacrifice for them.

We are so proud of Carson and the young man he is becoming!  We love you buddy and I will enjoy this last year before you're a teenager.

A Busy Fall Day

This particular Saturday in October was a busy but fun day.  The day started out with a soccer game for Alaina.  Then we went to a family day at Tony's work.  This was the first time the kids were able to go inside the building and really see what Dad does at work all day.  Lincoln especially loved exploring. Charlie and Alaina loved eating lunch in the cafeteria. Carson loved seeing all the big machines and had to see the robot.  Then we went out to our local corn maze.  The kids enjoyed the petting zoo, the hey mountain, the big slide, and the train.  Tony and I enjoyed the warm fresh donuts.  We all had fun in the maze and picking out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.  We love this family tradition.