Holiday Week

We drove to early late Monday morning.  This is the drive.

I sat bewteen Maddie and Molly for quite a bit of the way.  She had all sorts of things to tell me.

The entire family was waiting for us when we arrived.

 The resident baby whisperer never fails.

 Darling picture of Emily.

 I found myself winning a Catan game, then losing it from a trade just before I would have won.

 Early Tuesday and Wednesday mornings Austin took the kids skiing.  Grandma Ki always had a lovely breakfast for them.

 Then she entertained us by the hour.

 My dear friends from the ward and school came for an afternoon visit and chat.  Oh, it was just delightful to listen and be connected again.

 Thursday the 29th -- my 36th birthday -- we drove to Idaho Falls to visit Goodells.  Grandma had lunch ready for us, complete with a trifle cake and candles.  How sweet to be in her home and physically feel of her love for me and my family.  She prays for us daily, and I often feel her prayers and legacy.

 Grandpa is 97 and quick as ever mentally, though has slowed down an bit physically.  Grandma sure cares for him and they are still so happy together.

 We then stopped by the Bells' house.  The kids act like cousins, and Zsahnae and I never miss a beat.  We can talk and laugh by the hour -- we always could.  I've often felt so blessed that Heavenly Father gave me a best friend on the first Sunday we moved to dental school.

 We have 14 amongst us.

 Friday was our adult date at a burger joint in AF.  We've finally realized what works -- meeting and eating at 4:30, so we're home early enough to play games and still interact with our little kids for a bit.  Meeting earlier also means there is adequate seating for our intimate group of 16 adults (and the perpetual nursing babies).

Oh, and Friday morning was our annual girls' day.  We started at the temple, then off to breakfast and home to Dad's office for the gift exchange.  I often wonder why Heavenly Father has taken us and placed us far from our family -- but then I realize it's because I wouldn't need anyone in my community and ward family.  I could block out the rest of humanity, because I would be filled.

Christmas Sunday

Merry Christmas!  Santa Came!

 Anxiously awaiting.

 Lots of surprises.

 "Man" soap for our Nicker.

 Maisie's new hat.

 Maddie's band-aids.

 Meg's succulents.

 Ryan's daddy.

 Andy's "Man" soap.

 Eddie's Gup-A

 Crowded selfie.

 I love as we gather to watch each other open gifts.

 Austin recieved a $5 CD that blew his mind -- just look at that grin!

 Final morning photos.

 After church.

This year our holiday was filled with a different sense of wonder.  Worshipping Him at church through song and prayer allowed for Jesus Christ to be remembered differently than before.  I know that the birth of Jesus Christ began his mortal life so that he could bless, and teach and atone.  God be thanked for the matchless gift of his divine Son.

Early Fall Winter Weather

At breakfast Maddie asked if we could eat lunch with her, so we did.  Her friends loved Baby Molly.

All afternoon we played in the leaves.

 All evening we caroled to our friends.

Maisie thanked Heavenly Father in our evening family prayer for our "relaxing day, where Mom didn't make us do anything, really."  We needed some of that!

Choir Concert

Meg's Honor Choir Concert was splendid.  Her choir sang a really fun "Rudolph" rendition.  Ryan roamed free, even when we tried to contain him.  Austin was at tithing settlement, but he did listen to the recorded songs afterward.

 Earlier in the day Molly and I napped (for 10 minutes), and Eddie wrote all the names in our family without help!

Tuesdays are Tough

We have dance on Tuesdays, and when Austin doesn't make it home, the afternoon gets busy.  So, we spent the morning in bed.

 Eddie and I set a lovely table and made a delicious stew.

 Molly napped like a dream.  She smells so good.

Maisie upside down in the silks.

 Maddie climbing to the top.

Monday Madness

Nick's project was due -- he chose to learn about basketball.  We drew lines on cuties and he passed those out as he presented.  Then the class shot the peels into the trash can.

 I found Ryan's little hand on my phone.

 Austin had time to hold Molly.

Post FHE photo.

 
 I tried to selfie it.

 Molly in Maisie's outfit.

The littles and I found Santa at the outlets.  Ryan would have nothing to do with him.