Odds and Ends...

 December was a busy month...Shayla had a dance recital and did wonderful. She is so graceful as she dances.

 Garrett had a music concert--so fun to watch him sing with enthusiasm.

 Miya's joy school group visited the nursing home and performed a nativity play.

So sweet!

 Since we only have 4 preschoolers this year we enlisted the help of the older siblings and had a great group. 

 Grant was a cowboy for his music concert--cutest cowboy ever in my opinion.

 Kalia still doesn't walk independently, but loves to cruise around if you hold her hands.

 Tyler and I celebrated 14 years of marriage on Dec. 18, 2013. This is a potato I found that day that reminded me of us--2 potatoes that have grown together into one.
We went to Phantom of the Opera to celebrate and it was amazing. Such beautiful music.

 Grant, Garrett and Ty are all playing basketball. I only had a picture of Grant though. He's got a sweet shot, that kid.

 Holiday baking and cookie delivering. 

 Ty was a shepherd in the nativity for our ward Christmas party. 

And Miya playing in the Unimog--a giant tank-like army truck that our friends own.

Okay, now I'm finally ready to post Christmas pictures tomorrow!

Hooray for a New Year and catching up!

Moments

Today after lunch, Miya, Kalia and I had a dance party. We just danced our hearts out--a little Roar, some Riverdance tapping, and some boogie woogie. It was one of those perfect moments that I wanted to sear into my heart and memory forever. Kalia giggling, trying to catch the spinning room with her arms outstretched.  Miya playing dance instructor and making me mimic her ballet moves and spins. Joy, pure innocent, child-like joy. I love being a mom--best job in the world!

Miya's birthday!

 Breakfast in bed for Miya, who turned 4 on November 30th, 2013. I asked her the next day how old she was, and she replied, "Mom, I know I had my birthday, but I still feel like I'm 3." That's exactly how I feel--still feel like I'm 20-something, yet, somehow I'm older...

 Ty reading The Three Musketeers to Miya and Garrett

 Miya requested an Oreo Mint Pie, just like one we had at Thanksgiving. She is my chocolate-loving girl!

 This is Miya's first party with friends, and she loved the girly-princess time!

Miya is our little sunshine--she makes us laugh all day. We love you lots! Happy birthday, Miya!

Thanksgiving 2013

Playing catch up seems to be a theme in my life...

So, Happy Thanksgiving!

We had such a nice day, shared with family, friends, football and lots of good food.

 This was our gratitude tree everyone contributed to--thanks to Shayla for making it for us!

All of the kids pitched in and were in charge of a project each--Ty made the creamed corn, Garret and Grant the cranberry sauce, Shayla the favors and tree, Miya helped with pies and Tyler made the stuffing and gravy. I made the ham and turkey and rolls and friends brought the rest of the feast. 

 I gave my camera to Garrett and Shayla and this is the best we got from the day...

 Grant and Spencer

 Eli, with his parents Natalie and Tyler in the background

 Carving the ham

 Relaxing and waiting for the food...

I wish I would have gotten a picture of our feast, oh well, next year.

Some of my favorites from the grateful tree are "funnynis, hot showers and a prophet."

We are grateful.

Merry Christmas!

We are freezing up here in Wisconsin, but wanted to wish you all a very belated Merry Christmas!!!

It has been so fun spending time with family and friends and we are so grateful for this season to turn our hearts to our Savior. We are so grateful for His birth, life and atonement for us. His perfect love makes it all possible, so we can someday live forever with him and our families.

As our family grows, we find it harder and harder to get a family picture with everyone smiling :) 

At least Garrett's hair is short enough that Kalia couldn't pull it.