December always manages to be a busy month for us, and this year was no different. Here are the pictures that attest of our busy month.
Andi is always a good helper when we tend her cousin Gigi. In this picture, Andi just wanted to get in Gigi's Pack 'n Play with her before her naptime. She loves babies lately. So cute.
We made it once again to the annual Kaysville Christmas parade! We sat by the usual crew: The Francis family! Here's my sister Leslie with her darling little baby Bowen, now six months old.
Ava up to her usual smiles and laughs during the parade.
Andi's favorite picture face lately. Loves to show that tongue.
Sweetheart Abbey Girl.
Grandma Cathi met up with us at the parade and fought for candy right alongside the girls.
Eric's been doing a job down in American Fork lately for his work. He took a picture of the sunset there....Mostly to show that yes, he was still there at sunset and of course, to share the pretty view. He's a hard workin' dude, and I appreciate it so much. Nothin' like a hard workin' man to give a woman some security and peace of mind. Means the world.
Eric's sister-in-law, Wendi, experienced some loss this month when she had to say goodbye to her dad. He died at the beginning of December. Eric and I went to the viewing and I thought to take a few pictures of all the pictures and memorabilia Wendi put together for her dad. She did a nice job.
Not looking forward to the day when I have to do the same for my parents. I know families are eternal, and for that I am grateful. But I can imagine it would be awfully hard when I keep wanting to call them throughout my days, only to realize they aren't there anymore for those wonderful phone chats and catch ups.
Grandma Luke took all the Luke cousins to go see the new Disney movie "Frozen," and saying that my girls loved it would be a total understatement. Cute movie, fun memory.
Gigi and Maelee (Allen cousins) had a joint birthday party on December 7th at Aunt Bethany's house. The Allens never cease to amaze me with their awesome party hosting skills. Such a cute and fun afternoon. Maelee (Daniel's girl) turned four and Gigi (Bethany's girl) turned two.
Check out that furry Uncle Daniel with the girls. :)
I had to take a picture of this when I put it out in our front entryway. It is a nativity set that I inherited from my Grandma Bette. I remember it so much from my childhood...She always had I sitting on top of angel hair on her living room mantel. It reminds me of my grandma, reminds me of forever families, and therefore reminds me why I'm so grateful for my Savior. He gave us a chance of life beyond the grave...A chance to be with our families again. Love you Grandma.
December 2013 was an incredibly snowy, and a very, very cold month.
Someday we need to get Eric a snowblower. He says he wants a four-wheeler with a plow on front of it. Ha! is all I gotta' say.
Granted, he does work dang hard shoveling our snow. He usually comes in afterwards ready for a shower.
The view onto the deck.
This is what Andi got for being a tease one day after church. Eric decided the top of the washer was a good spot for her (she couldn't get down.)
She was clearly very upset. :) This is a great illustration of Andi and Eric's relationship. Goofballs!
Cousin Gigi and cute Ava doin' a little dancin' to Just Dance.
Gigi is very interested.
Andi always insists on eating lunch right next to her cousin Gigi.
I've been faithful at taking a picture of what each season looks like out our new kitchen window, so I figured now that it's full-time winter, I gotta' capture that image too. It is beautiful.
Eric's got some photography skills, wouldn't you say? Love this shot.
I had to take a picture of Ava on this morning because her hair looked just darling! She felt pretty too. Look at that smile! So cute.
At our ward Christmas party. Andi's face looks so hilariously cute. Her headband kept falling down.
Jumpin' on the bean bag never gets old for these girls....
Andi with Grandpa Luke at her music class performance. That smile on her face is totally Michael.
Chloe, Grandpa Luke, and Andi. Love this picture.
Abbey and I watching her sisters' performances.
Look at Ava in her first music class performance! She's on the front row in a black and white dress. Totally getting into it. :)
Notice that standing next to Ava is her cousin Noah Griffin. Such cute babies.
Andi and Chase during their performance. Notice that Carter is standing in back of them. They loved being together in that class. Oftentimes when I'd drop Andi off for music, Carter would run to her and give her a big hug. She would totally return it. They adore each other.
Listening to the music on her Kindle and coloring after the music performance.
That little red creature sitting on the Barbie chair is "Finny," our Elf on the Shelf. The girls (especially Andi) really got into "Elf on the Shelf" this year. It was so cute and funny. Eric stayed busy throughoout the month, and that Elf was found in some pretty hilarious places.
Here's Finny "watching tv" with his Barbie friends.
Notes to and from the Elf. :)
More snow!
Abbey is getting so good at her piano practicing.
We went to my dad's annual family party in SLC--at Tom and Sally's home. Here's Ava on Santa's lap.
Andi spent some time on Santa's lap too....This is a perfect shot of her cute shy demeanor.
Abbey getting her turn on Santa's lap.
Here are my parents with Ava at Andi's kindergarten Christmas program. Mrs. Huckins does a good job.
Look at these darling outfits Mrs. Huckins put the kids in for the program. Andi's right there in the middle with the pink shirt on.
I could just eat this kid.
The whole kindergarten class.
We got a snowman kit for Christmas from a neighbor, so Andi dressed herself up in some of it. A cute snowman, wouldn't you say?
The Christmas presents I made for friends and family. Yes, I made them. That's just how crafty I am!
The Allen family gathered a few days before Christmas for brunch and to exchange presents. (Which made it super nice for us so we could spread out all the fun family gatherings.) Pictured here is Bethany holding Leif (Daniel's boy) and Bethany's husband Jesse.
Hangin' at Grandma Cathi's.
Check out this darling girl. This is Maelee, Daniel's four-year old.
Andi and Gigi playing.
My favorite of Abbey's goofy faces. :)
Ava opening one of the many gifts the girls were showered with from the Allens.
Andi took over the camera, can you tell? She got some good shots of Grandpa Ron and Grandma Joann, visiting from Montana.
Ridin' in the car.
Enjoying being able to sled in our yard!
Eric made a sledding "track" for the girls.
They had some fun!
We got to watch James and Wendi's dogs for a week or so in December. We love 'em! Here's little Trixie the Chihuahua sitting with Andi...her favorite.
Trixie found a place to sleep while staying with us...In my closet! It really was her place of choice. So funny! She's like a cave woman.
Aunt Ruthie sent me a new purse for Christmas.
Our Christmas card.
The Allen grandchildren in our backyard.
Harry and I were cold. Thank goodness for our fireplace.
Lovin' an evening on the bed with the dogs.
Check out Elf's chosen hang out spot for one night. The fan!
Hangin' at Grandma Luke's on the 23rd.
The Luke cousins exchanged gifts with each other. Here's Ava reaping the benefits.
More pictures of December coming....
