December started with our Sinterklaas weekend. Brad, Rissa and Wendy were all in town so we enjoyed a fun night out throwing axes. None of us had ever been axe throwing, it was a fun activity. I think everyone hit a bullseye. After axes we enjoyed a yummy dinner at Spaghetti Factory. It was fun spending some time with my siblings.
Sinterklaas came to visit! We must have all been good, because we all went home with fun gifts.
Ava lost a tooth at school, which means she got to come home with a coveted tooth necklace! She was so excited. Her teacher, Mrs. Searle pulled the tooth out for her!
I got to volunteer in Finn's class while they decorated ice cream cone Christmas Trees. I am not sure he was happy that I wore my Llama Christmas sweater. 😂
Silly Finn was adding to my shopping list....
Sadie, Ava and I went to see the Nutcracker with a bunch of our Taggart family. We had a fun time, I always love seeing the Nutcracker. After we went out to Chick Fil A where we overtook the restaurant. Hopefully this is a new tradition.
How cute are these two girls all ready for church...
We had a "snow day"! Snow days have kind of become a thing of the past though, now they are called virtual learning days. The kids didn't have to go to school, but their teachers did give them some school assignments to do at home. The kids had lots of fun playing in the snow with friends. I am praying the snow will help get us out of the drought we have been in this year.
Ava made name tags....
I figured my robe was the perfect place for my "Mom" name tag.
Silly Lyla enjoying some apples...
cute gingerbread house by Ava....
Our ward party this year was a Night In Bethlehem. Are these not the cutest shepherds you ever did see? I didn't get a picture of all of us dressed up. Brian, Sadie and Finn were a part of the program as shepherds. It was a nice night.
Winter Break fun...
Sadie had a fun baking day with Aunt Tracy. Tracy has been inviting Sadie over each month for a craft day and for December they did a baking day. Sadie loves spending time with Tracy. She has even nicknamed her Rhonda...and Mark is Renardo. Silly Sadie!
Our neighborhood did a activity where we had several firepits set up in throughout the neighbor hood for people to gather to sing and have hot chocolate. It was a fun night.
We had some big storms while Brian was on call. One night he was at work super late. Finn kept me company (after everyone else was fast asleep) in my bed watching the news.
We have a new Christmas tree and and new stockings this year. I am loving the stockings hanging from the banister new idea this year.
Grandma and Grandpa Taggart gave us this Lego Christmas train. Finn had a gun time with it.
Sadie and Finn went sledding with Victoria and Benny...
We went to see Sing 2 in the theatre. We all enjoyed it, even if we did have to sit on the VERY front row.
We went to see the elves at Gardner Village. Can you see Brian and I in that 1st picture?
Santa stopped by our house and brought Candy Canes for the kids!
Cute Dad and Lyla coloring...
We went to see the candy windows at South Jordan City center. I am always amazed what people can do!
This year we had the kids draw names to buy gifts for each other. They had so much fun shopping for each other. We let them open their gifts from each other on Christmas Eve, because everyone was going a little crazy.
Finn gave to Lyla....
Lyla gave to Ava.....
Sadie gave to Finn....
Ava gave to Sadie....
We spent Christmas Eve at Tracy and Mark's house with Meldrums and Grandma and Grandpa. We had yummy food, played fun games and then we went to see Christmas in Color.
Trying to get pictures of all the kids is never an easy job....
Christmas in color...
The kids were up at 5am to open gifts....I made them wait until 6. Lyla didn't wake up until the others had all opened their gifts, so she had her own party opening gifts. Lot's of fun gifts! Then we went to Grandma's for yummy breakfast and more gifts.
We celebrated with the Taggart family on the 26th. It is always a party with the Taggarts. Lot's of singing, lots of food, lots of laughing.
Julie had "Go Tell It On The Mountain" shirts made for us. That song is always a favorite during the singalong.
The ugly sweater club...
Bingo with Grandma...
We made it downtown to see the lights after Christmas this year. It was a fun night. We especially loved the giving machines. We let each kids pick something to donate. We ended up buying Soccer gear, dance gear, 2 chickens, and children's books. It was fun to see them pick something they love to share with those that don't have the same opportunities. There was a new nativity in the Tabernacle that was supper fun. We always love visiting downtown and seeing Dad's hard work. There were not as many lights this year because of continued construction on the Temple.
For Christmas, Grandma Terry and Grandpa Roger gave the kids a day at Altitude Trampoline Park. We all went together with Tiffany's kids and Grandma and Grandpa. The kids always have fun at Altitude and then we enjoyed lunch at Wendy's. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
We spend New Years Eve at home with just our family. It was mostly a fun night. (When does the fighting stop??) We played games, ate ice cream sundaes, and watched a movie. We rang in the new year about 10pm.
I can't believe another year is gone. Life is crazy most days, especially as we are still living in a pandemic where things are changing on the daily. Even though life is crazy and most days I think I am losing my mind, I am so thankful for all that I have in my life. An amazing husband who does so much for our family and is so involved with our children. 4 beautiful children who I get to stay home and take care of each day. A home that isn't fancy, but keeps us safe and warm. Great friends and family who love and support us. A testimony of our Savior and Redeemer who's atonement brings hope to each day. I am always thankful for this time of year that we can focus a bit more on Him and what a gift he is in our lives. Here's to a happy and healthy 2022!
