December!

December was a little different this year. I usually do a Christmas chain with an activity each day, but Thanksgiving was late this year, Mike was going to be traveling a bunch for work, gone each weekend of December except one for sports or to see family, so I just didn't have the energy to worry about something every day. It was the right choice this year, and we still fit in almost everything we love. I will probably bring back the chain next year because I did miss the daily magic, but it was still a really wonderful and more simple December. 

Decorations!

We got the house and tree decorated early in the month. It was so fun this year to have shelves to put things on! Pierce LOVED decorating the tree. He couldn't wait to fill the branches and rearrange the ornaments. He is so much fun!

Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees is one of my favorites and since we moved back, I have been sharing the tradition with Pierce, Grandma and the cousins. It was a much more successful trip this year since everyone was one year older and a little more excited about the trees!

Layton Lights

Parker, Mike and Jace headed to St. George over the first weekend in December for a soccer tournament, so I had the weekend alone with these two little boys. We decided to go see the Layton City lights on a hayride. It was a perfect date!

This boy was awesome in his tournament. 4 games in 24 hours...super tired legs, but still smiling!

Zoolights!

With the balmy December we were having, Zoolights was awesome! Some of the animals were out and active and the kids loved seeing the lights. A fun, new tradition for our family!

Mimi Visits

Mimi came all the way to Utah to see these 3 handsome boys play in their piano recital. We thought it was so sweet of her to come share in their music! She gave them some last minute pointers before the big night, then even treated us all to her skills as she played an impromptu duet with their piano teacher. 

The boys are all doing really well and I am impressed with their progress. It isn't anyone's favorite thing, but they are sticking with it and improving each week. It is so cool to watch them play!! I hope one day they will thank me for making them do it. 

To celebrate their hard work, we headed to a fancy dinner at Twigs. The boys were all so well behaved and hungry!!

That night Mimi got to revisit the "old days" and help Jace finish his science fair board. It was great to have an extra pair of hands, especially ones that can cut a straight line. 

One of my very favorite things we did (and it will be a new tradition) was to spend the day downtown doing all of the "Christmas" stuff. We headed there right after school, and were able to enjoy the festivities without crazy crowds. It is my new plan each year because it was SO much fun!!

First we tried ice skating at the Gallivan Center. Neither Marci or I had been on skates forever, and I was banking on Pierce wanting to sit on the sidelines, but of course he didn't want to do that...He was ready to skate and wanted to join his brothers. So, we strapped on the boots and gave it a whirl. We were both surprisingly steady and by the end of the night our arms were sore, but Pierce was catching on. Sure wish Mike wasn't out of town!

We stopped for dinner at Pier 49 Pizza. We had the place to ourselves and filled our bellies!

We stopped by to see the candy windows at Macy's. So cool!

And ended the night at Temple Square enjoying the lights. Such a perfect night; not too crowded and not too cold, just the way we like it!

One of the coolest parts of Mimi's trip was purchasing new skis, boots, and helmets for the boys so they can start their Utah skiing! Such an awesome gift! 

It was a super quick trip with loads of fun packed in! Dad even got to join us on our last night for yogurt! We love having her visit and are so grateful to be closer!

Ward Christmas Party

Our ward is so much fun. For the Christmas party this year, the theme was "Polar Express." We had an awesome morning with friends and neighbors. 

Jace and Mike in Tucson

While we were enjoying some Utah festivities, Jace and Mike were enjoying the sunshine in Arizona with Chris and the kids. They loved watching Michigan and Arizona duke it out on the basketball court and packed the rest of the weekend with lots of fun! I love that Jace and Chaz have been such great buddies from the very beginning. Nothing like an awesome cousin!

Gingerbread Houses

While our biggest boys were away, we had our own kind of party at Grandma and Grandpa's making gingerbread houses, going out to dinner and then buying cousin gifts. My kids look forward to their special time at Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa and the gingerbread houses were a super fun twist!

Someone was excited to have Jace back home!

Pierce

He is just the cutest, most fun toddler around. Every day he introduces me to the world in a different way. One particular December morning, I walked into the kitchen to find him reading on his own :).

Choir Concert

Parker did an awesome job in his choir concert this year! He LOVES to sing!!

Basketball

All through the winter, James played in the second grade basketball league. He killed it! He is such a great little athlete and we love watching him learn and grow.

Marshmallow Snowball Fight

When I asked my kids what they HAD to do over Christmas, it was unanimous: Marshmallow Snowball Fight! So, we fit it in during the last weekend of December when Mike was in town. The weather was lame, with rain all morning, but it cleared up just in time for us to have our annual fight. We love celebrating the season with friends!

Christmas Sunday

Twice a year, I make my boys wear what I want...Easter and Christmas. So, when I do, I like to document things. They are SO CUTE. Every time I look at them all dressed up, I can hardly believe how big they have gotten! So glad they are mine.

Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Olsen

I love that we have kept the tradition of going to my grandparent's house each year to celebrate Christmas. This year, my cousin created an incredible book of their life to give to them. I can't wait to read it! I am so grateful for these good people and their love and support.

Candy bar/Money game!!

Dollar Tree Gifts

Another request from the boys was our annual sibling gift exchange. Here is Pierce, so excited to buy his boys presents!

Nursing Home Singing

We also did our annual nursing home caroling program. It was so fun this year to have the boys participate by playing some of their songs. After, we had a little celebration at Menchie's with good friends.