December Instagram

Holy cow this Santa must be getting some crazy word of mouth because our usual five minute wait turned into an hour and fifteen minutes to talk to the big guy.

But he's the real deal so it was worth it!

I'm going on three days without washing my hair and she is going on her third bath of the day.

So we balance each other out right?

My heart just smiled......

A baby rocking her baby.

While this was fantastic and completely festive all I could think about was Seinfeld, Kramer and Beef- a - reeno!

A little lady and her two best boys she has wrapped around that tiny pint size finger.

So....... delicious?

I love to quietly listen to her play.  She's always mumbling softly to herself in her own little world of pretend.  Always content to play on her own, never bored with her imagination.

Litza's Pizza and  Temple Square tonight!

Missing a kid.....and the baby is crying.  Nothing says Christmas like bad Santa photos!

Funny how it's the most simplest things that make you the most grateful.  Yesterday I happened to mention to Eric how K has been struggling with learning her letters.  I told him I intended to step it up with the homework game so she would be ready for Kindergarten next fall.  Over 24 hours he has found 2 alphabet books for her, read them at least a dozen times.  Introduced her to Super Why on PBS and dug out old alphabet pal toy for her to practice on.  I am so grateful for a husband who takes his job as daddy so seriously.  He could easily have let me handle this myself but instead he found four different ways to help her all because I mentioned an observation I had noticed.  So thankful how the small things are such big things to him.

11 days until Christmas!

My favorite party of the year.....just the girls!

It was a good happy festive night with these lovelies!

Oh to be a kid.  Off to her preschool party.  7 days....their excitement is contagious....just wish it would slow down a bit.

I am not the only one who loves our wall of family and friends!

I mean I don't really need this.....but Eric bought a TV the other day....so I think I deserve a prize too!

Love this cozy family scene.....

Another happy day, but any day spent with them is guaranteed to make me smile and laugh and count my blessings I have them in my life.

It's crunch time and I totally slept in!  What was I thinking now I got to fly....but this sure is a cute little sight to sip my hot chocolate to!

Takes each kid out to lunch and to buy their siblings presents.  Today him and Lance are headed to and El Salvadorian restaurant.  They are both crazy for tortillas, rice and beans!

One more sleep until Santa takes flight!

A fan of furry friends.....

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Love this mom of mine.....she works so hard to make everything perfect for everyone.

Such a fantastic night celebrating with these wonderful people.  I don't think we have ever had just us Smith adults only, no kids, out for a relaxing night out at Maddox.  I didn't want the night to end.  I was and am so blessed to have married into this wonderful family.  I don't know how many families can honestly all say they get along great and thrive in each other's company, but I know I find so much comfort and joy in each of their company.

Eric and I have both had a few moments in the last 24 hours of oh boy what have we got ourselves into.  But this sweet scene melts my heart......a boy and his dog.

Big Hero 6 with the birthday boy because really two days after Christmas what else is better than a movie!

Today is daddy's birthday and as a special present he gets to speak in sacrament meeting!

Lately I feel like I have two babies....some in good ways (they both love snuggles) some in bad ways (one still wears a diaper, the other I wish wore a diaper.)

He's obviously learned to run from her!

Sing it Elsa!

December

December days seem like so long ago don't they?

I just really liked our family advent calendar I finally got made, so I took about ten pictures.

Here is just one:)

Miss K pre dance class I just think she has the perfect little ballerina form when her hair is all pulled back and her tall straight little self.

We were headed to the Polar Express party at church.

Bernard "our elf" brought them new jams.

It was all very exciting and festive.

And I must say for a ward party they really did a fantastic job it looked great in our gym and the night was really so fun.

K had her winter dance recital and she was so adorable out there.

I had rotten seats for getting any pictures during the performances but I was at least grateful to get a few beforehand.

Those chaotic December days bring out the tired in us all don't they?

And Christmas Sunday I dare say my very favorite of the year.

The anticipation, the new clothes, the beautiful program in sacrament.

Hard to beat this day and is the perfect lead in for the week of Christmas.

Sigh I feel a little sad the season is over so soon.

But then January has felt really good to......

Nice and slow.

Ten on Ten: January 2015

A new year a new chance to be better with my camera and documenting our days.

Ten pictures taken over ten hours on the tenth of the month....

 

 

The kids all lined up ready for school to begin.....oh and K never did make it out of pajamas this day.

That's what January is for right!

 My very dear friend was moving to Layton this morning.

I had to quick run over to her house with moving treats and a hug goodbye.

Even though we have seen each other twice since then.

I don't think it will be a problem keeping our friendship going;)

I generally keep up our Christmas cards through January but a certain little person.....ahem.....Caroline won't leave them alone.

So down they came.

Next year though they are staying up through February! 

This guy started his first year of Jr. Jazz.

Lance has played every season in the past but Loubird never really showed much interest, until this year that is.

He was awesome out there and made quite a few baskets.

Way to go Loubird!

And his Rondo is tucked safely inside that headband allowing him to play sports and hear at the same time....something we don't take for granted around here. 

 

Whew....it just looks cold out there and frankly a little depressing.

Sigh January you can be rough sometimes.

 

Especially when it's like pulling teeth to tear them away from video games.

Thank goodness for our family time limits on those things. 

I don't think I have showed you Blackie boy yet.

Here he is.

And we have trouble and trouble with these two.

Seriously we joke at times we don't want them destroying things we lock the two of them up.

Squish in her bouncy and Blackie in his kennel.

They pester each other to death.

He nips at her toys and she squeezes the crap out of him.

I can't emphasize this enough TROUBLE!

Blackie got his first bath.

He actually really liked it.

But the blow drying dry part he did not like. 

Awake from her nap and ready for cuddle time. 

 

A lovely phone shot but we ended the night with driving down to Salt Lake City to go to Five Alls for Eric's birthday dinner with his parents.  It is one of my favorite traditions and a really great way to end a Saturday evening.