Thursday, December 15, 2016

Let the Holiday Festivities Begin!

Gavin played "Joy to the World" on the bells with the other students in his music class during a Christmas Sing-a-long that his teacher put on in her garage.

We visited the man in red.  Laynie kept her hands over her eyes the whole time.

Laynie has graduated from her high chair, but boy can this girl still make a mess!

I found this ornament on our tree and said, "Gavin!  I like the ornament you made."  He replied, "Thanks!  It's Brock."  (Brock is his best friend.)

Ward Christmas Party

We drove around looking at lights and found this beautiful tree in a cemetery.  We had to get out and look at all its beauty.


The First Real Snow Storm




And hot chocolate afterwards!



Family Photos 2016

I had a hair-brain idea to take family pictures with a self-timer and tri-pod.  But overall, I think it was worth it.  ;)  We all had fun - that is, all of us except Laynie!










Trimming the Tree

Gavin was anxious to put up the tree, so the day after Thanksgiving, we donned the fake pine needles with lights, ribbons, and ornaments.


I had 2 pair of glasses where you can see a snowflake or a snowman in every light.

Gavin was stunned.

Matt was intrigued.

Sittin' Pretty

The 12 Days of Christmas book

Decorating fun

Laynie loves to take the ornaments off the tree.

 We told Gavin that his star topping days will soon be over.  Littlest one (that's capable) gets to put on the star.  We think Laynie will be ready by next year.


We hung our stockings the next day.

November News

Welp.  Two things greatly monopolized my time and November came and went without a single post.  So, here's the November News catch-up:

Laynie making funny faces into Mommy's phone camera.




I gave Gavin an art set and showed him how to make an owl.  He then made his very own owl along with multiple other art drawings.  His fine motor skills are improving and he's starting to really like to draw.


Rub-a-dub-dub!


Met up with 2 of my Canadian Cousins for lunch at The Olive Garden. Mom, Aunt Dixie, Carly's hubby and kids, and Matt and kids were also there.


Afterward, we went to Carly's house on BYU campus and played games outside while the kids played on a playground.


Laynie has been drinking milk from a bowl these days.  Did I ever mention that she reminds me of a little kitten?  Drinking from a bowl only confirmed this.


Had dinner with my lovely Primary Presidency ladies.  Karlene got a stake calling which dissolved our presidency, so this was our last hurrah at Spanky's Subs.


Met up with Chelsea and kids at Discovery Gateway.  Laynie LOVED the water center.  And by love I mean she was drenched from belly to toes.  Had to run out to the car to get her an extra set of clothes.


We had Thanksgiving in Gunnison.  Just went down for the day.  Tyler took Carly, Thomas, Matt and me on a wild ride in his off-roading 5 passenger 4-wheeler.  I may have screamed the entire time.  Matt went shooting with the boys and I stayed and chatted with the girls.  Fun times.

Now.. the two things that occupied my time for the last month and a half?  1. Sinus Infection (of course) and 2. I agreed to illustrate a children's book in 1 month's time.  My friend, Julie Christensen, wrote a darling book for her grandchildren.  She's having it printed in book form and everything.  I drew the illustrations for it, and we feel it turned out darling!  We are waiting for it to get printed right now and can't wait to see it.