December

This December definitely felt different for us.  It was much slower which we actually enjoyed! 

I didn't take any pictures but we had to say goodbye to Brandon's Grandma Myra this month. We are sad she is gone but glad she is reunited with Roger.  We got to attend her viewing and a very cold grave side service in Manti.  She was a beautiful and kind woman.  

I wasn't sure if we would get to attend church again before Christmas so I made my kids take a picture in their Christmas attire on the first week of the month.  I actually bought these clothes for our annual picture with Santa but that, like so many other things, had to be cancelled this year.  

 

We are late to the game but we have been doing lots of puzzles lately.  It has been a lot of fun! 

I was bad about taking pictures but I wanted to have a fancy Christmas dinner for our family during December.  We ate crab legs and steak.  It was all so good!

Since the kids couldn't go visit Santa this year and tell him what they wanted they each wrote him a letter.  They both turned out very cute! 

Mia got to dress in Christmas attire for dance before they were off for the break.  We figured she might as well get some use out of her costume from last year since they barely used it.  

Also this month I took Mia for her first ever pedicure.  She was very excited! I think overall she thought the experience was a little weird but she loved being fancy.  

Afterward we dressed in fancy dresses and had a tea party.  

We did get to go to church the Sunday before Christmas.  It is always one of my favorite weeks.  

We got to catch a glimpse of the very rare  "Christmas Star" this year.  

We had the whole week of school off leading up to Christmas so the kids were getting a little stir crazy.  We decided to go with cousins and Grandpa to see The War with Grandpa.  It was pretty funny and Sadie made all her cousins sign a paper saying they wouldn't use any of the pranks they learned in the movie on their Grandpa.  

Just casually watching her ipad.  

Buddy came to visit again this year and make sure everyone was behaving.  He didn't get into too much trouble but he did host quite the game of chess before he left.  

This year we went with our friends, the Peterson's to Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point. It was lots of fun.  We dressed like we were headed for a day skiing in order to stay warm and it worked! 

For the first time Alex had a Christmas piano recital.  They only had four students during each session so it made it very short which was great.  I loved hearing Alex practice lots of Christmas songs throughout the month.  He is getting very good and did amazing at his performance.  He says he doesn't love the piano (I think he secretly does) but I am very proud at how hard he has worked at it.  

Covid can't stop our Gingerbread house and cookie making!

This month Alex had to get some teeth removed.  We thought he was just getting one removed but at the last minute the dentist decided to pull two teeth.  Alex was pretty funny with the gas on.  He seemed a little loopy and was very vocal about everything.  Luckily he survived and got double the tooth fairy money! 

On Christmas Eve we had another delicious dinner with the Clements. However, we were sad that Trevor's family couldn't join us because they had tested positive for Covid.  

The kids got to chat with them for just a minute though.  

Mia was so excited to get pajamas from Grandma.  She loved them!

Next we headed to Sarah and Jen's house for a rousing white elephant gift exchange.  There were some good ones this year.  Alex got an awesome horse costume and I got a "puffy shirt." 

The kids said their goodbye's to Buddy.  

Alex offered to read one more Christmas story before bed. 

Finally the big day arrived.  First they checked out the note that Buddy had left and made sure Santa ate the cookies we left for him.  

They love when we make them wait on Christmas morning. 

Santa came!

Alex wasted no time starting on his Lego set.

After opening our own presents we headed to the Clements for more delicious food and more presents.  

Next we headed to the Hettinger's for even more presents and even more delicious food!  

Mia trying out her new makeup. Beautiful! 

The day after Christmas is always my favorite day.  The kids spend the whole day opening and playing with new toys, we wear comfy clothes and eat lots of junk food!

I wouldn't even let Alex help me with my friends Lego set.  It was lots of fun!

The last Sunday of the year we held our annual Christmas Nativity.  The costumes were on point as usual and Scott as baby Jesus is always hilarious.  

2020 was quite the year that we will never forget.  We feel very lucky that we stayed healthy and employed.  We had a lot to celebrate this year and we are excited for a new year!