Stuff we've been up to

In no particular order:

Last night we went and drove through the lights at Thanksgiving Point - we've never done it before and so it was lots of fun and very magical. Their designs are really cute, and we especially loved the Simon Dewey display at the end. The kids were also happy to see some live reindeer (even though they were sleeping). A fun and festive night!

We are saddened by the loss of Mark's wonderful Grandma, Gladys Stum. She passed away Friday, Dec. 4 at the age of 92. She was an important part of our lives and we will truly miss her. She was amazing! We especially have great memories of trip to the cabin with her - I love this picture of her reading a story to Ella - she was always ready to do anything for the kids and they really loved their great grandma. I'm so glad they got to know her.

This is in Bryce Canyon at a reunion - Grandma doing some yoga with the ladies! She was a great example for healthy living.

We attended her funeral this past weekend and were very uplifted by the messages and memories. We were also grateful to be able to see so many extended family members - I am very lucky to have married into such a wonderful family!

Earlier in the month I took Ella and Ammon to the Festival of Trees. This is a fun tradition for me - something I've done since I was about 12. It's a fun way to ring in the season.

We were especially amazed by this gingerbread train. I can't believe how anyone could make this - it's even bigger than it looks in the picture. So neat!

Ammon is obsessed these days with anything that has wheels. This car ramp was given to us when Josh was young and he was never into it, but when we found it in Grandpa's play closet Ammon couldn't have been happier. Nice find! Ammon is always carrying around a few cars, trucks, or trains, and loves to watch "I love toy trains." I think he's definitely all boy!

You never know what you'll get when the kids get their hands on the camera! Mark is quite proud of this cute little Rudolph that he made though

My birthday was this week - Ella was so excited to give me her Barbie Computer. How sweet is that? Of course she said I have to share it with her still, but I love how selfless she was to go and get one of her favorite toys and wrap it up for me all by herself! Sigh!

The little angel herself:

One of Holly's many drawings I receive that day!

Holly's picture, and of course the traditional blueberry cheesecake mark made me - Yum!

Don't mind that I have no makeup on...I stayed home sick from church Sunday with a bad cold, but agreed to photos anyway. Mark gave me a new game - "Manila" - it has been on our "to get" list for many years so I'm really excited to finally have it - it is so fun!

another fun gift was the new Lion House Bakery cookbook. I can't wait to try it!

Lots of more events happening in the next few weeks so stay tuned for more posts!

Happy Holidays!