New Years Eve

I babysat Kim's kids so she and Trent could go to the Fiesta Bowl.  The kids left around 9 pm, and that is when we started our little party.  It was raining, but that didn't stop the boys from having fun. Happy New Year!!

Beach

Whenever we go to California we have to go to the beach.  I love the beach!!  This year we went the day after Knott's Berry Farm and it was breezy, cold and overcast.  Kind of a bummer but it was the only day we had to visit the beach.  Nate had gotten everyone a wet suit so that the cold water wouldn't bother them too much.  Nate, Dallin, Lauren and Landon used them.  Payton was being grumpy and didn't want to go in the water, and would have preferred to just leave.

There wasn't anyone else there because of the weather, so we had the beach to ourselves.  They didn't stay in the water long, but it was fun anyhow.

Knott's Berry Farm

We made our hotel reservations early this year and were able to get a spot at the Knott's Berry Hotel.  They do a deal for fire and police for cheap rooms, but the rooms get snatched up early so this is the first time we have got to stay there.  It was really nice and the breakfast was like eating at a restaurant, all you can eat and yummy!

We always love going to Knott's, but this year we didn't get to go with our friends the Glovers.  They couldn't go when we were going.  It was still fun though.  We went a few days after Christmas, when usually we go in January.

 Our very first ride was Ghostrider, but Nate and Landon didn't want to ride it.  It gives Nate a headache and Landon wanted to go on Silver Bullet before the lines got long.  So they headed to that ride.

 I tried to get a picture of Nate and Dallin as they sped by, the ride is so fast, so this was the best one.  They are in the second row.

We had a great time, but we noticed that the lines were a lot longer than when we go in January, so from now on we will go after the new year.

Christmas

This Christmas was much easier having Jaden gone than last year.  I was able to focus more on the other kids and make Christmas more fun and meaningful for them.  By doing this, it made the holiday more fun and meaningful for me.

 Putting up lights this year was scary!  I thought for sure Nate and Dallin were going to fall.  I actually stood under them to catch someone (after I snapped the picture).  Notice Lauren holding onto Nate's arm to keep him from going down?!

 The highlight of the day was talking to Jaden.  Nate had to work, so we went to the station so we could Skype and be all together.  The connection wasn't that great, but it was so good so see and hear him.

Jaden and Jessilee Staggee worked together to get this blanket made for me for Christmas.  Payton was in on the secret, so she video taped me opening the mystery package.  It made me cry I was so surprised.  I had a really good holiday season this year!

Gingerbread houses

It is fun to keep up the traditions that we did when all the kids were younger.  With Jaden and Payton growing up and leaving the house, it makes me want to do more of the stuff that we used to do.

It didn't turn out great, but it was fun. Lauren got frustrated that it kept falling down, so she gave up and left.  Only Landon kept with it, using all of the frosting available and it finally held, so he got to decorate it how he wanted.

Temple lights

Marilee and Clint came up for the weekend to visit, see the temple lights and be here for Autumn's baby blessing.  It has been a few years since we saw the Christmas lights at the temple, so it was fun to go.  Nate had to work, but it was a good time with grandma, Kim and Chris, and Marilee and Clint.

After the Christmas lights, we got donuts and had hot cocoa and donuts back at grandma and grandpa's house.

Lauren turns 12!!

Lauren has been so excited to turn 12.  It was hard for her to have to wait the whole year to leave primary and start YW.  She hated having to go to singing time as the oldest girl in primary.  For her birthday she wanted to go shopping and get boots and makeup.  She is easy to please!  We went to Famous Footwear and she found the exact pair that she wanted.  They are black suede with a little heel, and very cute.  She also got another pair of flats because she needed them, and then make up from Ulta and Target.  She was in heaven with all of her goodies.  For dinner she picked to go to Olive Garden, and we all had a nice dinner.

Lauren is a total sweetheart!  She is more girly than Payton at this age.  She likes to have everything just right.  She is tenderhearted and worries about her family and friends.  She also has an attitude sometimes, and can glare at me like a pro.  She gets over it fast though, and makes our home a more peaceful place.  She already worries about her looks and her hair, and wants it straightened all the time because she hates her wavy hair.  She is beautiful inside and out and we love her so much!