Busy Days

December is always a busy time, for pretty much everyone, it seems. But something we had to find the time for was to get our hair trimmed.   Keldrie, Russell and I all went out to visit Aunt Jacki in her salon. Keldrie was a good girl and got her bangs and hair trimmed up, and then it was Russell's turn! 

I think Jacki had to use all of her tricks to keep him in the chair long enough to get a good trim.  He sure needed it! 

As I've mentioned before, Keldrie is a little obsessed with Frozen.  So during the inversion, when it was too yucky to be outside at all, we built a snow castle in the living room, just like Elsa in the movie. 

We also took advantage of Dad's new work schedule to go look at the Layton city lights.  We were going to go visit Temple Square, but the night we were going to go down, a big snow storm was suppose to hit and so we opted for the much closer, stay in the car, option.  We also stopped for Ice Cream Cones on the way!

Our Next door neightbor, Lee, invited us to his family and friends party that he hosted at the Ogden Union Station.  He is a volunteer there and has made several of the displays, helps keep the model trains up and running, and is currently trying to refurbish a steam engine they have got.  He gave us  a tour of some of the trains they have and the muesem.  It was really neat to see all of that stuff. 

That brings us to the Sunday before Christmas.  And of course, that means a Christmas dress for Keldrie.  My mom looked high and low for just the right one.  Keldrie had quite the opinion when it came to the dress and the accessories.  What a diva!

We also had FHE with Matt's siblings at his parents house. Everyone was able to make it except for Ryan and Megan and their boys.

Caroline was very popular.  And who can blame us, look at this sweet girl!

Dinner was delicious! 

Lance enjoyed reading quietly to himself while we waited to start FHE. 

I let Eric look at my camera.....

Grandpa holding the kids while everyone shared their talents.

Greg and Amanda did a duet of "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas".  Amanda even played the ukelele. 

Luke listened....

More of little miss Caroline...

Julia and Lance both played Christmas songs on the piano. 

After FHE, it was time for dessert! 

I may have taken more than my fair share of turns holding Caroline...

It was a super fun night, even if the kids didn't always behave.  

Speaking of misbehaving, Keldrie wanted to try out a new art form medium earlier today: herself and her brother.  She also timed this perfectly for 15 minutes before friends were headed over.  Well, I hope Santa didn't see! (yeah, right) 

 

Hooray for Soap! 

We are so looking forward to Christmas in just two days! 

A mid-December Update

Well, we are full into the swing of things here in the Christmas season.  On Saturday, we had our ward Christmas party and it was pretty darn fun! There was soup with bread bowls and ice cream sandwiches for dessert.  They also had a talent show.  

The first group up was the primary kids singing a few Christmas songs.  Keldrie was in the front row, (she is the littlest sunbeam) and was quite the ham.  Every time they sang "Hosanna" Keldrie would get really loud and put her arms in the air.  It was hilarious.  Everyone got quite a kick out of it. 

Matt also played his guitar.  It was beautiful.  Matt truly has a gift when it comes to that guitar.  He plays beautifully and has composed a few of his own songs.   He can read notes or tabs for guitar and just has "the ear" for it.  He doesn't get to play enough.  His new job has allowed him to play more than normal though.  Russell and Keldrie both love when Daddy gets his guitar out. 

Let's see, what else have we been up to? Well, Christmas shopping, but 'tis the season.  I am all but done.  One gift left for my brother-in-law.  Luckily my mom is going down to Arizona on Christmas morning and has agreed to take all my gifts down that I wasn't able to ship.  

Russell is into everything. Wanna see?

Here, he is eating his sister's breakfast,  

Mom's phone is a favorite play thing, 

Mom's bed is also lots of fun, especially if she just finished making it! 

Daddy's hat

The computer is especially fun. Lots of buttons and noises. Plus, mom and dad both make funny noises when they find me playing with it. 

The blinds are fun too.  

 

And here he has managed to get a calculator, the computer, oh and a blue marker. 

And what has his big sister been doing? 

Leaving behind her breakfast so her brother can finish it later, 

Playing in her tent with dad, and discovering static electricity, 

 and growing up too fast.

Grandma Keller brought over the doll house that her mom and aunts used to play with.  It has gotten quite a bit of use and will have some new residents come Christmas morning. 

The two of them together have kept me very busy.  We are all loving Matt's new schedule, even though Matt is having a rough time adjusting to the new work.  It is nice to have guaranteed family time almost every night.

Being a stay-at-home mom keeps me on my toes and tests my limits....

And it is the most rewarding and fun thing I can ever imagine doing.

The Annual Smith Family Party and the Christmas Devotional

Saturday started out snowy and cold.  We cooked up a big breakfast to celebrate Matt having the whole day off work.  Pancakes and hash-browns are a few of his favorite things. 

Keldrie loves her some pancakes, too! 

By 5, it wasn't cold anymore, it was frigid.  And the snow just kept on coming.  But, we decided that we would at least try to get out to Syracuse to Spencer and Gaby's house for the Smith family Christmas party.  Only three of the brother's and their families were able to make it.  And really, Matt was the only one on time.  Spencer had to stay late at his job and Ryan had run late and had to drive back from south Salt Lake in the snow storm.  But, we bundled up and headed out.  

Apparently the flash on my camera was bright! 

After almost an hour driving, we finally got to Syracuse just a few minutes early.  It normally takes us about 25 minutes to make the drive.   

Gaby had the house all done up and the food smelled amazing.  And it tasted amazing too!  Since Spencer hadn't been able to come  home, Matt went out and cleared the drive way and side walk.  Once he was finished, we sat down and ate, just a small group of us instead of the usual large group.  We are getting so big! When Matt and I first got engaged (6 years ago tomorrow!), his oldest two brothers were married and there were only 3 grandkids.  Now all 5 brothers are married and there are 12 grandkids! Man, it is great! The best part is that I love all my sisters-in-law and my Mother-in-law.  I never worried about getting along with any brother-in-laws or my Father-in-law, but I did wonder about the women-folk. But I worried for nothing! 

Beautiful plates just waiting for food! 

Mister Logan has got the bluest eyes! He was the youngest grandchild in attendence this year.  

Princess Julia and Princess Keldrie descending the royal stairs to their chambers where none of the grown-ups will interfere with them. 

Elaine and Mister Daniel.  Daniel is Russell's closest cousin, being 6 months younger.  But as soon as Daniel gets steady on his feet, Russ better watch out! 

Gaby's famous Cinnamon Hot Chocolate! 

My contribution to dinner.  Apple dumplings to have with the hot chocolate. 

Yesterday, Sunday, was the Christmas Devotional.  We had a special dinner of Navajo Tacos while we listened to President Monson and the other leaders speak.  It was great.  Definitely worth watching if you missed it.  Made me want to go out and serve my fellow man! 

The Christmas season is surely upon us and I couldn't be happier! I have really slacked on this blog this year compared to last year, but I am hoping to do better in 2014! Coming up this week, we have our Ward Christmas Party! So much fun this time of year!