the stikas

Monday, January 14, 2013

Candlelight Christmas

We had a lovely evening at the This is The Place Park. Train rides, crafts, Father Christmas carolers, hot chocolate, and the most tender sweet live nativity ever.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

A new tradition

Just after thanksgiving a visitor came to stay. "Sam" the elf came for the season bringing fun and magic to our home. Save any mean comments. He's sweet and the kids love him.

A few times in the quiet moments weeks after Sam returned to the North Pole, clara's thoughts have turned to Sam...how much she misses him, what he is up to. It's been very sweet to here them speak of the fun memories already.

Noah's reflection award

Noah took 2nd place in photography for the PTA sponsored Reflections contest. Noah took the theme, "magic in the moment" and made a phot collage of iPhone pictures he took of everyday moments that are magical. It turned out great. So proud of our boy!

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For Health and Strength and Daily Food

Picking up pilgrims from preschool

Baking pies with Aunt Liss an eve of thanksgiving tradition.

Josh and I successfully brined our first turkey.

I had bronchitis and strep throat managed to host Josh's side again. Stayed pretty sick for a week+. Was really praying for a healthier Christmas.

Ben's first birthday

Darling Ben,

What a joyful first year. You are such a sweet, handsome boy. Happy go lucky. Mellow. Fun. Loving. Smart. Adventuresome. Tough. Tender...are just a few words to describe you. You love climbing, cars, daddy tosses, snuggles with mom, playing like your a big kid, treats, outside time, baths, your siblings, other kids. I loved our special adventure to Portland for a family wedding. You were so happy to have mommy all to yourself you didn't cry all weekend. You make a great buddy and we are so incredible blessed to have you in our family!!!

Bday started off with a snowy walk to the bus stop.

Opening a big present with your sisters.

Daddy made it home from a business trip in time to sing you happy birthday and blow out a candle on some brownies.

A little more celebrations with cupcakes from Grammy Pat.

Halloween II...

Halloween in Utah has turned into an all month affair. We enjoyed to neighborhood parties at the Seelys and Danas, a visit to grandma's house, finding witches with cousins, trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, school parades and more...