Christmas Eve 2015

One of my favorite traditions with Heather is to go to the Citadel Mall at Christmas time.  It all started when I was 3 years old when she'd take me to the mall and get me ice cream from "Michelle's" and buy me Peachy Penguins.  I don't think there is an original store in that mall, but the food court, with it's overly chlorinated fountain, is exactly the same, and just being there with her brings me so much comfort.  This year, our time was so limited that the only day we could go was on Christmas Eve, but we got there soon enough that it wasn't outrageously busy.  We sampled some scents from Bath and Body Works and just enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the day.  I read somewhere that the Citadel was purchased by a large real estate firm.  I really hope their goal is just to renovate and not redevelop the area.  There are too many memories there to lose that mall!

Once Trenton was done with work, we headed over to Laurie's for our traditional soup and appetizer dinner and then opened presents with the Cruzans and Schlossers.  We had so much fun and the kids were buzzing with excitement. 

After we had our yearly Fleetwood Mac dance party, we headed back to our house so Trenton could read to our kiddos and they could set out the treats for Santa.  I love how excited the kids are to go to bed on Christmas Eve.

And just like that, not a creature was stirring...

Christmas Time!

Once Emma's baptism, birthday party, and dance recital were over, we could all finally settle in and enjoy the week of Christmas.  We had quite a bit of snow, so it was nice to be inside to decorate our gingerbread house and do some crafting.  We also enjoyed a Mexican Fiesta at my parents' ward Christmas party.  The kids even got to take a few whacks at a piñata.  Then the Sheehan family arrived and we celebrated by sneaking away to Montegue's for a Christmas tea party.  On Christmas Eve Eve, the cousins stayed up late decorating cookies for Santa.

Christmas Pictures 2015

We must have looked like crazy people going out in 16 degree weather with my camera and tripod in tow.  I promised the kids that we would only snap two pictures and I'd just be satisfied with the better of the two.  Lyla couldn't contain her emotions and so her face reveals just how freezing it was.  I just couldn't resist the lure of this dreamy, wintry backdrop.  Nothing says, "Merry Christmas" like red faces and frozen fingers.

I made this Peace sign, and Trenton surprised me by making this adorable, handcrafted sled.  My front porch makes me happy.

Emma's Baptism

Our sweet Emma made the decision to take the plunge and be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  What a blessing it was to have so many of our friends and family with us that day, and to have a daddy that is worthy of baptizing her!  So many people showed up that we actually had to move everyone to the chapel and do the talks and confirmation in there.  I'm so grateful that our friends took time out of their weekend, just a few days before Christmas, to come out and help my daughter feel loved and special on this big day.

My brother got up and gave the talk on Baptism, which was especially tender because he baptized Trenton just 12 years ago.  I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the chapel.  I was an emotional mess!  Trenton performed the baptism, and my dad gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  It was such a special evening.

We are so proud of your decision Emma.  We know that you will receive great blessings if you are humble and serve faithfully throughout your life.  Love those around you and hold to the iron rod with all of your heart!