Merry Christmas!

We had such a wonderful Christmas!  Santa found the kids and brought Lydia a Magic 8 Ball (amazing that these things are still around), Evelyn a really cool poseable Barbie (that I was having a lot of fun with), and Isaac a spy kit.

Santa brought Bridget got her own set of keys.

Here are the kids with their gifts they made for each other.  Evelyn painted an L for Lydia, Isaac painted a pony for Evelyn, and Lydia glued Star Wars ships on a painted canvas it to make a really cool space scene.

Here is Mike juggling limes in his new Star Wars pajama pants that the kids and I made for him!  There's a reason I limit my sewing projects to things people don't wear in public. 

And here's Bridget juggling limes!

In the afternoon we had the sister and senior missionaries over and had the best time!  The sisters played with the kids while the Norths helped Mike and I finish up in the kitchen. And the kids were thrilled to get some adopted grandparent time!  

After a delicious ham dinner we retired to the parlor where Santa had left some presents for the missionaries like toothbrushes, chocolates and ornaments.  And the children treated us to a Christmas program that they'd done all on their own!

What a fantastic Christmas!  I am so grateful for my favorite presents, my wonderful family!

And am eagerly waiting to meet our new little present in 4 weeks (I'll happily take less!)

Summer Break!

The kids finished the school year two weeks ago and we've been enjoying our lazy mornings and hanging out.  The kids have made breakfast twice!  All by themselves!  First was pancakes and fruit skewers, which was fantastic!!  I was so proud of them! 

This week they made toast and fruit salad!  Yum!!

We bought a monster wading pool that the kids have enjoyed.  A little.  Turns out even though it's bigger and deeper than a typical kiddie pool it's still not as much fun as a real pool.  In fact the other day they had more fun with the hose.  

The kids have been busy making Christmas presents.  A special project for Daddy and painting things for each other.  (Sorry, no pics or else it'd spoil the surprises.)

It's still weird to have a summer Christmas, but I can crank up the AC and spray a little Glade pine tree scent and it's instantly Christmas!  Here's one of my favorite things: reading Christmas books by the tree!

Mike and I went to his work Christmas party.  I looked fabulous in my thrift store dress that I fancified with a $20 brooch that accentuated my round belly quite nicely.  It's always fun to dress up especially when one feels like a walrus as of late.  5 more weeks!  

We had our branch Christmas party at Lake Awoonga and had a blast in the water!  Bridget drying off.

They even got to take a trip around the lake in a member's boat. He looks a bit like Darth Vader in his sun safe gear, doesn't he?  

Speaking of Darth Vader!  When one finds Star Wars cereal how do you NOT buy it for your husband? I mean, your children.  

Mike and I are going to see the new Star Wars tonight!  We're just a little excited!!