Pictures by the Christmas Tree

Why I'm happy:

We are going to visit our family this Christmas! Where I know my Mom has her house beautifully decorated, with possibly a Christmas tree in every room. With Holiday treats made and ready for her children and grandchildren!

Why I'm sad:

We aren't going to wake up around our Christmas tree in our own home. We had quite a few fiasco's getting the tree up and decorated, so it seems sad that it won't fulfill its Christmas duty in towering over all the Christmas presents on Christmas morning.

My Compromise:

Take pictures in front of it, so that we can remember the things we did here for this Christmas season

Mike's Holiday Work Party

(Warning:Ugly belly shot)

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The Nutcracker

Riley and I got to go to the ballet together! We loved it! It was so fun to just have that time alone with her. She chose that red sweater because it had sparkles in it, and that makes it look fancy. And my Chloe got to take a picture with me too

The girls Christmas Dresses

I'm lovin' sweater dresses this year! I loved these cute black ones that had both their sizes. Mike took these pics. Don't tell him...but I would have really loved a whole body shot, so you could actually see the whole "ensemble" I'll be OK. I love the stocking on the tree (even thought it doesn't "go", again - I'll be OK) Riley put it there for Santa, little does she know that there is a much bigger one waiting for her. These pictures were fun to look at because of Chloe, she was laughing in each of them, this was the only one with her eyes open.

See you next year, dear Christmas Tree!

Playing in the Leaves

We FINALLLY got to play in the leaves...and its December. Where we live, fall doesn't really hit until about December. So here we are having a blast collecting, piling, gathering, jumping, kicking, running, laughing and giggling outside in the leaves

Rileys Scripture for Church

She didn't have it memorized for the actual day, but she has been saying it every day since! When we have our scripture study in the morning, she always has to say her scripture too. In case you can't hear, she is saying:
"Therefore, O ye that embark in service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, mind, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day"
We love hearing her say it!

The Temple Lights

Our Christmas tradition has been going to the Oakland Temple to see the beautiful Christmas lights and display. We meet up with my sister Traci and her kids, along with some other good friends. First we hit up the Macaroni Grill (which I have been craving like crazy since I've been prego) then we head over to the Temple. It was so cold this year! We didn't stay for long, but the kids just love running around outside and seeing the displays in the visitors center. This year we ended it with a "tailgate treat party" - we had caramels and peanut butter cup brownies. Next year we're gonna need some Hot Chocolate, if it is that cold again!

We always feel such a peaceful happiness while we are there, I love it.