Can't believe the month has come and gone. At the end of the season I think to myself, "was it really that memorable and wonderful for the boys?" I always go into the month with such high hopes of everything being perfect. And it's not. In the actual moment, I don't think things are really that great or exciting. Then, when it's all over I sit back and reflect on what has happened and I long to go back to those moments. I guess that's when I realize
we had a good month.
Here's a glimpse into our December.
It started off right with my favorite activity.
First Presidency Devotional.
Christmas movie nights every Friday are a huge highlight.
After the movie the boys get to sleep out under the tree. (unless it's Christmas Eve)
One of their favorite traditions.
Christmas games by the tree.
(Our personal favorite is memory. I can't get over how good of memories those boys have. They beat me every time, and I'm actually trying hard. I would feel really bad, but Justin's in the same boat as me.)
Christmas Crafts
If we didn't have Taylor, I'm not sure if we would craft as much as we do.
Happy to just sit back and observe.
Santa cookies.
Our elf, Jolly, was pretty lazy this year. But he did surprise the boys with window stickers.
Unfortunately, I was the only one in our family to see temple square.
We were too sick when we wanted to go.
I loved this picture one of the young women took with my camera.
Baking day.
Wow Mandi, sorry we are so messy. But the food was so worth it!
The boys were so excited when some of their best buddies brought over a Christmas gift.
We loved reading our Christmas books all month.
Rudger was just starting to play with his hands more this month.
I was so excited when I found this white tree at the DI for $4. Made my day!
We thought about sending Christmas cards, and even tried a photo shoot, but with the sickness we had (and a not so organized mom) we just didn't get to it. But I'll still cherish the pictures.
I love seeing Taylor looking at his oldest brother that way.
And then Corbin and Taylor loving their younger brother.
We had a great trip up to Brigham to hear my dad speak in church about Christmas.
It was a wonderful day.
My mom made each of the grandchildren little gingerbread men that they got to take off the Christmas tree and enjoy. The boys were so excited to find their names on their gingerbread man.
Someday I hope I have a village like my dads.
And a tree like my moms.
I love my parents home.
(I'm still in denial that my baby nephew who I absolutely love is leaving on his mission in just a few days)
Treats for the neighbors.
And there was quite a bit of this going on all month.
It really was a good month.
