best of 2013 in (a ton of) pictures - part one

There will be two parts to this because I couldn't resist adding more and more pictures as I looked through files of this past year. It made me long for those simpler days (I can't believe how much busier life gets when three are in school), it made me long for our little baby again, and it really made me long for warmer days. These boys have grown A TON in 2013. 

Some of these pictures are not the best quality, but they completely captured things I love about our simple life. 

(I completely understand if you can't make it through all these pictures...but I'm certain our boys will want to in a few years)

christmas day

The two older boys got up around 7:15 and headed to the family room to open their stockings before we got out of bed (something Justin did as a little boy and wanted to continue that tradition with our family, which I had a hard time agreeing to but in the end he won. and the boys were happy about that)  Corbin claimed he hardly slept at all during the night, the rest of us slept soundly. We finally went and woke Rudger up around 7:45 because we couldn't stand having him sleep any longer. 

It was another simple Christmas with plenty of legos. They each got just what they wanted. And the best line of Christmas day, from Corbin -

"Man, I think I struck a little too rich"

Yes, I would say they struck rich.

Then we spent the rest of the day having a Harry Potter marathon and building legos - that night, and the next day, and the rest of the week.

taylor's baptism

This Saturday was such a happy day for our Taylor. He was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

He woke up so excited Saturday morning. We gave him a new set of scriptures with his name permanently on it, which he was quite excited about and has now committed to having the book of mormon finished this year.

 The baptism was beautiful, the talk from aunt Jen was perfect, the singing from the cousins was so tender, and watching all the men in the room put their hands on Taylor's head was powerful. 

Afterwards, we gathered family from both sides and celebrated Taylor a little longer with some food and treats. Whenever there are gatherings with our families, I am always left feeling amazed and so grateful for family on both sides who are so loving and supportive of our little family.

 Almost two years ago, Corbin turned eight and was baptized. Grandpa did what he does with all his grandchildren when they are baptized and took Corbin on a chocolate run. Taylor was quite envious. He has practically been counting down the days from that moment on until he too would get to go on a chocolate run with his Grandpa. That day happened the day he was baptized.

And he couldn't have been any happier! It was a good day.

christmas eve scenes and the day before

The day before Christmas Eve we finally made it to Temple Square. 

The present Levi wanted the most was a ninjago lego set called 'The Temple of Light'. As we were walking over to the temple he said, "Are we going to 'The Temple of Square'"!

 Christmas Eve day was full of a last minute trip to the store, a visit from Grandma Morris, roasted sweet pepper cream cheese treat, preparations for Christmas Eve dinner, and then while I was answering the door several times to receive yummy treats from neighbors and friends...

the boys were in the backyard having plenty of fun. Corbin did not want to get off that thing.

Then we enjoyed a beautiful evening as a family. 

 And once the boys were tucked safely in bed dreaming of sugarplums, Justin and I watched my favorite show, "It's a Wonderful Life". At the end, Justin couldn't stay awake any longer, so I stayed up a few more hours, watched Mass, wrapped presents and put the final touches on Christmas. (like wrapping the rest of the presents)

Things weren't finished and it wasn't "perfect". But it didn't matter. It's so nice to realize that I can let some things go and just enjoy. Because to the boys, it was magical, and that's what is wonderful.