Christmas is over?!

How is Christmas over already?! Out of all the holidays, Christmas is the only one that is over before I'm ready to let it go!! I LOVE Christmas...and yes, my tree is still up:)

Christmas Eve Jammies
(I always try to do "Christmas-themed" pajamas because it makes for some awesome pictures!!)

Jordan finally got the Itouch she's been saving for...I don' t know that I've ever seen her so happy. She also got that chair she is sitting on, which Miley has "claimed" as hers.

One of Kya's gifts was a softball bat. I thought it was hilarious that she had absolutely no clue what it was until it was completely unwrapped:)Since Jordan got an Itouch, Mike changed the broken screen on his old Iphone and gave it to Kya and Tyson. Now they can all play. I'm not sure I like it!

A Christmas Eve Tradition

We love to bundle up and take the kids ice skating on Christmas Eve. It reminds me that some places in the world, people actually do need to wear jackets this time of year (seriously, it was 87 degrees in the car when we came out of the skating rink). This year Mike and I could actually skate without holding onto the kids. They were so brave!! Tyson has also informed me that he wants to take skating lessons and become a hockey player....we'll see.

Baking Day

Today we did nothing but bake...well, and watch a movie:) I am feeling so Christmassy!!

First we made Pulla (Tyson is OBSESSED with Pulla!!)

Then we made Candy Cane Cookies

Then it was time for Naniamo Bars

And finally Butter Tarts

Good think Mike got home in time to BBQ for dinner, because I was wiped out!

12 Years

Today is our 12th Anniversary!!

From our first date....

....to now!! We've come a LONG way!!

I had no idea when I got married, that I would be so blessed!
I love you Mike, and the sweet little family you have given me.

Some jobs {unfortunately} you can't do yourself!

I asked Mike to take a picture of me and the kids (Tyson wouldn't cooperate) in front of the Christmas tree.

First, he took this one...

Of course, I wasn't impressed.

Then, he took this one...

Seriously?!

Finally her took this one...

The star is still cut off a little, but I guess I'll take it.

All she wants for Christmas...

...is her two front teeth!!

I love that Kya lost her two front teeth so close to Christmas. We have a classic home video when Jordan lost her two front teeth (also just before Christmas), and she was so upset that she could still say "Merry Christmas!"

I'm the only one left!!

A couple weeks ago I watched Mike (along with 3499 other people) become an American Citizen. As I stood there (Jordan and I stood for probably 2 hours straight!!!) and watched everyone recite the pledge of allegiance and heard the song "I'm proud to be an American", I said to Jordan "I really feel just as patriotic to America as I do to Canada." As we talked more, she asked me "If you had to choose to live the rest of your life in just one country and you couldn't ever go back, where would you live?" I admit, I had to say Canada...I just had to. We love living in California though. I am grateful for all the opportunities we have had here in the USA. Even though I am not officially an American (like my hubby and children), I really am proud to be an "American" (or at least a permanent resident of America).

Here's my hubby with his proof that he is now a citizen. Doesn't he look like a foreigner holding his American flag?:)

We know it's December because...

...Kya is wearing sparkly things in her hair

...We are lighting a candle and reading Christmas stories every night

...Tyson is dressing up like Santa (and Kya is Mrs. Clause)

...Stanley, the elf, is visiting again

And I am wearing my slippers every day--and trying to pass them off as shoes:)

My Temple Art

I have been searching for years for a picture of the SLC temple that I LOVED.
(because that is where we got married)

Finally found it!!

I just put it in the frame and it is waiting to be hung.

Here is where I found it
(I just followed the shutterfly link and ordered it that way, but I kinda wish I had forked out the cash to get our names printed on it).

Isn't it beautiful?!

We don't get out much

Saturday night Mike and I went on an exciting date (something more than dinner and a movie). We went downtown to Club Nokia and saw Jim Gaffigan--our favorite comedian. I don't know that we have ever laughed so much!! It was HILARIOUS!! Click here to get a little taste of his humor:)

Take Two

The kids won fish at the Fall Family Festival again this year. Tyson and I picked them up on Friday. Hopefully they'll last longer than a month this time.

~Crystal and Emboar~Tyson admiring the fish:)

Miley "admiring" the fish. Just like last time

It's a Miracle!!

Kya FINALLY lost her front tooth!!
We were beginning to think this day would never come.
I have never seen a kid so excited:)
Welcome to the awkward looking teeth years Kya!

Before...

After...

Novermber {Sigh}

As we start this month of gratitude, I can't help but feel thankful that October is over:) I am excited to slow things down after all the crazy fun that was had the past few weeks. I LOVE this time of year, when we step back and remember all the blessings we have....oh and start preparing for Christmas!! Seriously, bring on the festivities!!

This was us LAST November...
(I guess that means it's just about time for some new family pictures!)

Halloween Spooktacular

It's not even Halloween yet and we've already dressed up twice. We had a BUSY but FUN weekend. We had our ward Halloween party (which Primary was in charge of--thank goodness I have awesome counselors and teachers to HELP) and then our school Fall Family Festival was Saturday (I got to work in the popcorn booth--good thing I had all that movie theater experience). It was a crazy busy, stressful weekend...but we managed to have a lot of fun:) Now we have one more day to celebrate Halloween and then on to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Kya was a black cat

Jordan was a Hobo Zombie
(she made me take off the big gash I made on her forehead--I thought it looked awesome)

Tyson was a Ninja
(It took all of 3 min. for all the ties on his arms and legs to come undone)

Mike was our Canadian Hockey Player

And I was a pregnant lady...again:)

Here's the gym after decorating!! It turned out very cool!

Tyson is SIX

I can't believe he was ever this little!

But he is still "Mommy's Little Pumpkin".
Love this kid!!!

Now that my headache is gone....

Last week I went with Kya's school class on an overnight field trip to San Diego. We spent the night at the Wild Animal Park and then spent the next day at Legoland. I am just now recovering (a week later). I swear I got dehydrated from walking for 8 hours in 100 degree weather...imagine that. So, I have been dizzy and sporting a week long headache--not cool. Anyways, besides the aftermath, it really was a great trip.

Here's the whole class (48 kids) when we first got there!

We looked at some animals (it was amazing how close we were)
I finally gave in and let Kya spend $5 on an Icee...did I mention it was 100 degrees out?!
That Icee may have saved her life!!
Kya with some of her friends wearing their new shirts

Roasting Marshmallows when it finally started to cool down--look how happy she is:)

Heading in the tent...time for bed--yeah, right
Inside the tent
(Vivian, Kya & Kaela)
Gorgeous view of the park in the morning