Christmas Tree

No presents under the tree could ever bring me more joy than these three cuddled up around it!

 Christmas is so magical and as a parent I love watching the kids experience it every year!

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving we headed to my parents along with the Randalls, Presleys, and Ogdens. As always my mom did a fantastic job hosting and everyone had a blast!

 Dinner was absolutely delicious.  Everything was seriously so good. I made a butternut squash/apple bruschetta, raspberry pretzel jello salad, and super fattening mashed potatoes! Everything turned out great and I ate way too much.

 My mom had some fun activities planned outside after dinner.  We played four square, practiced shooting with a bow and arrow, played horseshoes, and practiced our slingshot skills.

We also had a little Friendsgiving with my girlfriends and all the kids. Kate made everyone a yummy breakfast casserole.

 The weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast playing outside.

 Julie and Kate let their "country" show when they started roping the kids and teaching them how to lasso. Hahaha. I love these girls!

 Then we went back inside and played a little Thanksgiving game called Don't Eat Tom. The kids loved it!

 The last activity was a little turkey craft.

 I love these girls and their kiddos so much!!!

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving too!

Christmas Decorations

I love, love, LOVE Christmas! Decorating the house for the holidays is one of my favorite things.  Even though this is technically our second year in this house, it really feels like the first since we were still unpacking last year.  It was fun to find new homes for all the decorations.  I have to give a huge shoutout to Chad for doing such a great job on the outside and being so patient with me on the inside! I am so happy with the way everything turned out!

Vance's Baptism

A few months ago Vance expressed his desire to be baptized. He met with the children's pastor at our church.  She talked to him for awhile and then gave him a workbook for us to do as a family.  We slowly worked our way through all the lessons.  Chad's parent's had a visit planned and we decided it would be the perfect time for Vance to get baptized. He could hardly wait and was all smiles when the big day finally arrived!

Here is Vance with Pastor Kevin. We love him!!!

 In our church they do baptisms at the beginning of the church service.  Chad stayed up with Vance and I was with the rest of the family in the congregation.  My pictures are a little blurry but I still want to remember the moment!

 W were so excited to have all his grandparents and the Ogdens there!

 Afterwards we all went out for a celebratory breakfast because life has been crazy and I didn't want to play hostess. However I think everyone got to eat much better food!

Vance has such a sweet spirit and so much faith. I am so proud of his decision to be baptized and know the Lord has big plans for him!