Trimming the Tree

Today after church we dug out our tree and all of the Christmas decorations. We did some rearranging of the "dormitory" and found some space for our tree between a couple of beds. It isn't ideal, but the children love the idea of falling asleep beside the tree while the lights twinkle. We are choosing to focus on the novelty and magic of it all as we continue to live in cramped quarters. And truly, we are so blessed to have enough space to be able to do this!

 

At days end I found these two cozied up on Gramma's big chair reading a book together and it totally melted my heart!

 

Secret to Happiness

Today I found myself in town without any littles in tow. I drove up main street and stopped in at one of my favorite coffee shops for a caramel steamer. 

The warm glow of Christmas lights and delicate snowflakes hanging from the ceiling drew me in and made me stay to sip my drink.

Lily asked to go play outside in the afternoon and she enjoyed catching snow flakes on her tongue and looking around in wonder at the world of white around her.

The evening brought us into the Nativity display where Camilla was performing a few Christmas songs on her violin. She did such a great job! I love listening to her play.

"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."

~William Morris

 

Sawyer turns FOUR

Sawyer is FOUR! This kid always keeps us laughing! He told me this morning "my birthday wants to be just like Joe's birthday." And also, "I'm all done with three." The way he describes things always makes us laugh. "My foot wanted to put that shoe on, that's why it's on the wrong foot."

We love our independent, kind, wise beyond his years Sawyerbean! Happy birthday buddy!

 

Miss Joy Joy

Today when the house was quiet, I started searching everywhere for Lily. I finally found her in the bathroom with her sisters mascara in hand.  This girl is busy, and curious, just the way we like her! She is such a big helper and always so sweet. She likes to push chairs around the kitchen while saying "beep beep!" She is also really great at passing things from the dishwasher when I'm unloading or turning on and off the water while I do dishes. She is always beside me when I'm baking or cooking and often thinks ahead and knows what I need next. I love that she is intuitive and sees a need and fills it! The only time she is still is when she is sleeping. Sure love this feisty girl of ours!!

 

 

Gingersnaps

This evening cookies were baked while small children snored on the couch and instrumental music serenaded us, making for the perfect Sunday evening together. The dim lights, aroma of gingersnaps, and gentle piano filled us with peace and joy.

Our family has been battling a terrible bug all week that starts with a few days of bone aches and chills, and ends with a wicked cough and earache.

I was happy to be well enough to be on my feet in the kitchen again, whipping up our favorite cookies with Hyrum.

 

Joe Turns TEN

Today we celebrated this awesome TEN year old! I was so so sick I lied on the couch in the living room for most of the festivities. I felt terrible not being able to participate much, but the aches and chills kept me couch bound for the evening. Thankfully Daddy brought home dinner and an ice cream cake!

Joseph is such a great kid with such a big heart! Although he enjoys getting a rise out of his siblings, he also has an incredibly selfless and kind side and likes to make people happy. He works hard in school and has lots of friends that enjoy being around him. He's a good example and tries hard to do what's right!

 

Happy birthday Bud!

 

Naptime

Miss Joy.

 

Homeward Bound

After over a week away from home, we are excited to be heading back to our littles today!

Can't wait to hug and squeeze them and give them their presents!

 

Universal Studios

Our final day together brought us to Universal Studios! We thoroughly enjoyed all of the Harry Potter rides, frozen butterbeer, and lunch at The Three Broomsticks (even though it was over an hour wait). Everything was so well done and most of the rides were worth the long waits! We were a little sad to miss out on our first day here due to the cruise being stuck at sea an extra day. There was so much to see and two days would have been nice.

 

As evening arrived, Jess and I decided to find a place on the street to watch the Christmas parade while the boys caught a few more (intense) rides.

We had walked so much that we all had creaky knees and sore feet by the time we made it out of the park for a late dinner at Fridays. We were feeling pretty old! 

We fell into our beds with full tummies and rested up for the next day of travel.

 

Mini Golf

Today we had an extra day on the cruise ship. We woke and went to the buffet for breakfast. It's amazing that they can still feed this many people for the extra time at sea. 

Most of the activities were booked up, and we had had ample time beside the pool this week, so we decided to check out mini golf.

It was quite hilarious playing all together!

Before dinner I found myself on deck capturing another sunset. It was gorgeous!

This will be our last dinner on the ship. What a wonderful time we've had!