New Years Getaways

Last Friday we left town and headed to Island Park to be with the Murdocks and Haddons for the New Year! We’ve had this new year tradition with Brad’s family since I’ve married into it. It looks a lot different now and we miss having all the Hobsons together, but we still enjoy it. Our kids loved being with their cousins. Ryder, Luke, and Landon played a lot together in the the snow and inside. They went sledding, wrestled, did ninja moves on the bean bag, played cards and marbles, and hung out in the hot tub. We all ate a lot of yummy food and enjoyed walks outside in the sunshine during the day and hanging out by the fire at night. And Brad and Kade had several fun snow mobile rides. It was a really great New Year and we’re all excited for 2024!

Yummy Treats

I was talking with a friend the other day and I mentioned that I had never tried crème brûlée before. She couldn’t believe that because it’s one of her favorite treats! And so today she asked if she could bring me some. She had made some last night and it was so sweet of her to set some aside for me. It was so delicious!!

Then tonight we tried out my new Ninja Creami. It really does make delicious ice cream! It’s definitely worth the lack of counter space I have now.

Today was also important because Ryder finished his Lego set! He’s been working on it almost non stop and he was so excited to have it all done! There were some frustrating moments and we had to go back a few steps at one point but he did it! And he’s so happy!

Lunch with Friends

The kids got their Kiwi Co boxes yesterday so right when Luke woke up he wanted to start building! It was fun to work on it with him. And Ryder spent all day on his Lego set. He’s half way through now!

My friend’s birthday is this weekend so a few of us got together for lunch. It was so nice to go out with them and have some fun adult conversation. 

I also got outside for a walk with Keena today! I can’t believe the warm sunny weather we’ve had all month. I miss skiing but other than that I am not complaining!

Lego

I love how much my boys love Lego. Luke built his two new sets yesterday. Ryder got one done and Kade is working on his. Ryder has been working on his second one most of the day today. It’s the hardest one he’s done but he’s determined! He already cleared out a space for it on his dresser. 

Brad was home again with us today. It was nice to have another day of vacation with him. He goes back to work tomorrow though but I have organizing projects to keep us busy! Lol. I’m sure the kids will find other things to do to stay busy.

Christmas

 Christmas was great this year! I love that the kids don’t wake up super early. We even had to wake Kade up for breakfast. We made Brad wear his Cheetos pajamas that someone from work gave him. The kids thought it was hilarious. The kids were so excited about their gifts. Even just the things they had in their stockings made them pretty happy. They said this was the best Christmas yet but I think they say that every year. Kade and Tenley were really thoughtful and gave everyone of us a gift. Tenley made a lot of hers and Kade gave the boys some of their favorite toys of his. They are such sweet kids!

Christmas Music

Church was so nice today and not just because it was only one hour. There were so many musical numbers and they were all so beautiful! Kade and I got to play a duet on the piano together. We played O Holy Night. I really enjoyed playing with him and I loved the arrangement we found. Brad shared a message at the end as our Bishop which is still so funny to think about it. 

I feel like I spent the rest of the day in the kitchen baking. We had a yummy feast for our Christmas Eve dinner. Brad smoked beef brisket and we had rolls, orange rolls, salad, and loaded mashed potatoes. Then we had chocolate cake and peppermint ice cream for dessert. I think I’ll be full for the whole week!

Caroling

The kids and I went caroling with some friends from co op today at the hospital. I love going caroling! It’s been a few years since we’ve done it so it was really nice to get out and do that. The kids felt a little sad afterward for the people there that they sang to. I think they appreciate their life more now.

They also helped me deliver gifts to friends today. We had a fun night out as a family driving around and doing that. 

Sugar Cookies and Christmas Lights

We’ve been enjoying a week of fun Christmas traditions! Tenley made sugar cookies today and the kids helped decorate them. Then after Kade’s end of the year basketball party we drove around town to see Christmas lights. One of the homes had it all synchronized to music. We loved it! 

Peppermint Frostys

We got festive today and ordered peppermint frostys from Wendy’s. I actually really liked it but the boys prefer the chocolate frosty. It was fun to try it. Tenley and I had fun out shopping today. I hope I don’t have to go out anymore though! It’s getting really busy!

Wrapping Presents

I got all the presents wrapped for the kids today! It feels good to have that done. And I kind of enjoyed doing it this year. I locked myself in my room and had a hallmark movie on while I wrapped. The kids were happy to transport them all down to the tree. Christmas is so close!

Basketball

We finally made it to the church today to play basketball. The kids have been begging me for a while to do this. The older three actually rode their bikes to the park yesterday to play basketball there. They went again today but there were some other kids break dancing on the court lol. So we went to the church. We had fun playing poison and pig!

Gymnastics Friends

I was almost fully functioning today! I’m so glad I’m getting a little better. I’m really hoping that no one else in the family gets it. Especially this close to Christmas. I remember my little brother having the flu on Christmas Day one year and it was a sad Christmas!

The kids got to go to their gymnastics classes and we took a quick picture with friends afterward. They love hanging out with their friends here!

Sweet Kids

I’ve been battling an awful sickness the past few days. It must be the flu. I think Ryder had the same thing last week. It’s pretty miserable. The little boys and I stayed home from church. I was sad to miss the talks and the Christmas musical numbers but I would have been a mess.

My sweet kids and husband have been doing a lot for me. Making dinner, doing dishes. Tenley even put the little boys to bed last night for me. Luke will cuddle me to warm me up and Ryder knows exactly what I’m going through. I’m pretty lucky. Hopefully I get better soon so I can get back to being a mom!

Recitals and Basketball Games

The kids had their piano recital this morning and Tenley also played the flute and played in a quartet as well. They all did such a great job! Ryder was nervous but you couldn’t tell. Tenley played the theme from Home Alone and right before she went to play Brad told her it was his favorite Christmas song. As she was playing she looked up at him and then started crying! She still got through her songs but it was sweet.

Brad and Kade had to leave the recital early to get Kade to his tournament basketball game. We got to see the last half of the game. The boys played so hard and it was a really close game. But they ended up losing. It was a tough loss but I’m so proud of the boys for the progress they’ve made!