Noah priesthood and temple

 Noah turns 12 this year which means that he got the priesthood. He has been so excited for this. We had a busy Sunday and his cousin Cash got the priesthood too. It was great seeing Jake and Chad as brothers to be with the boys and all the love they have for them. It was so great to have my mom and dad there with us for Noah. They love him so much and we are grateful for them!

Noah was so excited to go to the temple so we made it happen luckily with a free appointment slot. I loved being there with three of our kids. A great night and Noah is already begging to go back. He even got called up at church during conference by our stake president to talk about his temple experience. 

December

Fun, busy December time. We had my work party with a delicious spread of Italian food and Jakes work party tradition at Lawrys. We are both extremely blessed to have such wonderful bosses we are very grateful for. My coworker Gaby and I even matched at the office one day from head to toe. The kids went with Melissa to Hailey's dance recital and loved cheering her on. We had lots of fun Christmas shopping dates too. I love the excitement the kids get picking out gifts for each other. Noah enjoyed his Harry Potter color changing Hot cocoa. I love that he loves HP like I do. 

Western Elite Polar Express time. This is one of our favorite traditions. Every year Im in awe of the work, labor and love put on by these wonderful people to bring the Christmas magic to us. The kids love all the props and themes everywhere. The train even had new scenes this year which were so fun. We love the singing competition on the train, Singing loud for all to cheer. 

Benjamin's team finally had a tournament in Las Vegas, the first ever for boys volleyball and we loved being here and not traveling for once. Grandma DeeDee  and Kylee came out with me for one of the days and my parents came and Jake came out the next day to cheer him on. 

One of our favorites Carson LeFevre left on his mission to Kansas. We went to his farewell and I can't wait to see what he does. He has been Navy's favorite for a long time and she thinks he is just the cutest. My sisters Golden River had her puppies and they are so cute. Threw some pictures in with navy and Noah and their friends and then Emma’s friend sneaking a pic to send to me in class haha. Our elf Jolly brought the tiniest little Jesus with him to bring Christ into our home at Christmas. Ended up there was lots of Jesus hidden all over the house and even ended up being hidden all over grandma and grandpas too. It was a pretty fun reminder that Jesus is with us everywhere over Christmas. The kids would find them and then rehide them for their siblings. 

For a few years now we have decorated cookies at Jeff and Melissa’s house. The kids have a blast and then end up making crazy concoctions of frosting colors. I even made a buff Benjamin cookie since he wasn’t able to make it with us. Sure do love cousin time in the busy season. 

It was time for my friend Ambers annual ugly sweater party. I won the prettiest ugly sweater Cookie decorating contest lol. We had so much laughing at the gift exchange and a great night with such awesome ladies. Benjamin got hired to dress up and play the Grinch at a Christmas party. He was pretty nervous at first, but loved playing with the kids and goofing off as the grinch. The party was full out with snow and all things green and grinch. 

 

Christmas

Christmas Eve started at the movies. We went and saw the new Mufasa Lion King movie. The kids all loved it and have been singing the songs ever since. After we came back to my house do decorate cookies. Everyone always begs for my sugar cookies, so I taught Charlotte this year and loved all the help with decorating. 

Christmas eve was breakfast for dinner and delicious as always. We played games and opened our Christmas Pjs. Charlotte, Peyton and I inadvertently even matched in our super soft, white leopard jammies. Jake and Benjamin had matching sweat outfits, Noah and Emma in their nike gear and Navy with her stitch obsessed self. 

We went over to DeeDee's for breakfast on Christmas day. All of Jakes siblings were there and we had more yummy food. We sat and played Blockblast trying to beat those high scores haha. Ginger even came with us on her first outing. 

I did not take many pictures on Christmas, but we had a great day. Jake got a new gym and Navy got a set of pink and purple weights with new workout outfits so she can join the boys getting those muscles. The kids spoiled me with a fun basket filled with gifts. Navy got me a coke shirt (which just happened to be small enough that she could wear it after me lol. I have been enjoying doing puzzles on my new board I have wanted forever. Noah got shoes, clothes and science/craft items. Navy opened all things Lilo and Stitch and still carries them all over with her. Benjamin got xbox pass accessories, clothes and shoes. Emma of course is loving her puppy Ginger still. The perfect Christmas puppy. 

We spent the rest of the day at my parents playing games and eating. My mom even got Navy a big plush stitch that has three babies in its tummy! We had a great Christmas with all our loved ones. It was really great getting to have the holiday with all my sisters in town and together. Lots of fun memories made with seriously the best people.

 

End of 2024

Charlotte chose to go through the temple and so we had a great start to our christmas break at the temple with my family. Our stake youth also had a goal to get to the temple over break. Taliah, Ben and I got to take Benjamin and Emma to do baptisms. I loved it and loved being with such strong, amazing people in the temple. 

We had a park day with Ben's family and enjoyed the sunshine at Christmas. We had a warm break for sure. Emma brought Ginger for her first park play date and they both loved it. Emma is doing amazing training her little one and Ginger is rocking it at everything she can do. The cutest little puppy still! Grandpa took Jordan and Navy to sushi and Navy still is not a fan as you can see with that face. Im so proud of her for trying again haha. 

We all went out to apex and rode dirt bikes, bikes, and the razor. The kids were in heaven and loved it all. Uncle Vernon gained major cool points with his jumps and tricks on his bike. Benjamin loved riding around for hours and now wants his own dirt bike..... We will enjoy it when we can lol. Emma, Noah and Navy all rode the little dirt bike and did really well. Navy practiced on the electric bike for a while before she was ready to try and she hopped right on. 

 

New years Eve we went to the Zerkle property to have a bbq fire dinner and fireworks. Vernon, Ben and the boys put on a great show. The whole night was so fun and the stars and fireworks were stunning out in the desert away from the city lights. We ended the night with a giant bonfire of burning the christmas tree. That LIT up so quickly! I still can't believe how fast that tree went up in flames. 

We played with sparklers and enjoyed the fire. We got home by 9 so we could get Benjamin to his friends going to the dance. Emma was off at a party and the dance already. Navy was partying till 11 and had the best time with her friends to. We all had a good night. Happy New Years. 

 

Benjamin’s 16

 

Happy Birthday Benjamin! I can not believe you are 16. Benjamin is just a hair away from being 6'3" so is still growing tall. He loves it. He enjoys working out and getting bigger muscles, he loves even more to show us all those muscles. Benjamin dances and smiles all the time, but is definitely growing up and making big decisions. He has finished everything for his license and is just waiting for our DMV appointment since its so hard to get in there, he has one more month to wait. Benjamin just finished his volleyball club season and is on a little break for right now. He fell in love with dirt biking over break. Benjamin loves getting snacks and drinks at the gas station and just hanging out. He loves math, chemistry and his french classes this year. 

For his birthday he just wanted a small dinner, clothes and headphones. We had Biscuits and Gravy with my family, which is his favorite and he knows how to clear those plates. We love you Benjamin and I can't wait to see all the big things coming up this year for you.