The First Snow of 2019

Today we had our first snow fall of the year today and spent as much time as we could handle playing in it. It was freezing outside, around 20 degrees, So I pulled all the kids around for a while on the sled and they loved that. 

Then each of the kids got to have a turn by themselves

After I was completely worn out, we went inside and warmed up with hot cocoa. 

Then a couple of hours later we decided to go try the front yard. When our driveway freezes over its perfect for sledding. Benson wasn't a fan of the cold wind, but he put up with it enough to try sledding with Mom. 

Benson and Dad went inside after a bit, but the rest of us kept playing. 

We spent the rest of the day hanging out around the fire, watching movies and playing with toys.
It wasn't an official snow day since we didn't have school anyway, but it was still a nice day together. 

Christmas Break

Since our Christmas break started right before Christmas day, we still had a little less than two weeks off from school when we got back from Mtn. Home. We had fun in Mtn. Home, the kids really loved playing with their cousins.

We even got to see the Harbers while we were visiting. They came over with their five kids and we all got to hang out.This is what 22 years of friendship and 9 kids between the two of us looks like. 

I love Adrian and the amazing mom that she is. And I adore all her sweet little ones.
I would have never predicted that Adrian would have 5 kids, but she is such an awesome mom. I am so glad we can survive this parenting gig together.  

We spent the rest of our time in Mtn Home just playing at Nanny and Papa's. It was mostly too cold to play outside, so we played a lot in the basement and the cousins played hard non stop. 

I was cracking up watching Benson play in the basement. He is finally getting big enough to really play and it so fun. 

Tucker enjoyed playing in the basement too. 

These two boys are pretty cute. 

Tanner got in some quality game boy time with Aunt Laura while we were in Mtn. Home. 

We also got to go see Nanny and Papa before heading home Thursday afternoon. We went to their office so we could finally meet all their new staff. Papa's business has grown so much, its pretty amazing. 

After getting home, we played some more. The kids were thrilled to have all their new toys to play with. It was pretty fun. Bailey really loves her easy bake oven. 

She made us all soft pretzels with her new oven. 

This cute boy. He is such a happy baby. 

Everyone came over to NWA for New Year's Eve and even Aunt Sarah and Uncle Johnny arrived home from Utah in time to party. 

After NYE, Aunt Laura stayed over and the kids loved that. She flew back to Japan out of NWA and so she got to hang for a few days before leaving. 

I found Tanner and Aunt Laura playing "wizard's chess" one day and that was pretty adorable. 

Before Aunt Laura left, we had lunch with her at some of her favorite American restaurants

We ate lunch at Red Lobster with Nanny and Papa before they left to drive back to Mtn. Home after NYE. The kids really loved Red Lobster and have already asked to go back. 

We also took her to one of our favorite Sushi places. The kids loved it. My kids have some seriously eclectic palates. 

It was hard to say goodbye to Aunt Laura, but we will get to see her this summer. Which isn't that close but we are still really excited. 

Bailey also learned how to ride her bike. I guess that bike seat she got for Christmas for her doll was all the motivation she needed. She just hopped on and started riding. It was a miracle. 

We enjoyed some awesome weather during Christmas break and Benson was so happy to be included on the bike rides. 

Tucker enjoys riding his bike but he also really enjoys the ziggler. 

I also got to go to the temple with some girlfriends during Christmas break. It was so nice.
I love starting off my year at the temple. Such a great way to start the year off on the right foot. 

I often found these two cute boys snuggling together. They are seriously the sweetest. 

I love these little brothers. 

Today we went for a bike ride up to the playground with some friends. The weather was amazing and the kids had a great time playing outside !

We are not ready to go back to school but school is starting regardless.

  Wish us luck tomorrow as we get back to the daily grind. 

Shakin' Our Way into 2019

Happy New Year's Day.
We had so much fun partying last night. We partied so hard and I'm exhausted today. 

It was totally worth it though. The Allreds drove home from UT in time to party with us and everyone else came over too. We were just missing Uncle David and Aunt Michelle.
We had a milkshake themed party and it was so fun. We made outrageous milkshakes with all sorts of toppings and we made burgers and fries. It was tons of fun and full of good food.
Here was the party set up. 

the milkshake bar

kind of love the milkshake banner

aren't all these toppings outrageous.

 The kids had the best time making their milkshakes and putting all the toppings they wanted on them. They didn't leave any toppings out. It was so funny. Surprisingly, no one threw up.

Check out Tucker's crazy milkshake. lol.

Benson shared Daddy's cookies and cream shake.

We had a great time partying with the cousins and shaking in the new year.

After we finished eating, we went outside and did fireworks. Benson hung out with Aunt Laura and even managed to burn off some of her hair with his sparkler.

The kids loved the sparklers and roman candles. It was so fun. 

Then we watched the ball drop and drank our sparkling cider. It was so fun!

I am so excited for 2019. Although, 2018 was a great year- I don't really know if we can top it.
But we do have a fun cruise planned and a trip to Utah to see some family, so it will be a fun year. 

I have big goals for our family! We are really excited for the new Come Follow Me curriculum from the church. We just finished the Book of Mormon as a family and we are excited to study the New Testament.
I also hope to attend the temple 6 times this year and I would like to take a family name to the temple. 

On top of that, Chris and I want to make some changes to our parenting methods and implement a family economy to help the kids learn how to manage their money.
We have high hopes for all these things and I hope we are able to keep up with them. 

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's Eve.
Welcome 2019!