The month leading up to Christmas might be the best time of year because: family activities, sugar, not sick of winter yet, sugar, skiing, some more fun activities and more sugar.
I've been horribly neglectful of this beautiful blog (ha!) because we always do so much in December, posting about it felt SUPER overwhelming. So reading about it might feel the same. This is a huge photo dump mostly just to remember what a fun time we have in December. I'll do another smaller Christmas day post and then let's hope I can get back onto the blogging wagon.
Started off the month with Krindlemart. It was insanely busy, mild weather, and something that I would have enjoyed had it been 1/100th of the number of people. But the kids LOVED the petting zoo so I suppose I can call it a win?
Krampus is the guy that visits the bad kids in Germany? James is totally putting on a brave face here, he was nervous!
She dressed herself and wore the hat all day and pretty much killed me with how adorable she is. Having a daughter was and is everything I thought it would be.
Juliet has been really into matching her dolls this month and suddenly has taken an interest in American Girl dolls (yay!). This was before E's family annual St. Nicholas tea.
Did I mention there was some sugar consumed?
These cousins are SO LUCKY to have a Damma that works at a doll store. Honestly, it is so fun to go visit her.
Baby cousin William isn't much of a baby anymore.
Squad goals. Emilia (middle) is cracking me up so much!
My grandma has aged so much since her stroke eight years ago. It's hard to see her this way, it's hard to visit and it's almost impossible for her to leave the facility. But we love her.
The only thing better than a gingerbread house is a pre-assembled gingerbread house. Costco for life.
Temple Square at Christmas time is a freezing cold must.
The kids found Hannuka magical this year and couldn't wait to light the candles each night.
Another fancy vintage dress to go meet Santa.
Per regular Juliet wouldn't even look, talk to or sit with Santa. James said he wants Lego and books.
Luckily I got this adorable photo of them even if Juliet wouldn't see Santa.
Later that night we had a special dinner in the living room. Cheese and crackers, sausage and dip, olives and mini quiches. Everyone loved it.
Pre-Christmas skiing.
One day we heard that the
real Mrs. Claus was at the doll shop where Damma worked. The kids were thrilled to find out it was ACTUALLY Damma. Now we joke that they shouldn't tell their friends, because we don't want everyone knowing the kids have such easy access to the big man himself. ;)
Grand America windows are another December must.
Anual ski day for my dad's birthday. For the first time ever E joined us and kept up with our crazy crew surprisingly well!
All dressed up for Christmas Eve! Look how big my kids are getting.
My sister hosted and everyone was thrilled because we were able to play with her new puppy Koa!
New pjs for Christmas. Santa is coming! Goodnight kiddos!
Santa came!
