Snow Tubing

We had so much fun snow tubing at Soda Springs in January. It was fuh-reezing, but the resort was nearly empty and the sky was clear and beautiful. 

One of my favorite sights is a toddler dressed in snow gear. I just love it.

 Bryn was so happy every moment we were up there.

 Our cute snow bunnies

 Kim and Bryn showing off their matching jackets.

 Our Fam

 Our fam, plus bros & gf's

 The whole group:

Laura, Ashley, Jonathan, Kim, Dad, Audge, Just, Bryn, Jill, Case

Who needs a tube? A girl and a mountain of snow = hours of fun!

 A beautiful day on the slopes!

Bryn became a pro pretty quickly and was walking up the "magic carpet" on her own in no time.

 Uncle Casey and Bryn built a happy snow mound :) 

I didn't get any photos of the adult hills, but we went down those too. They were faaasssstt!! And SO fun!

Thanks Dad and Kim for a super fun day!

Christmas Eve & Morn

We were looking forward to our little family celebrating our first Christmas Eve in our own home, but Christmas Eve day we received an invitation from friends that we just couldn't pass up. We joined them for a yummy dinner and the reading/acting of the nativity story. It was lovely.

Bryn played the part of the angel. If you recall, the angel is the only character in the nativity story with speaking parts. Without any rehearsing, Bryn recited her lines perfectly. We were all amazed! She is so awesome!

In all my years of nativity reenactments, I don't think I've ever seen Mary ride in on the donkey. Nice touch, very realistic.

Audrey was dressed as a cute shepherd, but only for a moment. I supposed she thought the story was in need of a little Audrey spice, rather than another shepherd.

 Santa was very, very good to us this year!

 Audrey rides her quad like a pro!

 I'm not sure we've seen a day without a dress-up since this Christmas morning.

 Bryn was thrilled Santa remembered to bring her Tinkerbell Snow Fruit Snacks just like she asked for in her letter to him.

 Santa left a slinky in Audrey's stocking. It was quite a hit.

 Bryn's dress-up box even has dresses that fit Audrey Podrey.

 Reindeer Pancakes!

On Christmas morning Justin and I laid in bed awake, giddy with anticipation, waiting, and waiting, and waiting for the girls to wake up. Of ALL the days in the year to sleep in, Christmas was the day they chose! From the moment they awoke, the love, excitement, and happiness were so thick, the emotions nearly felt tangible. We feel grateful and blessed to have enjoyed such a wonderful Christmas!

December Festivities

December 1st-24th is really more fun than December 25th, don't you think? We had so much fun enjoying the Christmas season. Some of our enjoyment came from:

Going on a family date to Pier 39. We went to the aquarium, had lunch on the pier, and got to watch some men decorate the very large "holiday" tree (oh brother).

 Justin and I went on a date to a Christmas concert and lights at the Oakland Temple.

 Carrying on a tradition from my childhood: getting all dressed up to go see the Nutcracker.

Bryn and I enjoyed experiencing the Nutcracker together for the first time.

 The Santa at our local Mall brings along snow from the North Pole, so that us Californians can enjoy making snow angels when we come to greet him.

 Bryn's letter to Santa

 Putting the star on the tree

 Elfie the Elf visited us again this year! We were so surprised to come downstairs and find this special Elf breakfast waiting for us. 

 Visiting with Santa at our church Christmas party. Audrey was not a fan.

 Christmas dresses

 Bryn's dance group did a little Nutcracker performance. It was unbelievably adorable. Justin and I were star-struck while watching our little ballerina.