Christmas Festival

I'm not sure if its because it doesn't feel like winter so they over compensate, its a big city, or I am looking harder because I'm away from home...but Vegas sure knows how to do Christmas. Last night we embarked on our first Christmas adventure of the season. Just up the road was a super fun Christmas festival. Complete with pony rides, train rides, dancing, Santa, SNOW, sleigh rides, cookies and lights. It was absolutely magical. Scott had to work late, so the kids and I had to go it alone. I was nervous taking all three boys on such a huge outing, but watching their faces light up and seeing how much fun they had--it was totally worth it.

Getting ready to head to the park. All bundled up in the chilly 60* weather. 

 "The biggest Christmas Tree ever in my whole life"-Tayden.

  They had no idea Rudolph was behind them. They turned around and freaked out. Tayden was so excited and gave him a high five. Beckett was not sure of him. I'm not so sure about T's face. 

 They loved the big blow ups.

 So excited to be standing by a giant candy cane and waiting for the train ride.

Proof that Cache was there. (The dot on his eyebrow is from the camera) 

 This was Beckett's face most the night. He loved every minute of it, but was just super busy soaking it in.

 Again, Beckett being serious. But regardless, he loved the train ride and wanted to go over and over.

 There's the smile I know and love.

 When he caught the first glimpse of the horses, he dropped to his knees in excitement. This boy loves his neigh neighs.

While we were waiting in line for the horse rides, Tayden and Beckett played and wrestled in the leaves. Taking these boys anywhere is always an adventure.

 Tayden was a little chilly, but still having fun.

 Tayden was so brave and just hopped right up on the horse. I was impressed.

 B was on the last horse and I couldn't make it over there fast enough to take a decent picture. This was all I got, but he did great as well. He loved it and referred to it multiple times today.

I'm so glad I decided to take the boys. They loved it, as did I.

Can't wait to see what Christmas adventure is next.

Phone Dump

I have some random pictures on my phone that haven't found their way into a blog post, but are still so fun to share.

So here they are, being dumped into one.

 Our Thanksgiving thankful turkeys. Should have checked the picture first, its a little blurry.

 Close up of my Christmas Tree. 

 Baby stretches. My favorite.

 Self portrait.

 Tayden drew this heart and placed it over his own and said, "Look Mom! Now you can see my heart!"

 Even the oldest needs cuddles.

 Beckett picks out his own clothes and walks up the big kid toys. Thinks he's growing up or something.

 Growing my hair out. My high pony is getting so long!

 Tayden caught a dead earwig and put it in jar. He thought it was awesome. Boys are so gross.

 Getting a good picture of a Christmas tree it so hard.

Not sure about the weird line down the middle of the picture, but would you take a look at that dimple?! Yum, I could eat him up.

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. We've been preparing with all sorts of Turkey crafts and a Thanksgiving Family Home Evening.

It was our first Thanksgiving away from home, but we were able to spend it with some of our closet friends, so it was still full of love and family. Having them in our home today reminded me how blessed we are to live here and how lucky we are to be surrounded by amazing people. I am so grateful for their love and support. They are the biggest blessing of our Las Vegas adventure. I don't know what I would do without them. 

 Sheena and her 9 day old baby, Audra. Can you believe she just had a baby? She looks phenominal!

 Beautiful Melissa and her sweet little Paigey.

I adore these girls and am so glad they have these gorgeous daughters for me to love!

Dinner was delicious! Complete with some of the best turkey I have ever had, (Thank you Melissa Turney) and the most amazing rolls and copy cat Texas Roadhouse cimmamon butter ever (Sheena Perry...it was magical)! We split up food assignments between the three families that were able to attend, and I was in charge of mashed potatoes and pies. 

My mom and I always laugh that when we take on something new, we don't start with the easy stuff, we go all out. I get it from her. For example, the first time I ever really sewed I wanted to make curtains. Simple enough, until I had to add stripes to the bottom and a scrunched hem at the top. I didn't even know how to thread a sewing machine, but by golly, I was going to sew me some curtains! Same with the pies. I've never made pies and instead of just making one easy one--I decided to make four! My mother in law taught me how to make pumpkin pie when she was here a few weeks back, so I felt pretty good about cooking those. I made a chocolate pudding pie that was cake to make. And I also made an apple pie. I've never made an apple pie in my life or really ever eaten apple pie, but it looked fun so I gave it a go. I made a lattice top, which didn't end up in disaster, so I'll count it as a success. One minor, kind of major, problem was the amount of apples. I didn't realize they cooked down so much, so my pie kind of deflated. But other than that it looked okay and tasted fantastic!

Scott and Adam didn't know how to carve the turkey, but with a little help from you tube they figured it out. And I am so glad, because as I mentioned before...the turkey was yummy!

The kids also enjoy each others company, most of the time. Haha. We have some of the cutest kids around and we have the pictures to prove it!

My favorite part of the day came after dinner.

Today is also my husbands birthday. It was a special day to share with him and was a great reminder just how lucky I am to have him in my life. I know we tease a lot and don't always see eye to eye, but he is my best friend. I love him more than words can explain. He's my rock and brings me more happiness than I knew was possible. I love him. So much.

His kids love him so much too!  Tayden picked out a special firetruck and card for Scotts birthday and was so excited to give it to him this morning. He is such a great and fun dad. He spent the morning playing racing the new firetruck and playing basketball with the boys. I am so blessed.

I couldn't have asked for a better day. It was awesome and full of happiness. I'm so grateful for all of my many blessings and even more grateful I have wonderful people in my life to share them with. 

I love to see the Temple

Scott was going through his phone and found some pictures I forgot to post. When his mom was here a few weeks ago and we spent one evening at the Las Vegas temple. Its about 30-40 minutes away, so we don't get there with the kids as much as I'd like. I don't know what it was about that day, whether it was having Grandma in town or the newness of the baby, but the two older boys were wild. We tried to take some nice pictures, but as you can tell by most of the shots...they were being crazy and way to busy to smile nicely.

I was getting frustrated with the whole experience and we decided it was time to pack it up and head to dinner. As we were walking to the car, Tayden announced he had to go potty. I took him over to the visitor center, but they didn't have a bathroom. They directed me to the lobby of the temple, where they had a restroom. I was totally nervous because of how he was acting outside and felt odd walking into the temple in street clothes. As we walked up to the door I talked to him about reverence, respect and how we need to be quiet in the House of the Lord. And here comes one the most precious moments I have ever shared with my sweet little Tayden.

We walked in the door hand in hand and were immediately overcome with the spirit. I looked down at Tayden and smiled. He smiled back and squeezed my hand. We walked, well I walked and he tip toed, to the bathroom. When he was finished we passed a huge painting of Christ teaching the people. Tayden stopped and stared at it, so I knelt down and whispered in his ear about Jesus and how he was teaching the people. I explained how we can learn things while we are at the temple and how we feel the spirit. I asked him if it felt good to be inside the temple and he said, "Yes. It feels good in my heart." and he put his hand to his chest. Tears filled my eyes and I was completely overcome with emotion. I knew he was feeling the influence of the spirit. I could see in that moment why we are instructed to be as little children. As I stood by him I saw purity, love, hope and all things good. I thought about the eternity of families and how grateful I am for that knowledge. I could have stayed in that lobby with Tayden forever, soaking up his sweet spirit. 

I'll cherish that memory forever. 

I am so grateful for temples and the ordinances that take place there. 

I am so grateful for the everlasting peace and spirit they have.

And I am so grateful I was able to share that with Tayden.