From Thanksgiving (to almost) Christmasish

We went to go see Michael and Caroline and Presley's, of course, new house and they had the sweetest Christmas party and the kids had a blast.  Shea was obsessed with the train and loved every bit of it.

 Jan hosted the sweetest gingerbread house making party with all the kids friends.

 I put my cookie recipe on a tea towel for the teachers and gave them some cookies to go with it and it was so much fun.  I even got it to them on time.  Christmas Miracle.

 We went to the park with Hannah and we have been scooting around the neighborhood a little when its on the warmer side of the cold/hot weather swing.

 Avery won 3rd place for 5th grade and Sawyer won 1st place for 3rd grade Science Fair! and Ben got student of the Month for December.  I had pretty much nothing to do with any of those, but I am so proud of them.  And shea doesnt take off her troll jommies.  Especially when her siblings are being honored!

 And this year we got our tree for free.  

I desperately wanted to go cut one down, but jeff was working a ton so we didnt get to.  I relinquished my desire to keep the tradition going and we went to home depot to buy one from the parking lot.  While we were there I remembered that Becca had told me about the free trees that they have that maybe have a little something wrong with them, but aren't really all that bad.  So we looked and sure enough this one was perfect.  It looked great and we had no idea why it was free, so we grabbed it and put it in the truck to decorate.  So now maybe our new tradition will be to find beauty where it is overlooked.

 We love secret life of pets.  We now watch it all the time for family movie night.

We went to a christmas party in our neighborhood with the Masters that had the most beautiful acoustic singers.  It was such a magical night.  To say that I am thankful for their friendship is an understatement.  They mean so much to all of us and being able to walk with them through her cancer diagnosis and treatment has been the most humbling thing.  Their attitude of peace and trust in God is just beyond what I could ever imagine.  They are joyful and patient and just peaceful.  They just radiate peace.  They have shown me how I want to be under trial and I hope that they know how much they have influence everyone around them.
 
Frost on our windshield one day and shorts and t shirts the next.
 
 We celebrated the last day before school by going to Dave n Busters with Tiff and her kids.

 And spent a day at the Heard Museum.

Where the kids shot their next album cover.

 And cooked.

 And watched iPads.

 And colored.

And slept.
Overall it was an amazing holiday and break and I am always so so thankful to have this time with my kids and family.