Last call

I've got a few straggler photos left in my 2018 folder.  I better get them in a post before I begin a new year.  Crazy to think it's 2019.  Here is a little random for the last post of 2018. 

I love one on one time with my kids.  And when they ask me for a date, I know it is more cause I will buy them yummy food than it is to be with their mom, but I still savor every second I get with these guys.  

 Gator is such a busy kid.  Just like the boys have always been.  She joined her school choir, and they did a cute Christmas performance. 

 I promised her all month that we would do gingerbread houses, but I avoided the mess every time she asked.  She was sure happy when I finally fulfilled my promise.  Her and her friend had a great time, and we sent her friend home very overdosed on sugar. 

 Last year Andrea took us to the Bountiful Rec center for swimming during Christmas break.  This year Krissy, PJ, Josh, and Rachelle all joined Mat, Andrea and I at the pool.  Swimming inside during the winter is sure fun until it comes time to walk outside in the snow all wet. 

 Gator's principal emailed me with an attached photo.  Gator got a principals achievement award for always being positive.  She really is a positive happy kid.  I hope these are qualities she always has, because life can sure get hard. 

 I had a football banquet with Davis, so Owen took Gator out on a date.  She was over the moon excited about their evening.  Apparently they went to dinner, ice cream, and mudding in his truck.  He even let her drive the truck. 

Much better!!

Carrie took Gator skiing this weekend.  The day started off much the same as last week, with her in tears and just hating every second of the experience.  Finally I listened to her and her cries of her feet hurting and went and rented another pair of boots.  The difference was unreal.  She put the pair on that actually fit her and she was laughing and smiling the rest of the day, and I couldn't get her to eat or leave when it was time to go.  I felt terrible, but I remember how uncomfortable ski boots are and I just didn't believe that her fit had grown so much from November when we got the rental until now.  But I was so so wrong, and I'm sorry Gator.  Even though we went to Nordic, Davis still took a day off of Basin and came with us.  It was so fun to watch him do his thing.  He usually rides the bus up, but it was fun to watch him this time.   The girls came along as well, even though I know their hearts are always on a sunny Hawaiian beach, they had fun too, and I loved spending the day watching everyone ski.  I was content to watch, I used to ski, but the thought of it terrifies me now.  So I held poles, jackets, and gloves.  I took pictures, and I got lunch ready.  All things I can safely do on my feet, not killing myself skiing down a mountain. 

Volleyball season

Gator has been practicing a lot for volleyball, and today they had a scrimmage.  She was excited to finally get the season started.  So for the next few months we'll have tournaments on the weekends.  I hope it goes well.  Either way, she's excited and liking volleyball. 

Merry Christmas

And to think, I honestly had second thoughts about this tradition this year.  Don't be fooled by the smiles.  They were there strictly for the ice cream, not for their crazy sentimental moms sake.  

 Their favorite thing to do is torment Gator.  It doesn't even have to be a special occasion like Christmas, they spread the torment all through out the year. 

 Winner winner.  Owen got the nut in his dessert last year too.  At both family parties. 

 Christmas morning.  I don't know about the kids, but I've gotten everything I've asked for on Christmas morning for the last 18 years.  Sounds so "mom of me", I know, but it's the truth. 

 This year has been so hard.  Like harder than I ever thought, but the thing is that the trials aren't ending with the year.  These smiles mean more to me than the three of them will ever know.  My whole being hurts with them when they hurt and rejoices with them when they are happy.  Everything can be going awful, but if I can see these smiles, I think they are okay and then I'm okay. 

 Matching jammies. 

 Not very many toys are under our tree anymore.  But this little helicopter thingy was slipped in Davis's stocking.

This afternoon we gathered at Carries for soup.  I don't know how he does it, but Owen got the nut in his dessert again.  Grace talked the boys into letting her do their eyebrows.  Awesome entertainment for a Christmas evening!

First Attempt

Davis loves skiing.  Since 5th grade he has been a number of times each winter.  Gator has always wanted to give it a try, I just haven't been able to get her out there.  But this year I knew would be the year.  Ski Utah has a 5th grade pass and it is an awesome deal, so I got the pass and a season rental and we were just waiting for snow.  Davis went skiing today, after church Owen and I drove her up to Basin to just try the skis out on a back trail not the resort.  It was a nightmare.  She cried the whole time that her feet hurt and that she couldn't ski.  Owen just laughed at her (I may or may not have let a few laughs out as well, I'm sorry Gator, but the drama was just too much) and I didn't know how to help her.  Luckily Davis and his buddy were done at the resort, and they came down to give her a few tips.  It was awesome to watch Davis actually help her and encourage her.  The afternoon ended much better than it started and she was smiling instead of crying. 

Nativity

There has been a live nativity going on around here for years, and somehow I only found out about it last year.  We went last year, and I knew it would be a new tradition.  For me anyway.  Gator and I were joined by Mat, Andrea, and their kids.  Thank you for going with us, traditions are so much more fun with family.  Afterwards we went back to our house and I made hot chocolate, and loaded them up with sugar for the drive home. 

Hot Chocolate Day

We celebrated National Hot Chocolate Day this evening with a hot chocolate buffet. 

Temple Square

Last night Krissy texted us and invited us to go to Temple Square with them.  Temple Square is beautiful during the Christmas season.  There are so many lights, there are so many people too which makes it a little crazy, but I still love going and walking around. 

Fremont Basktball

It is still a little strange watching Davis in the Fremont uniform playing basketball.  I'm just used to the last 3 years watching Owen play.  Davis is doing a really good job, he is actually enjoying it.  Owen played 3 years, but he didn't really enjoy any of it.  He fouled out yesterday, and he was so mad.  Owen laughed when he fouled out, but Davis took it personally and was not happy.  He just wanted to be out there to finish up the game.  It was a close one, and Fremont held on and won by 2.  The sophomore team is doing pretty good preseason.  Season starts in a couple weeks, we'll see how they hang with their region.