Rachelle started a thing last year and rented the Kaysville theater for us all to watch Elf. They decided to do it again this year, and Blake dressed as Buddy the Elf. Gator invited a few friends along, and we went and got sick off candy and popcorn while enjoying one of the funniest Christmas movies.
Gator and I took Brady and Zoie out to see Christmas lights tonight. They are a lot of fun to hang out with and some of Gators best friends. We stopped at Maverik for some hot chocolate, but Brady wanted ice cream instead. Really, a kid after my own heart.
My mom passed away 7 years ago. Gator and I went out to the cemetery last night after riding lessons. Davis County had a big snowstorm yesterday, we brushed off her headstone, but it was quickly getting covered again by the falling snow. I love you mom.
Gosh family pictures are stressful. I was going to do them in the fall, but with football, the fall is too busy. Kin's mom came with us so she could take our pictures, and we asked around for recommendations of places in Pocatello. It had just snowed, and there was a ton of snow where we went, and the wind was blowing like it always does in Pocatello, but down in the little alcove it was perfect. It may take more planning for family pictures as my kids get older and have their own schedules and commitments, but I must say it is much quicker when we do find a time. They all wanted to get out of there, and they now know if they cooperate and do what is asked, then we are done in no time. They decided to play a little prank on me and it was actually hilarious. Davis said he was going to wear an ugly Christmas sweater for pictures. I told them I am not picky, and we don't have to all be matchy matchy, but no ugly Christmas sweaters. Everyone looked very nice. I was told there was a surprise so I needed to go down the trail a little and check out the spots that I liked. A few minutes later, they all came stomping down in their ugly Christmas sweaters. They looked great! I laughed so hard, especially at Davis' dress. He had to be freezing. But I wasn't going to let him get dressed yet, I had to get some pictures of them all in their prank outfits before they changed and we got down to business. I love how they turned out, and it was worth the stress of getting everyone together in the same location, dressed nice, and in good moods, even the dogs.
Lost in Christmas is what they call the Burley Straw Maze at Christmas time. We went last year, on this same weekend as well. It is a great way to kick off the holiday season, and I love Christmas lights. I've decided I don't really have a favorite holiday, I just love to celebrate holidays. I guess it doesn't really even take a holiday for me to want to do something fun with my kids. I am so glad they are good sports (most of the time) and will put up with me and the things I want to do. Kin's mom and sister went with us to Pocatello so she could take our pictures. It was fun to go to the lights, get dinner, and just hang out. I didn't dare go down the slide this year, Kylee still did, even though it broke her tail bone last year. Davis and Gator tried the bull again, I figured I did so well last year, no need to try it again. The lights and the snow were beautiful, and even though it was a tad cold and breezy, it was a perfect evening.
I didn't take many pictures on Thanksgiving, we were too busy just relaxing, watching football, eating, and visiting. It was a yummy holiday, and I'm grateful for such wonderful family. Davis and Kin were at her grandparents for dinner, but they came over after for pie and football. Owen and Kylee were with her mom, but I get to see them this weekend. Gator had spent the night at Krissy's while I worked, so I was happy to be back with her. While she was busy over there, I went to the temple on Wednesday morning, then I had to go to the tire shop and have a flat tire repaired. I have pretty great people in my life, I'm grateful everyday.
.HEIC)