Happy New Year's!

2016 wasn't absent of trials and heartache but it was definitely full of blessings and fun. 

And to ring in 2017, there is no place I'd rather be than at home roasting s'mores, snuggling up, and playing games with my six favorite people.

Matt and I are speaking in church tomorrow. Neither of us were thrilled to be asked to speak on January 1ST (fast Sunday is on the 8TH church wide), because we didn't want to talk about resolutions but we have been given great topics. We will be talking about centering our lives on Christ. I will be speaking about how the Savior can help us find joy in our lives regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Matt will be speaking on how he has come to know the Savior personally and how he identifies with different roles the Savior has played in his life. I truly believe that we can all find peace and joy in our lives if we turn our hearts to the Savior and follow His teachings. I also think it is important for us to all develop personal relationships with both our Savior and Father in Heaven. 

Matt and I are both looking forward to what 2017 has to offer. We are grateful for all God has blessed us with and the opportunities we have had to learn and grow in 2016.

Happy New Year's! We love you!

Sienna Wants a Puppy

I was wrong when I said Sienna asked Santa for a surprise. She really wanted a puppy and begged and begged Santa for one, but daddy told her it wasn't going to happen this year. It wasn't until after her parents (dad) squashed her puppy dreams that she asked to be surprised. I really didn't want a puppy either and our situation isn't great for one, but I REALLY wanted to give Sienna that win. She is such a good girl and deserves something extra special.

This week she got to fill some of her furry animal holes in her life by helping me bunny-sit my friends two rabbits. She loved going with me to check on Libby and Izzy and make sure they had their food and water. Sienna is such a loving and caring girl and nurtures everyone and everything she comes in contact with. (Plus she has the most amazing color of hair! Look at that bottom picture. Where did that come from?!)

Warriors vs. Raptors

One of the reasons my parents stayed a whole week was so they could babysit our kids for me while Matt and I went to a Warriors game. Matt really loves the Warriors, but with how good they have been the past few years, tickets are outrageously expensive. I found a "good" deal on some seats, and my parents agreed to stay and watch the kids which saved us a small fortune with a babysitter too. Plus, there isn't anyone else my kids would rather spend the night with.

The game was awesome! It started out with the Warriors killing the Raptors. I think the first quarter ended 42-17. The Raptors came back and made it a close game and got within five points a couple of times, but the Warriors finished it off with about a 15 point lead. Matt and I had a great time together and we are both glad we finally made it to a game. It is something we both would have regretted not doing if we were ever to move away.

We got home from the game around 10:30 and then my parents hit the road. It makes me nervous having them drive through the night, but it is how they roll. (They made it home safely!)

To the City!

For my parents' last day here, we decided to go into the city. We played at the Golden Gate Park and then went and showed them the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a beautiful and clear day in the city, and I am glad we were able to go. Maybe next time we will walk across the bridge with them.

Hanging Out

We had promised Tanner that we would take him to "Lost World" for his birthday as a family since it didn't work for a friend party. We decided to wait and do that when my parents were here. We had a great time playing arcade games and watching the kids run around on their huge play structure. Aside from that, we have been playing a lot of games, eating a lot of food, and watching a lot of shows.

CHRISTMAS MORNING!

“We miss something if we don’t see Christmas through a child’s eyes.”—Sister Rosemary M. Wixom

Most of Santa's gifts this year were surprises. Sadie asked for a karoake machine and Tanner asked for a remote control car, but the other three had no idea what was coming. Sienna usually asks for surprises and this year she got a really neat Lego Amusement Park set. Abby asked for makeup, but Santa found out that Sienna had gotten her makeup so he surprised her with a trampoline. Ava's slide was probably the biggest hit. We all had so much fun watching her go down it over and over again. 

We were planning on having the kids go through their stockings and see their Santa gifts and then save the rest for after church, but we ended up having time for everything. I actually loved having church on Christmas. It made the day that much more meaningful (although, our program went a little long).

We spent the rest of the day taking it easy as a family and enjoying our new toys, etc. Matt and my mom had fun working on puzzles, and we ate leftovers from Grandpa's amazing Christmas Eve prime rib dinner. 

My kids have been in HEAVEN having my parents here. We really tried to keep things simple this year as far as gifts and expectations, but focused on being together. It was a great day. 

A few more highlights: I surprised Matt with Warrior tickets. Matt got me a gorgeous necklace with all the kids' names. One of my favorite gifts was Tanner's homemade apple picture and card, "I love you. I'm sorry for being naughty." ha ha  We gave my parents a calendar with all of the kids and grandkids pictures and birthdays and some games for their new pool they are building. Matt and I got Sadie a gymnastic mat to practice on.