Friends

So Lara's birthday is on Christmas. Luckily most of us have family here in Utah so we can all get together around the holidays. For Lara's 30th her mom had us all come to a surprise dinner. We knew that us and the Andersons would be there...then we were surprised by the Wrights! Best. Night. Ever.

 Before the Anderson's left we were able to have a get together at our house with the Kawas. We are so lucky to have such amazing friends, and so glad we can still get together with most of them. Love our Nebraska friends.

Christmas

What a wonderful relaxing Christmas. First one in our first house. The boys wanted ninja costumes. They love the lego ninjago show so they chose their favorites and asked for them for Christmas. Cutest ninjas I have ever known.

Christmas eve morning we spent at my parents house with all the family. We had breakfast and opened presents together. Then we had our annual Christmas eve dinner at the Johnsons. These kids are all so fun. Love doing the nativity every year. 

Such a blessing to be able to celebrate Christ and family. 

Night out

Kyle has been doing amazing things at work. Because of this we had a wonderful dinner at the Melting Pot and a night stay at the Grand America. It was perfect. Great way to celebrate our 8th anniversary too. You are amazing babe.

Thanksgiving

We have had such a wonderful holiday and are so grateful for our families. So blessed to be able to spend this time with them and share our gratitude for life, liberty, and religion. 

We have had a little bit of a hiccup with our sweet dog. Because of that we felt it was best we find him a new place to live. We found a great guy who owns lots of land and hunts birds. We know he will be very happy there. 

Closet, Halloween.

We decided to cut a separate opening in this under the stairs space and make a little playroom for the kids. It will end up having a door and the rest will be closed in. 

Little bundle of joy.

 Halloween! Mr. Incredible and a pirate. He is trying to act the part by looking super grumpy. 

Kyle's sister Shayla watched Jonas one day and sent us this pic of him. Such a silly little guy.

Bruce's Farewell

Seems unreal that now this guy is leaving on a mission. Panama will be blessed by his righteous and obedient example. Now we have our hearts tied to two places around the world. So grateful for his unwavering example and for being the wonderful honest and pure person he is. Love you Brucie!

Sworn In

Such a great day. One we have anticipated for over 3 years. So happy to be here now.

Mia

Brookie and Chris had their sweet little baby Mia! She is adorable. Her and Lyla are already best buddies! 

Bookshelves

Chris heard that we wanted to put bookshelves in the space in our front room. He volunteered to help us build them. He spent many hours putting these in and they turned out amazing. We can't thank him enough. So grateful for talented and loving family who help us when we need it.

You are amazing Chris! Thank you so much!

One of the best days.

I will never forget when Kyle went to the mailbox before we left to go somewhere. We were all in the car waiting for him. He took a little longer than I thought he would and when he came back he was ecstatic. It really was one of the best days. Such a relief. I always knew he would.

Bruce's Farewell

Our First Place

Our friend Jason Cowdin has been helping us look at houses. After a month or so Kyle found a house online that he wanted to go see. We went to the place and to my surprise it was my grandma and grandpa Bitter's home! The house my dad had grown up in. It looked exactly the same to me on the outside. The inside was totally redone by the previous owners. I loved the house because it was theirs but I also just loved it for what it was. An older home but with a story. I could hardly believe it when Kyle said he wanted to put an offer in after we looked through it. We had a little bit of drama a few days before we were supposed to close and it got pushed back a week or so, but it worked out. We moved in and got to work on the yard. It is very overgrown and needing of care. It has been and will be a lot of work but we are excited for it.

Kyle has wanted to get a dog for a long time and decided it was time when we got into the new house. He is a darling little english setter. His name is Seldy. When Kyle was young he used to think that the song 'Home, Home on the Range' said, 'When Seldemus heard a discouraging word'...so thats how he got his name.

Oh that face!

Yummy food made by the boys!

Kendall and Megan came to visit from Arizona. We all got together at Chris and Kim's house for a BBQ. Love all our cute and crazy kids. It was bedtime but they are this fun all the time.

Chris let the kids climb in the back of his police car. He is their hero.

Damon's 6th

Damon is 6! He has loved playing with KNEX at grandma Johnson's house so we got him some for his birthday. He is amazing at building and doesn't need any help. 

We are soaking in the time we get to spend with Bruce before he leaves on his mission. Love him so much. He is such a fun and loving uncle. 

 Smiley face.

And a cute little dirty one too.

Best picture ever.

Fourth

Aren't sparklers the best? Just ask this guy!

Masterpiece

Channing's birthday, Lagoon, Last day of School.

Hard to believe how big this little lady is getting. Such a beauty.

Damon loves doing art projects. He turned his money bank into a mustache guy.

Channing's 1st birthday! 

RPM Lagoon day. The boys had a blast.

Sleepy, sweaty little one.

Damon has had such a wonderful year in Kindergarten. Mostly to the credit of this wonderful teacher. So grateful for her and the love she shows to all of the kids. Thanks Ms. Poulson!

Jonas's Father's day answers.