Christmas in St. George

We had a wonderful Christmas with the Stephenson family this year.  It's a small gathering, but a 

pretty great one.

My pictures got all out of order and I'm too lazy to fix it so oh well.  Here we go.   

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma's club house with some of the other residents and members of her ward that didn't have other family to be with.   We enjoyed visiting while eating dinner and a super yummy dessert (which I ate WAY too much of).  Then we had the kids put on their nativity play while reading from the scriptures.  Then we had the kids open their pj's, sang songs, and read 'The Night Before Christmas'.  It was so nice to let others share in our family fun.

On Christmas morning Lily found and new baby doll and crib.

Maggie was super stoked about her lego set. 

Lily also got a stroller for her baby. 

Ben was very happy about his Star Wars Lego watch.  Way to go Santa! 

He also scored big time with more Legos and a handmade Jar Jar Binks doll from yours truly.  

Maggie got the movie 'Brave', a Merida doll, dress, and wig.    Here is Lily playing will all her stuff.  

Maggie at home in the dress.  I'm so glad they can share and wear the same size!  

On Christmas day Lily and I put together her puzzle. 

Warren and Ben stuck together lots.  Or Warren just liked to see all the big kid stuff Ben was doing.  I think he is playing his new video game here. 

Here we have Dad wearing his favorite Star Wars t-shirt, Ben is wearing his new Star Wars watch, and they (or mostly Dad) are building the new Star Wars lego set. Would you believe me if I told you they were watching a Star Wars movie?  

Maggie loves to hang out with Grandma and Gretel.    

Here are some pictures I took of the kiddos Sunday before church. 

Of course the favorite one is with Gretel. 

This was the best picture I got from our Nativity program.  The shepherd and his sheep were wandering doing what sheep do.    

But here is a picture of them getting ready.  Probably the cutest shepherd and lamb ever!  

Lily turns Two!!

   I can't believe my baby is two!  She is still my baby and such a sweet little girl.  We celebrated her birthday the Saturday after Thanksgiving so Aunt Melissa, Aunt Samantha, Uncle Barry, Warren and Ezra could all be there. 

 Princess book...

 Princess play-doh...

 Princess legos...

 You would think I should have made princess cupcakes, but no way.  I was planning these for months.  Plus, she really has loved Sesame Street all year long. It's just too bad she is looking like the Grouch in the picture above.

 It was so fun to have cousin Warren here.  He was a big helper and helped Lily blow out her candle.  She really needed the help too. 

 I also love this picture of the kids eating their cupcakes.  I promise everyone else kept their shirts on.:)   

 I'm sorry Samantha this is the only picture of you that I got, but I like it. 

 This was on Thanksgiving day.  We enjoyed a very nice and relaxing day with Aunt Melissa.  I still can't believe we both got a nap in before we ate!  That was awesome.      

I had to post this picture of Lily in her new outfit from Aunt Samantha!  She had so much fun getting ready for church on Sunday.  Thank you again! 

Happy Halloween!!!

Did you notice our old house in the background?  That's right! We are back in Idaho as of last Monday.  We just took an extra long vacation to Tulsa. :) It was wonderful and now we are in our home and glad to be back. 

A Pony Party!

Maggie had her first friend party last week for her 5th birthday.  It was a great success mostly because Grandpa got the pony and it didn't rain until after everyone got a ride! 

Since it was about to rain, we decided to do the pinata first.  Then they decorated their bags for the treats.  No biggie, it worked out just fine.

Here is Maggie getting caught peeking on her turn to pin the "cutie mark" on Rainbow Dash.  Cheaters never prosper...

I was so excited to make these rainbow fruit kabobs I saw on pinterest.   Also the dumb dumb topiary was also really fun to make too!

 Maggie really wanted to bob for apples so some girls and a big brother bobbed for apples. 

We moved the party inside when it really started to rain.  I love this picture of the group because I have a picture just like it of one of my friend parties around the same table in the same room probably about twenty years ago.

Thank you Grandma for making these adorable ice cream cone cupcakes.  I could not have done it without you!

 The last two girls standing in a game of "Pass the Pony" (aka Hot Potato)

 Present time!  Maggie was SPOILED with so many wonderful gifts from all her friends.

The party came to an end with a bracelet craft.  I think Maggie was a happy girl that day.  She is a special girl and is greatly loved.  

Best First Day EVER!!!

 For the first time in seven years I get to be a stay-at-home mom all year long!!! Which means I get to see these two cuties go to school and come home each day!  Thank you Seth for working so hard for our family to make this happen.  You are the best husband and father EVER!!!

And... I get to spend everyday with this little munchkin.  Can my life be any better?