Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman...

It has been snowing so much that Tyler wanted to build a snowman. He recruited Grandpa Graf for help. Grandpa went and got real coal for the face. Ty thought that was really cool. Ty was really proud of his snowman.

Christmas Day!

Our kids let us sleep until 7:30 am, but I did get up with Jacey at 6:15 am for a feeding. We went upstairs to see what was waiting for us. Jacey woke up around 9 am about 5 minutes after we finished opening all of our Christmas gifts. She opened one present and then wanted to eat again. She left the rest of her presents for later. We enjoyed a nice breakfast, and then frantically packed to drive and stay the night at Santa Clara with my parents. We were expecting a huge snowstorm. It turns out that the storm wasn't bad a all. We are just glad we got to spend time with all of our family. It was so fun to have Grandpa & Grandma Graf with us celebrating Christmas. It was the first time they got to be with us for Christmas morning. Merry Christmas!

Traditions

In my family, we have always decorated homemade sugar cookies every year. I have so far been able to keep up the tradition. However, this year it literally got down to Chirstmas Eve. It was five pm when I finally got around to making the frosting to decorate the cookies I had baked early in the morning. I had such a busy day (loading, deleting, and loading over 100 pics. for a digital frame..one by one), Chirstmas stuff for kids, laundry, nap time, lets just state the fact that is was almost 6 pm before I got a shower. Yes, in the picture I have not gotten ready for the day. I begged Nate not to take my picture, but he wanted proof that I was around for decorating the cookies. I beg to differ, there would be no cookies, if I was around. Pixie( one of Santa's elves) showed up around 7:30 pm, just after I read a Christmas story to all the kids. I never want to cut it that close again. I didn't go to bed until 1 am. I really need to rethink how I go about trying to pull off the best Christmas' ever!

Lights, Camara, Action...

Alexa has been taking a dance class for the last 4 months. She loves it. We were a little nervous about her actually dancing in the recital. When she is put on the spot, she always shys away. But, she did an amazing job. It was so fun to watch her perform. I had a permanent grin plastered on my face, I was such a proud Mom. She wasn't fazed by the crowd of people. Great job Alexa! We are so proud of you!!

Oh No!!!

This says it all:

Jacey has found her thumb! NOOOOO!! She also thinks it is funny. I am constantly pulling her thumb out of her mouth and cramming a pacifier in. I really think I don't have a chance at winning the battle, but I have to try. It is 100 times harder to break a thumb than a pacifier. Oh NO!!!!

My Unspectacular quirks

I've been tagged by my best friend, Katie. She lives in Roseville, California. I miss her tons and can't wait to see her. Here are the rules: "MY UNSPECTACULAR QUIRKS"



1.Link to the person who tagged you

2.Mention the rules on your blog

3.Tell 6 unspectacular quirks about you

4.Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them

5.Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.



Problem is I have no clue how to "link" someone to my blog. So, I'll do my best.



My Unspectacular Quirks:



1. I won't drink any milk from the milk jug if it is almost gone (only 1/4 left). It just doesn't taste the same and it just doesn't seem as cold. I can't stand milk that has sat out for more than five minutes. I won't drink it.



2. I turn up the music in my car/van really loud and sing as loud as I can. I don't care who is watching. It is my time!



3. I don't iron. I haven't ironed anything since I got married. I know how to, I just don't do it. I hate it. I just don't have the patience for it.



4. If I don't think I have to go anywhere or see anyone then I won't put on any make-up and just pull my hair up in a pony tail.



5. I love surprises....but not surprise visits from church. I want my house and my mind ready for such visits.



6. When I find a good book to read, I don't want to stop reading it.





I am not going to tag anyone. I think everyone has had a chance at being "tagged".

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween Everyone! Here are our pictures of our little scary kids....

Jacey is a WITCH! Something completely opposite of her, she is really an angel.

Kylie is our clown. She really does keep us laughing on a daily basis.

Alexa is our punk rocking skeleton. Yes, this is Alexa. She had a lot of fun with this costume. This year Alexa was Mom's favorite!

Tyler you are a great Anakin Skywalker. Go and get the dark side dude!

Our Halloween trick-or-treaters!!!

We had a lot of fun trick-0r-treating with the kids. So much so, that when they said they were done, we (Nate & I ) didn't want to stop yet. Funny, I think we were having more fun.

Reminising about the good ole days ... High School

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Double Arch Alcove Hike in Kolob Canyon

On Saturday (the 18th) we had fun hiking the Double Arch Alcove hike in Kolob Canyon. Some of Nate's family joined us on the hike: Mike & family, Ryan & family, and Kim & family. As you can see from the pictures, it is beautiful. My pictures don't even do it justice. The hike roundtrip was 5.4 miles. Luckily my parents were able to watch Kylie and Jacey. They would not have made it!

Look at the cloud tornado. I didn't even realize it was there until after the picture was taken.

Nate's sister Kim and her family

Tyler and his cousin Caleb.

Nate's oldest brother Mike and part of his family

Tyler holding his hiking treasures: a butterfly(which he caught with his bare hands), a red leaf, and his hiking stick.

Nate's younger brother Ryan and his family.

Pride Rock!

The Double Arch Alcove!!! ( you can only see one of the arches in this picture...Sorry)

Grandpa Graf and Tyler.

The whole hiking CREW!!

Making Haunted Houses with Cousins

Okay, so I have the funnest sister-in-laws! I had so much fun hanging out with Barbara and Kim this weekend. On Friday we decided to let the kids make haunted houses (awesome idea Barbara)! They had so much fun. Grandma even poped in to see the good time. Thanks Heidi for all your help!

As you can see from the pictures... I didn't do anything to help... but I did take the pictures to document the fun occasion. Kim and Barbara had the hard part. The cousins got very creative as you can see.