Weekend with Mom

It was so great having my mom fly out here to visit for the weekend! She flew into the airport right next to the apartments, so that was so nice to be able to only drive 5 minutes to pick her up! The kids anticipation of this day was just too much for them to handle! Our weekend was packed with so many ice cream trips, park days, and a visit to the science center. The last day she was here, us girls got to go out to breakfast kidless! It was a miracle, and such a great morning. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant we went to. It's just so so good. I will miss it probably too much when we leave. 

I'm so happy it worked out for her to come! I loved staying up late with her and Lindsey making dinner for the boys, and just chatting the night away. So excited to see her next week! 

Christmas Day 2016

 Nothing like getting a fresh pack of bows in your stocking! 

 This is how I'll always remember my Christmas Day Dad! Flannel pajamas, and a pullover jacket of some kind. Always with a present in hand ready to open so we could play with it right then. He's really the best. 

 We all agreed that Lydia needed to test out that new stroller of Laney's. I'm sure that Laney about died and went to heaven as she was pushing her around. We regretted putting Lydia in it because for the rest of the day, Laney kept whining to have her put back in. So hilarious. 

 Pete's 1st Christmas was a success! He loved crawling around and partaking of everyone's Christmas presents! 

 Super grateful for this handsome man. He has a tough job that forces him to travel a ton, but the reunion when he gets home is the greatest. 

 He was the only one who really enjoyed the snow, and played in it daily! He is wearing the same blue snow pants that were mine when I was 3. I love that.

 Talking to my brother that day was much needed. He is doing so well. This mission has been very tough, but he is loving every bit of it. He still has a little accent. I think that is so funny! He is currently an AP (bragging sister) and enjoys spending so much time with president. He's already grown so much during this little two-year blip of his life. We cannot wait to see him this July! 

Attending Church on Christmas Day was the greatest. I wish that happened every year. I'm currently trying to figure out how to make our home have that same christmas spirit in it everyday. It's tricky, but I'm hoping with some consistency, we can achieve it! I'm not trying to make it feel like Christmas, but just more Christ-centered. It's been a little tricky with fighting children, children who all-the-sudden refuse to say their prayers, and children who want the trolls soundtrack on repeat daily. BUT we keep trying! ha ha 

Feel so grateful that we were able to spend Christmas this year in Utah with my family! They are the best. 

Christmas Eve

I feel like I'm just now coming to terms with Christmas being over. The tree is finally put away...(sorry about that Al) and I finally feel like my house is somewhat coming back together. 

On Christmas Eve we headed to my Grandmas house so that she could spend time with each family individually before Christmas Day. She gave us presents, we gave her our gifts, and we ate yummy food. We love these little traditions that make our family "ours." We've been doing this for years. We look forward to just spending time with her before all of the Christmas chaos!

That wraps up our day! We loved getting matching Christmas pajamas. (Thanks mama) It was such a fun day filled with the ones who matter most! We went to bed that night feeling grateful, and so excited for the next day. 

A Visit to Grandma & Grandpa Martinsen's Home

Every time we are in Utah, we try really hard to visit Alex's grandparents on his dad's side of the family. 

It's probably one of Alex's favorite things to do. (mine too!!) 

It was their first time meeting Peter boy, so it was a little more special. (although, I feel like every time we have visited it was to show them a new addition, tell them we were pregnant, or show them how big I was because I was almost done being pregnant.)

Grandpa Lyle reminds me of my mom's dad, who Peter is named after, too. He passed away from skin cancer when I was only 7, so I don't remember much of him. 

But when I am in their home, I imagine my grandpa being pretty similar to him because of the way they have both chosen to live their lives. I feel so grateful that Alex's grampa has treated me like his own! The kiss on the cheek I get from him every visit is just so sweet, and welcoming. 

Laney snuggled right up to him after pictures, so I had to snap this. She sat on his lap for a bit. It was darling. 

 Every time we visit too they always have food! They always ask Alex to bless it, and without fail every time, he tears up while saying it. I love how much gratitude Alex has for his grandparents. 

It was a good visit. We are so lucky to have them in our lives!