January 3, 2011

The perfect way to end a year...Part I

December brought us thankful hearts and many sweet moments. The first week in December we were sealed as a family for time and all eternity in the Bountiful, Utah Temple. We felt all shiny and new when we came out, a complete family. It was the best way to start the holiday season...EVER.





Isla discovered the joys of twinkle lights on her first Christmas tree. The ornaments provided the motivation needed for crawling and she's been moving faster than me ever since.



Sweet baby girl was also blessed by her dear daddy in December and got to wear her pretty white dress again. She glowed in front of the tree.


Isla also discovered the joys of solid food this month. Well, playing in it at least.



We went to the lights at Temple square, beautiful as always. Here is Ben and Isla waiting to go see the lights while mommy wandered around Anthropologie, aimlessly wishing for EVERYTHING while smelling random candles and looking at knick knacks. Do they look bored?



It was sooo cold! Isla was toasty, but we made her wear my scarf around her face anyway, plus we like her to look mysterious. Is she laughing? Is she crying? Who knows! Also, I just realized that my nose makes an appearance in this pic. See if you can spot it...Ha!



Lil' E came for a visit and learned how to use the camera, by himself!







Awww, sweet brudder with lil' D = Sweetie pies.



Christmas came early when Cassie came up to deliver some goods. She spoiled us all! Isla was in heaven with all the new toys and played so hard she slept through the night and late into the morning. It was the best present I've ever received. ;-)



That night, Isla decided to whip out some new skills. Not only can she crawl super fast, but she now smiles on cue when the camera comes out. Only...sometimes it is a little intense. We like to call it her 'cheese' face. No lie. More pics to follow.


There were so many fantastic things happening in December this post needed too be split in two. That's what I get for slacking in the blogging department! Round 2 coming soon!

The perfect way to end a year...Part II

I told you there would be more. Here is the 'cheese' face in all it's glory. Oh, man, could they get any cuter?

Point those toes girl! This is Christmas Eve. Can't you just see the excitement building?

The girlies got to splash around and play in the tub on Christmas Eve in preparation for the obligatory matching pajama's on Christmas Eve photo.

Obligatory matching pajama's on Christmas Eve photo.

They were all pretty cranky by the time this photo was taken, so we gave them each a candy cane and cup of hot chocolate and made them shovel the walks before bed, just to give them all that extra little Christmas push over the edge. They must have had sweet dreams though, because in the morning?
Okay, brace yourselves. Wait for it.........






That's right folks. Pure, unadulterated Christmas Joy!



"Cheese!"






Isla's first Christmas and she got a pony. And oh, what a pony. See for yourselves!



Alas, all good things must come to an end. And so, we celebrated the exit of a miraculous and wonderful 2010 in true fashion by getting all dolled up and going out on the town, I mean,
sitting on our couch in our sweats with our eyelids propped open watching an ancient Dick Clark count down to midnight (I swear he was out of breath and barely made it to 0) eating artichoke dip and cupcakes until we were sick, and climbing into bed by 12:10 am. Happy New Year!

This year Isla has resolved to getting over her fears. First up, Dogs...

Tile...

And Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches. Way to go Isla!