The highlight of December was Cade's baptism. He was the only one from our stake to be baptized that day, so our family did the entire program. It turned out great. He was one happy kid.
We had lunch at Opa & Oma's house afterward with friends and family. I wanted Caden to know that a baptism is a big deal, so I spent a lot of time planning the decorations and food -even though Forrest said over and over, "Just grab some chips and hot dogs."
After the baptism festivities, we went to the
Festival of Trees where we admired the decorated trees as well as the fancy gingerbread houses.
Brad & Michelle bought the kids tickets to use at the kid station. They were each able to speak to one of Santa's elves on the phone. Cole told the elf that he wanted a boy doll?? for Christmas - this was the first we had heard of it, so Forrest and I were both confused. Cade asked for a remote control airplane. They also loved these giant bubbles. Cole giggled the whole time.
About a week into December, we received a mysterious package on our doorstep from the North Pole.
An elf! The boys named him Gizmo. He stayed the entire month, causing all sorts of mischief. Before going to bed every night the boys would talk about what Gizmo might do while they were sleeping. Sometimes he would leave messes, bring notes back from Santa, or hide in crazy places.
He brought them miniature doughnuts from the North Pole.
We even woke up to elf size pancakes one morning.
Cade had his first piano recital in December as well. It was at the University of Utah. He didn't even seem nervous.
It was an unusual December in Utah - not much snow. In fact, we didn't even build a snowman this year.
Omie came all the way from the Netherlands for Christmas. She always brings special Dutch treats and presents, which the boys love.
One of the boys' favorite Christmas traditions is decorating gingerbread houses at Opa & Oma's. They have a sleepover and get new Christmas jammies as well.