Birthdays!

We went for an impromptu birthday celebration for Tegan

And even braved going out to the Saiganese with all the little ones.  I was reminded quickly why we don't eat out with kids very often.

 Mom's birthday in December too!

Heavy heavy hangover

Christmas pillows that I made for mom

Arianna loved Gigi's pin so much that she gave it to her.  Sweet.

We also celebrated birthday with Mum, but I didn't remember to take any pictures.  Not that we love her any less!!!

Ward Christmas parties

Yup, he knows where the camera is!

 We went to two ward parties this year, the first in Picture Butte, because we still have friends there ( I think) and mom organized the party.

Benjamin protecting tucking in baby Jesus after Mary knocked the manger off the stage!

She wasn't too sure about Santa, but she did sit with him.

 There was no way Benjamin would even come close to Santa.  It probably didn't help that Santa was a 16 year old that didn't exactly fill out the costume!

The next one was at our ward. And yes, they wore their cute matchy shirts again!

They smile lots better at the front facing camera.

Aw, the primary.

She actually looked at Santa this time!  And once again, Ben would not be convinced that this was a good idea!

Santa Claus Parade!

I love that they are all wearing matching shirts!

 I know it's a little late, but if I don't blog it before Christmas I never will!  We went to the Santa Claus Parade in Fort Macleod for the first time in 5 years.  Nice to be back!

The whole gang watching the parade.

The marching bands were awesome!

Benjamin found a new way to play with baby Julia!

 We all went into the store afterwards to warm up.  It gets chilly!

I don't think she's ready for a baby sibling yet!

Visits

We had our first inside dinner party.  Totally gourmet.  Pizza and wings

 Dad, Marcela, and Christopher came down on the weekend that Tanner had his big MMA fight (which of course he won btw).  We had Uncle Steele's family over as well for a little gathering.

Benjamin loved having Dad and Marcela visit.

Such a sweet picture of Christopher and Benjamin!

The kids had so much fun with them!

More Stay and Play

This is their favourite activity- washing babies!

Creative glue time

Arianna warmed right up to Brenda!

Messy play with shaving cream

Brenda is the best.  And one day my kids were the only ones coming to circle time.  Yes, my kids!

They all received a flashlight and had to hunt for cookies hidden around the room.  They loved it!

So glad we do messy play there and we don't have to do it at home every day!

And aren't those little piggy tails cute?!

The Stay and Play program saves my sanity!  It's so wonderful.  It gets us out of the house and engaging in all these wonderful activities.  Plus I get to visit with the other parents.  We love it!

Some friends

I don't know why but I love kids in tub pictures!

We love it when Jeanette comes to visit!

Nelleke is the smiliest baby I have ever seen!  We were just sad that Maarten couldn't come to visit too.

See?

Benjamin disposing of toxic waste

Definitely needed the long tongs!

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Brenton all decked out in his million pounds of costume

 I happened to have married in to a very musically talented family. We went on a Sunday afternoon date to the opera a couple of weeks ago.  What a treat!  And thanks Katie for watching the kids so we could go!  It was the perfect little Christmas opera packed with talent.  Loved it. 

Brenton even made the paper!

Utah part 4

Aunt Jo keeping a grip on the kids.

 On Sunday afternoon before we took everyone to the airport, we stopped for a quick little bit at the temple.

Arianna flying between Nana and Heidi

That's what we like to see.  Running to the temple!

These two drove their cars all around temple square.

Too bad Joel had to work:(

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Thanks to the kind passer by who took this picture for us!

Again, fascinated by water

Devon being interviewed on Japanese tv on the upcoming election

I think Grandpa will like this photo

Uncle Duane bringing back a couple of wanderers

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Bronson.  Relieving himself on Temple grounds.  Heidi was mortified.  We couldn't stop laughing.

Tired baby girl!

Gorgeous cousin Jocelyn

Little troopers at the hotel

 We decided to take the trip back a little easier and do it in two parts. 

Heading down for breakfast.  I love my kids in footed pyjamas!

Eating at the Golden Corral on the way home.

Long drive, short trip, lasting memories.  We had a great time!