Horseback Riding

Darren knows a guy that lives in Scottsdale that shows and trains Arabian horses.  He told Darren that we are welcome to come any time and ride them.  Today was the perfect day for that! Even Savannah got to ride.  She wasn't sure what she thought at first, but she didn't want to get off. 

   

  

  

Grandma and Grandpa Riley

 Grandma and Grandpa Riley stopped in Phoenix on their many travel and we were able to spend some time with them.  It was so fun to watch my grandpa interact with my kids.  He pushed them on the swings, read to them, and took them to McDonalds (by himself).  I am so grateful that my kids get to know their great grandparents.  I knew mine and had such great relationships with them.  So I am glad my kids get to experience that as well.

Dance Recital

Brinley had a dance recital and did AMAZING! She did one ballet performance and a tumbling routine.  Darren and I even participated.  Since it was near Christmas, the instructor want a depiction of the nativity.  So Darren and I were Mary and Joseph.

 Our little snowflake

 Gymnast

Christmas

Christmas was a special one this year.  It was the first time we spent it away from Utah and were able to spend the day together as a family.  Landon and Jen came over for Christmas dinner that night, but other than that, it was just us.  I thought I would be sad about not being with more family, but it was absolutely perfect! There was no rush to be anywhere or do anything but be together opening presents, watching movies and just being together. Nothing better.

 Poor Brinley got sick first thing in the morning while opening her stocking.  She threw up all over, but was still a champ and had a good time opening presents.  Once it was over, she went straight to bed.  She was feeling a little better later that night.  I feel so bad that she felt miserable on Christmas.

 Carter and Beckham playing with one of Beckham's presents.

Brinley got an art kit and was in heaven (when she wasn't in bed)

I didn't get very many picture because our camera died.  Boo.

Christmas Fun

We went to a mall where they had fake snow and Santa.  Let me tell you, that fake snow was a hit with the kiddos.  

Tonsils

Beckham has had strep throat four times this year...Gulp.  A trip to the ENT confirmed my suspicions that this little boy needed his tonsils out.  He was really nervous but was a champ once we told him he could eat all of the popsicles and ice cream he wanted when he was done..

The aftermath was not fun.. Getting him to take his pain medication was a chore! It hurt him too bad to swallow, so he didn't want to take it. Talk about breaking my heart.  Poor boy.  Thankfully after a few days, it eased up and he was back to his active self.

Savannah Turns One!!

I can't believe a year has gone by and my baby is already one!! We had just a small celebration with Landon and Jen's family...

She wasn't quite sure what to think of the cake... But in the end she definitely like the frosting!