Santa

We went to see Santa. The kids were so excited to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Brinley talked the poor guy's ear off, Beckham just kept saying he wanted a Buzz Lightyear, and Presley wasn't so sure. She was okay as long as she didn't look at him. Merry Christmas!

Brinley's 1st Dance Recital

So it turns out we have quite the little performer on our hands. Friday was Brinley's 1st dance recital. I have to say I was a little nervous that she would be one of those kids who would freeze on stage. Plus, she wasn't feeling all that well, so I wasn't sure how it would go. It was just the opposite!!! She is hands down the best dancer in the class. And no, I'm not just being biased. The other kids were literally looking at her the whole time to remember what they were supposed to do. It was awesome! She did a fantastic job! She is excited to do it again in the spring!

Our little ballerina

She knows what to do in front of the camera

With mommy and daddy...

Grandma and Grandpa came (a first dance recital for them...)

My mom and grandparents also came to watch her..

Presley Recovery

Presley's surgery went perfectly. She now has her own soft palate! It looks fantastic! This one was a little harder than the first surgery as far as being in the hospital. Last time she just slept for about two days straight. This time she came out of anesthesia pretty quick and was trying to crawl out of her crib. She cried a lot more than she did the first time. She would sleep and then wake up crying until she fell back to sleep. She wouldn't let anyone hold her but mommy and she wouldn't let me put her down. When she would be in a deep sleep I would try to put her down but she would wake up and freak out. Let's just say that they first night was a long one. She wouldn't eat at all either until about noon the next day. But she did wake up happier and so we went and wandered the hospital with her in a little stroller. She loved that! We got to go home at about 3:00 on Tuesday. Now that we are home she has been so great. She has periods throughout the day where she wants to be held but other than that is crawling around trying to play with her brother and sister. Thanks everyone who came to the hospital for support. We love you all!!!

All dressed and ready to go.... (I wanted to take these jammies home but they have a chip in them so people don't take them)

At Primary's they have a lot of different things to entertain the kids. While we were in pre-op a volunteer brought this dog around. Presley had never seen a dog before and didn't know quite was to think.

Afterwards. So sad

She did let daddy hold her for a minute until she saw me again.. Doesn't her face look so miserable?

Surgery #2

Tomorrow we go in for surgery # 2 for this little girl. This one is her soft palate repair and thankfully the last surgery for a couple of years. A nice little break. I am super stressed and am having anxiety. After the first surgery, as I was walking out of the OR crying, a lady said to me, "Don't worry, the first surgery is the worst one." She was lying. It is just as emotional and heartbreaking. It is never ok to see your child suffer. I know it is necessary and she will heal fast, but I hate that she has to go through any pain at all. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you for all of your words of support and encouragement. It is appreciated and more comforting than you could know....

The Stockings Were Hung....

Yes, all of our Christmas decorations are up! I absolutely love the Christmas season. I mean, what's not to love? The smells, the baking, the shopping, the tree, the anticipation of the day... I could go on and on. Well, I have done a little bit of baking and a little bit of sewing. While going through all of my Christmas decorations I could not for the life of me find the stockings... Seriously so annoying. Well instead of buying more, I decided to take the opportunity to make some. I am in love. Seriously. I went with my sister in law, Vivian, and Darren's step mom, Julie to pick out the fabric and I had to get to work right away because I was so excited about seeing the finished product. So here they are in all their glory.....

Cute, right?

Darren's is on the far left and then Beckham's, Brinley's, Presley's and mine.

I love baking during the Christmas season. I usually stick with my favorite recipes, but this year I decided I was going to be brave and attempt some new ones. I must say so far I have found a couple of really good recipes.. I made Caramel Soaked Pumpkin Cupcakes.. Really rich, but oh so good. You can find the recipe here. This is what mine looked like... Not as cute I know, but just as yummy.

Then I attempted cake pops for Thanksgiving... Not as easy as they look. Again, they don't look as cute but still yummy.

There are a ton of different ideas for these here. I am going to try some for Christmas. Hopefully now that I have done it once, it will come easier next time. Hopefully, they turn out a little cuter.. But still super fun!! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

5 Years

(not a very good picture, I know. We don't have a lot of pictures of just the two of us)

On Friday Darren and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary!! It has been a fantastic five years. I am so happy to have married my best friend and partner in crime. I love you babe! Thanks for these five years, can't wait to make so many more memories with you!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

We have done so many fun activities this halloween! It is so fun now that the kids get what is going on and can get excited about it. UVU had a family halloween party with trick or treating and a bunch of different crafts.

Brinley coloring her pumpkin..... of course it had to be pink

Presley just liked all the commotion... our little princess is getting so big!! She turned 7 months today!

Beckham concentrating really hard on his decorating.

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell

Then we went on the Halloween Express on Thursday night. It was seriously so much fun. You rode on this train through tunnels that were made into a spook alley. The kids loved it. Beckham still talks about going on the train.

Waiting in line... the had fun lights and songs going on the whole time you were waiting. It was never boring waiting in line

Waiting in line with the kiddos.. They were so excited!

On the train. Apparently they have one for Christmas too. Can't wait!

Lehi Legacy Center.

Fun carnival games, How to Train your Dragon Movie, Trick or treating and all the school mascots. Crowded, but worth it!

Cosmo dressed as Robin. Beckham was really nervous about all of the mascots. He liked the JAZZ dancers , but not so much the animals. Such a boy.

Our smiley girl.

Halloween Night

Tonight we went over to my brother in law and sister in law's house for a party. It was so much fun. Delicious food and of course the company was great as always.

The spooky science lab...

Our Family

Mr. Smee, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Pixie Dust, and Tiger Lily

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!!!!