Christmas

We headed to Logan last Wednesday to visit family. My parents and Katherine were awesome and watched the kids that evening so Casey and I could get in an early Christmas present and go and see the Aggies play basketball (something we haven't done together since before Peter was born.) The team didn't pull out a win for us, however we had good seats and enjoyed watching the game. The kids got to watch a movie and eat treats with Grandma, Grandpa, and Katherine.
Thursday Casey headed out with my Dad to work on Davids house. The rest of us played around at Grandma's house for the morning. After lunch we went out to Nana's to make cookies. I remember eating Nana's delicious molasses cookies each year as a child and I thought it would be fun to make them with the kids. We did our best to follow the incomplete recipe. The cookies turned out fine, but weren't quite what they should have been.
Friday morning we played around at Grandma's again while the boys were off working. We met up with Dad and Casey for lunch, then went to see the house. Friday evening David, Anica, Elliot, and Nana joined us all and we had an early Christmas dinner. Patty and Eric stopped by and we got to chat with them also for a bit. After dinner we opened our gifts from my parents. My mom made blankets for the kids that they toted around that night and have loved sleeping with since. They also got Lego's (Elsa's castle, and a cement truck) that they built as soon as we got home. We got spoiled with other fun things as well games, magic trick kit, books, fun things for the kitchen, etc. (Thank you Mom and Dad!) The kids played around after. My parents pulled out musical figures that Elliot and Peter danced (bounced ; ) to for a while.

Saturday morning there was a layer of snow outside. The kids eagerly suited up and went out to make a snowman, and with Casey's help made their biggest one yet! Casey also got out his new Star Wars kit to play with the kids. They loved the experiment with the "light saber" and learning about static electricity! After lunch we headed home. We hit a lot of snow / rain on the way, but the roads were fair and we made it home just fine. Saturday afternoon the kids put together their Lego's they got from my parents. We decided to take it easy and eat out for dinner. The kids got to open their jammies; we told scripture stories and the night before Christmas before sending them off to bed.

The kids decided to peak out of their room at 4 a.m. They were quickly shooed back to bed and thankfully didn't come out till 7:30 to open gifts. The kids were thrilled with their gifts and had a wonderful morning opening presents then beginning Lego assembly. We headed to church around 10. The three wards in our church combined for a Christmas sacrament meeting. Casey joined the choir and put on a fantastic program. Casey did an great job and it was so special to get to put more Christ into our Christmas day. After church Casey cooked up some breakfast for lunch while the kids continued to build Lego's, try out their bow and arrows, and played the afternoon away. We ended our evening at Brett and Vanessa's to eat tamales. The kids were everywhere enjoying themselves. We had cake also. The kids wondered who's birthday it was. When we said it was Jesus' birthday Bryker asked if we had to wait for him to come and blow out the candles before we could eat it!

Today Kendal got to join Casey at basketball practice. The kids played with their Christmas fun throughout the day and got to play their new Wii games with Daddy. It's been a great weekend and we have a week with Daddy at home and Darrington family fun to look forward to this weekend!

Snow fun!

We've had a few good snow dumps this past week or so. Unfortunately it's been followed by rain and freezing temperatures. They ended up cancelling school this past Thursday due to road conditions from the previous day's snow / frozen temperatures. So the kids got a rare day with Casey. We enjoyed the day and the kids went out and built snowmen and a snow dog with Casey. Kendal named hers Frosty and Peter named his Olaf (these kids are very original ; ).

Casey has had a bunch of games come and go. All of his games this past week were wins! So his team has nine wins and three losses so far this season. He's gone to games every Saturday so far this month, and the kids have missed him a ton. He's doing open gym's (aka practices) over the holiday break while we're around. When school gets back in his team only has a weeks worth of games to end their season. However JV, and Varsity play throughout the month, and will finish mid February.

Kendal has been reading two of the American Girl series about Kirsten and Samantha. She's loving the stories and is doing a great job reading books just above her level. She just finished both of the Holiday books from each series. In the Kirsten books Kirsten is from Sweden and celebrates St. Lucia's Day. We looked up the holiday and learned more about it. It is celebrated among the Scandinavian countries so I thought it would be fun to learn about since some of my ancestry stems from that part of Europe. Kendal cut out and made this St. Lucia's day crown!

We plan on going to Logan this week to see family. We'll come home for Christmas and then we get to go to Raft River leading up to New Years to see our Darrington family.

We've set the date and baby Girl is scheduled to come on January 18th! I'm going through a slew of issues, but trying to stay positive and count down the days we get to meet our little girl!

I've failed this year at making a family Christmas card to send out. We've been busy, haven't gotten a family photo, and i've just felt blah. I attempted sunday to get one of the kids to post online, but they're blurry. Maybe i'll try again another day.

Love these two cuties so much!

December happenings

We reached the end of November and I got my husband back. Yep, no shave November is over! I've got to say he grows a pretty impressive beard, but I'll take him clean shaven thank you!

Here's a picture the day before he took it off.

Growing up my Grandpa and Grandma Loosle had a Christmas part to their craft store. I remember playing in those enchanting rooms and loving the atmosphere in their shop. My Grandpa also sold Christmas tree's for many years. When I was younger my Grandpa gifted little Christmas tree's to the Grand kids to put in our own rooms at home. I have fond memories of decorating and having so much fun with that little tree. I was reminded of that fun tradition this year when a couple of my cousins mentioned that their kids have little tree's too. I wanted to carry on the wonderful memory so I went out and bought a small three foot tree for the kids room. They've lovingly decorated / redecorated it over the past couple of weeks. I'm grateful for the tradition my Papa started that I can carry on with my own kids.

This week I got some baby prep done. I've got a deep cleaning list I'm getting through, and other to do's I'm spreading out before the baby comes in six weeks! This week I pulled out the newborn / first months clothes along with blankets, burp clothes, etc. to wash. Peter loved seeing the little things and had to know which ones he's used and what came from Kendal. We also got our new car seat. Peter insisted I take it out of the box immediately. He inspected, and played in it for a while. I'd definitely say it's been Peter tested and approved.

Kendal finished her basketball season. She's progressed quite a bit this past month. She's made more baskets in practice these past couple of weeks, she has learned new skills, and has built upon other skills.  Last weekend Grandma Darrington got to come cheer Kendal on. She was a bit spacey during that game, but it's year one so we have no expectations. Yesterday's game she was on point. She defended (which is always her top skill), and did well at offense. When she defends she's right there with her opponent and she will take the ball if she can. Offense has been harder. She's not a shooter so she doesn't get the ball much during the game. Casey and I emphasized that she can rebound, get open, and help wherever possible. She shined doing this at her last game. It was hard being the underdog on her team sometimes. Over half the girls have played a year and can shoot very well and are very dominant during games, so Kendal learned what skills she could add to the game, and loved it when she did get the opportunity to handle the ball on court. She's also been great at cheering on and praising her teammates for their great shots and skills. Her team won two games and lost two games this season, no matter the outcome Kendal was always happy to been at her games playing ball.

Saturday morning our ward had their Christmas party. It was themed around Dr. Seuss' The Grinch. The food and decor were wonderful. Kendal loved all of the table decorations and even horded some to bring home. Peter was weary of the Grinch roaming around till he found out who was inside the costume. The program was simple and sweet about how it was really two missionaries and their teachings of Christ's birth that brought the Christmas spirit to the Grinch. Afterwards the kids got to see Santa. Both were excited, but again shy when it came to talking with him.

Casey is in the depths of basketball season and they've added four games to his already full schedule. He's managing it well even with parents / players with attitudes, and not always getting the practice times / places he needs. His team has done very well this season winning all but three of their games so far. He does his best for them and includes everyone on the team. The kids and I have hit up a couple of games. Kendal and Peter are their usual selves of only paying attention for so long, then hitting me up for snacks, then playing around the rest of the game. Kendal is observing and analyzing a lot more this year. She makes a lot more comments and her knowledge about the game has grown a lot.
We're lucky Casey's birthday falls on a Sunday this year. No games or work (just church callings and choir   ; ) so we get him mostly to ourselves. The kids adore Casey and miss him a lot this time of year when his coaching schedule is fuller. He is so wonderful with them. He reads them chapter books at night and sings them amazing songs at bed time. (He's currently reading Peter Pan to the kids.) Right now he's in the other room introducing them to his childhood days of Mario brothers on the Wii (Thanks Mom and Dad : )!
It's no secret Casey's favorite holiday and music is Christmas. He's joined the stake choir that has been practicing Christmas songs for 3 + months now. He says some of the tunes are a stretch for him, but he's an amazing singer and has come home every week singing the songs they've practiced. I'm excited to hear him perform on Christmas.
I'm so very blessed to have Casey in my life. He is a wonderful man and I'm so grateful for who he is and all that he does for us.
Happy Birthday Casey!

Thanksgiving

Kendal had her second basketball game on the 19th. She had a fun time and her team won! The few experienced second graders on Kendal's team tend to dominate the court, but Kendal does great defending and is happy whenever she can get the ball.
Casey had games Tuesday night at Canyon Ridge. His team won their game too!

Kendal's game / Peter and Becca's thanksgiving craft

Wednesday morning we headed down to Logan to spend Thanksgiving break with my family. After lunch the kids went with Casey and Grandpa to the shop. They got to ride on the backhoe while Casey changed the oil in the car. We had an afternoon playing at my parents then we got to have David, Anica, and Elliot over for dinner.

We spent Thanksgiving morning baking in the kitchen, making delicious additions for our dinner. Dinner was held out at Nana's this year. It was nice to see family I haven't seen in a while and spend quality time together. Kendal had so much fun playing around with cousins (Campbell, Emma, Hailey, etc.) Peter followed them around and teased Uncle Tony (Silly Man) who was calling him Fred the whole night.

Friday morning we did some shopping in the morning. We went late enough we avoided major crowds, and only hit a few places. After lunch the kids and I went to see David's house and "help" out. The kids got to putty, haul some wood, hammer rocks (?; ) and wood, and sweep up a bit. Eric, Patty, and their boys / wives came out and we caught up with them. Casey went to an early movie with David to see Dr. Strange. We spent the evening playing games at my parents house.

Aunt Katherine bought this for holiday chocolates! Peter was loving it!

Saturday Casey, my mom and I went to a few places to shop some deals while the kids watched Polar Express with Aunt Katherine and Grandpa. We met up with the kids and Katherine out at Nana's for lunch. Billie and her crew showed up also. The adults spent the afternoon setting up Christmas and helping Nana out, while The kids happily played all over the house. Both the kids got to hold Billie's sweet baby girl. Peter was just enamored with her and Kendal was thrilled to hold her, but it didn't last long because sweet Maggie was ready to eat / nap. I even got a few snuggles and smiles (making me excited . . . 7 more weeks!)

After dinner at my parents we headed back home. Today Casey had to speak in Sacrament and teach classes in church today. I love the attitude of gratitude that comes with Thanksgiving and the opportunity to be around family. (Let's face it I adore the rolls and pie too : )
Today we put up our Christmas. The kids loved getting out their ornaments that represent each year of their life. They did a great job decorating the tree and spent hours after reading the Christmas books and playing with the nativities. I love this time of year, and have learned to keep our home focused on Christ, service, and love that comes with the Christmas season.

All I want for Christmas is . . .

With a little push to get the deed done, Kendal pulled for a few minutes and finally got her other front tooth out today!

Kendal is 7!

Kendal turned seven yesterday! Kendal has been wanting earrings for a while; we finally agreed this summer that if she showed more responsibility she could get her ears pierced for her birthday. She's been anticipating this for so long and was so excited. We opted to go last Friday since there was no school and because we knew her birthday would be busy. I thought we'd prepped Kendal for what would happen, but it took twenty minutes for her to calm down and allow the woman to pierce her ears. She picked her birthstone topaz and has proudly showed them off since.
As was told in the previous post we had family throughout the weekend to celebrate her birthday. On her birthday she got to open a couple of gifts during breakfast. We gave her some American Girl accessories / food for her doll. I sent her off to school with a pack of brownies to share with her class too. Peter and I picked Kendal up from school she showed off her cards from her classmates and then did a few turns on the Monkey bars for me. Kendal and Peter had a cupcake after school and she did a bit of homework before we headed over to watch Casey's first home game. The kids happily played around on the bleachers and "watched" the game till we had to scoot over to Kendal's own basketball practice. After practice the kids and I headed over to Arctic Circle for a birthday dinner. Then we dropped off a burger to Casey and went home to bed. It was a full day, but a very good day. (Thank you family for calls and birthday wishes!)

Kendal is still our smart little lady. She's quick to pick up on things and enjoys school. She's reading third to fourth level books, and math is one of her favorite subjects. Kendal loves to be creative, she requests painting or craft projects regularly. She also likes science and wishes I would let her "experiment" more.
Kendal is still our social butterfly and can talk your ear off anytime anywhere. She's super friendly and makes friends with everyone she meets. She's very affectionate, she loves to love and we are always showered with kisses, compliments, and hugs. Overall Kendal has a very loving, sweet temperament. She's not one to throw fits or go nuts, she can have rare melt downs when she's very tired over random things like not getting a song at bedtime or a toy breaking. Lately she is into questioning Casey and I a lot. She likes to continue to question fishing for an answer or just not wishing to believe what we say.
Kendal is so excited to welcome a baby sister in a couple of months. She talks to the baby a lot and gushes over how cute she'll be. Kendal takes the oldest sibling job seriously, she likes to be in charge and while she could be a better example for her brother she does fairly well.

Kendal's birthday questions:
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Toys: American Doll, Barbies, Little Lego's
Favorite foods: Spaghetti, tacos, pizza
Favorite animals: Ducks and Unicorns (She claims to have several imaginary Unicorn friends including a magical one called twighlit.)
Favorite songs: I am a Child of God, My Country Tis of Thee, and Gethsemane
Favorite Holidays: Birthday, Valentines, Christmas, and Easter
Favorite snacks: Ice cream, brownies, chocolate
Favorite cartoons: Frozen, and Peg plus Cat
Favorite books: Chapter books (currently she's into Junie B. Jones, and the American Girls series)
When she grows up: She wants to be a Mom and a Teacher
Favorite things about school: Everything - lunch, recess, learning, math
Nicknames: Sweet Pea, Sweet's, Little Lady
Favorite thing about her birthday: Presents

Kendal is a sweet joy in our lives we are truly lucky and blessed to have her. We love you Kendal Ann!

Basketball, Kendal, etc.

Casey had a basketball Jamboree on the 7th where his girls did well. He has a team of ten girls (his biggest group so far as a coach) Most of them are freshman with a few sophomores in the mix. He had his first official game on the 11th in Jerome. The girls lost by 15. Casey's getting a better picture of his team this year as time goes on. (Overall the girls are decent players, however there are some who don't listen, some who think their above the c-team, and a few over opinionated parents.) Casey's practice schedule has also been thrown off, so he's had very little time being able to practice his girls full court and at decent scheduled times. (I feel bad, but such is the life.) Casey is almost half way through no shave November that he's doing with his fellow middle school guy teachers. He grows a beard well I'll say that much; however he's received a lot less kisses from me, and the kids think his "ruffles" are funny.

Kendal had parent teacher conferences on the 7th. She got really good reviews from her teacher. She's doing exceptional in spelling, math, and reading, and doing very well in everything else. Her teachers have had her do extra work, let her help fellow classmates, and read a Junie B. book when she gets her work done early. She's loving school and all that she gets to do and learn. She enjoys having two teachers and has made new friends this year. Kendal's first basketball practice was on the 8th. She was so excited to be there that she was pretty unfocused, but she practiced well and got a couple of shots in the hoop. She can dribble well (when she takes the time to do so), and she tries her best at shooting (she's had little practice with no hoop at home) mostly she's very active, and talkative when her partner / opponent is a friend ; ). She is on team Magic this year with seven other girls; all but three are second graders, however it's about half of the players first year doing basketball. Kendal had another practice Friday night, she focused better, but is still my social / active little girl. Kendal's first game was on Saturday. My parents, Katherine, David, Anica, and Elliot got to come and enjoy the day with us and watch Kendal's first game. She played defense for about 80 % of the game (even when her team had the ball). She let her new earrings and loose tooth distract her a bit during the game, but overall she played well and had a so much fun! Her team won too.

We decided since Kendal's birthday would be full of school and basketball (her practice + Casey's game) we'd get her present early. Which meant we went Friday when Casey and Kendal had school off we took her to get her ears pierced. I felt we prepped her for what would happen but it still took her twenty minutes to get her questions / concerns out, and have moments of freak out over getting it done. (Flash backs to pulling her first tooth, Oy!) Casey ended up with her on his lap to hold her still. After the first ear she realized it wasn't a big deal. She's proudly showed anyone and everyone her earrings since.

I love the look she's giving in the first picture, it sums up her initial feelings over the whole thing;

 however she was determined to get her ears pierced and was thrilled with the results!

Peter is missing his almost daily Becca time, but we've still managed to have the kids together quite a bit since the wedding is over. We also watch Grady once a week and it's been fun seeing Peter in a "big brother" role with him. Peter and I have been working hard on his preschool goals. He's pretty much got the days of the week, months of the year, numbers, and free writing of his alphabet almost down. He's pretty stubborn which makes all learning on his terms, and when he's done trying for the day he's DONE. It's been a very different experience with him than with Kendal where things came easier, but I'm channeling a lot of patience and appreciating the little victories. He's truly smart and has a wonderful mind that I see come out as he plays and creates, he's just not one to sit down and learn from Mommy on demand. Peter had fun at Kendal's practice last week because Casey's team was practicing on the other half of the gym. He got to go over and hang out (flirt ; ) with Casey's players the whole time. He is such a charmer. At Kendal's game Saturday he was either playing with Elliot or standing on a ball to see over the rails to watch the game.

Me: To be honest most days I'm in pain - sciatic or pelvic, and some days just aren't great. I'm trying be positive and I know our little darlin will be here in roughly nine weeks so that's a plus (even if I'm not looking forward to a c-section and recovery). Baby girl is growing and doing well. She's not overly active, but compared to Kendal and Peter she's our most active little one and she's doing a good job of finding ways to make mommy quite uncomfortable. We still don't have a set name for her yet. Casey and I both have our favorites, however nothing has made our absolute favorite so far.

We've had a lot of celebrating this weekend. My family was here on Saturday to celebrate Kendal. She got a art projector and AG outfit from Grandma and Grandpa, some books from Aunt Katherine, and a Mini Mouse sticker picture from David, Anica, and Elliot. We got to cheer her on at her game, spend some time together, and got to eat out at Pizza pie cafe for dinner. Sunday we had the Darrington's over for our monthly dinner. This week is Kendal and Keegan's birthday so we got to celebrate them and spend an evening together with many happy kids playing all around us. Kendal got some cute Lego's and barbie clothes from Grandma and Grandpa, and Terry, Sarah, and their boys gave her some cash to enjoy. We got to eat cupcakes Saturday and Sunday and I'm sure we'll eat leftover cupcakes again on her birthday. It was a wonderful weekend. I'm so grateful my family came up to celebrate and that we got to have some quality time with them and the Darrington's this weekend!

Cody and Mia's Wedding! / Halloween

Last Monday for family night we carved the kids' pumpkins. I had them draw a face on one side and tell me something fun to cut out on the other side. Each had fun scooping out the goop from the pumpkins and colored themselves almost as much as the pumpkins. Each wanted their Halloween costume represented so Kendal got a unicorn on her pumpkin and Peter got Peter Pan!

Peter got to dress up and trick or treat to local businesses with the library kids on Wednesday for the library's preschool time. It was a bit long, but he enjoyed leading the line and wearing his costume out and about. Kendal got to have her school party on Friday. She came home loaded with sugar and smiles. 

- Wedding weekend!
 We headed out Saturday morning to Utah. We stopped for a quick lunch at Maddox and then went to the Hill Air Force Base Museum. Peter was in complete awe the whole time we were there. His smile was so big and he wanted to see and know about everything in site. Kendal enjoyed herself, and was more "hands on" than she should've been. We were short on time, but we tried to go fast and fit in most of what the big museum holds.

From the museum we headed towards Pleasant Grove. We dropped the kids off a few minutes from the temple with Casey's cousin Jill and headed over to the Mt. Timpanogus Temple.  Cody and Mia were beaming and so sweet. The sealer talked a great deal about posterity (kids ; ) and was touched by the spirit in the room. It was special to be there and witness their union. Kenny and Cheryl have an wonderful family that I'm lucky to be apart of.
When the sealing was over we got the kids and headed back to the temple for family pictures. Peter and Kendal were so excited to see Cody and Mia, to get a new Aunt, and be with family. Peter seemed enamored with Mia and even held her hand around the temple and in many of the kids' photo's. It was a beautiful day and the kids happily played around the temple grounds with each other and Madi.

 

Next we headed over to the reception center to eat dinner. We had some Mo Beta's (Hawaiian food). Following the dinner the kids played out back while the reception got going. There was a big dance floor out back that the kids spent most of their time busting out their best moves, twirling, and having a marvelous time. We got to catch up with some family, and enjoyed watching the kids have a blast all around us. Casey and I cut things a bit short because we were headed to Salt Lake for the night.

 Sunday:
Our original plans were to take the kids to see the choir and visit Temple Square. Since they have an age restriction to see the choir we ended up taking our time to get ready before we headed over to Temple Square. Katherine joined up with us and we went to the visitor and conference centers with the us. It was a nice morning getting in some gospel history and enlightenment.  Katherine had us over for sandwiches before we headed home.

Halloween:
I had my 28 week appointment / glucose test in the morning. (Everything is looking good, and on track for our little Lady to arrive in eleven weeks!) Peter got to play with his cousins for a while while I was stuck at my appointment. Peter would have put his costume on as soon as he woke up on Halloween but I had him wait till after lunch. After dinner I took the kids out trick or treating to Ballard's Way neighborhood. (No Casey since he's had basketball since the 24th, and Halloween was his official first day.) Kendal was galloping / running along having a great time. Peter enjoyed himself for a while, then he wanted to be done walking and kept saying he had enough candy. We weren't out super long because it was getting dark, and my body was Done; thankfully the kids didn't mind and ate a couple of candy's before I showered and sent them to bed.

Here is the Magical, Flying, Unicorn and Peter Pan in all of their glory! Their funny poses make me smile!

Cody and Mia's reception (Nov. 1st):
Vanessa and I headed out after lunch with Peter, Becca, and Thomas we converged in Raft River with Kenny, Cheryl, Nicole, and Sarah to set up for the reception. It was simple, but looked very nice. We served brownies and ice-cream Sunday's. The kids happily watched a movie, ate their fill of sweets, and played around the church a bit. Casey, Terry, Brett, David, and Kendal came a bit into the reception (work / school / basketball). We're very happy the wedding / reception are done with and thrilled to have Mia join our family.