Christmas Break

We got a surprise visit from Santa the Saturday before Christmas. The kids were so excited to see him. Kendal was a chatterbox the whole time. Peter seemed tongue tied and forgot his list. Alice sat in Santa's lap, but refused to look art him or talk, but she didn't cry so I'm calling it a win!!

  

Sunday we only had sacrament meeting. It was a nice program. The kids sang and Casey sang with the ward choir. After church we made cookies for Santa with the kids. They decorated and enjoyed the afternoon away. That night instead of wrapping gifts Casey and I put together a USU puzzle and watched White Christmas.

 



Christmas eve was casual. Casey took the girls to enjoy a dinner with Casey's family at Brett and Vanessa's that evening. I stayed home with Peter whose temper had been on full display for a few days so he lost the privilege to go out.
Christmas morning Kendal and Peter came out around 7:30. We had them come into our room and listen to the story of Jesus's birth. We woke up Alice afterwards and got to go out to see Christmas! The kids were very happy with their gifts and had a wonderful morning playing and discovering their gifts. Alice got a doll bed from us and a kitchen set from Santa (with cupcakes she's fed us everyday since ; ). Kendal got art supplies and goodies from us and much coveted twin hatchimals from Santa. Peter got a kiwi crate subscription from us and a Ninjago robot from Santa. We had the kids give each other books for a Christmas this year. They gave and received fun books (hopefully a tradition we continue).  You can see the rest of their fun extra gifts and such in their photos. I got a coat as my big Christmas gift and Casey counted his phone as a birthday / Christmas gift. Casey's parents had stayed in town and came over in the morning to see the kids haul and visit with us.

  

 

We headed off to Logan after lunch to spend a few days with my family. Peter was sad to leave his mega robot behind (and let it be known all week). The kids got to open gifts from my parents and Katherine that afternoon. My parents gave the kids jammies and slippers, some books, a science kit, and they added to the kiwi crate subscription fur the kids to enjoy. Peter got a tie. Kendal got a game called exploding kittens. Alice got a fun Lego set! Aunt Katherine gave books to the kids. She gave Peter a fun Lego set (that saved us since he missed his Legos at his the rest of the week!), and Alice got a fun puzzle. (Thank you for the gifts Mom, Dad, and Katherine!) We had a nice Christmas dinner that evening. Overall a wonderful Christmas!

  

Wednesday the kids got to go to the shop in the morning and got pulled in sleds by four wheelers around the lot. We played the afternoon away with Elliot and Isaac at my parents house.
Thursday we took the kids to see Mary Poppins Returns that morning. We all enjoyed the show; good music, great cast! After lunch Casey stayed back with a napping Alice while I took the older two to Nanas. Kendal played around with cousin Emma. Peter was a either sneaking treats or bugging the girls, but played around a bit. I got to spend some time reading,  listening, and  talking with Nana! I need to write more down that she talks about. She told of Papas mom and her journey to America as well as the day Papa got baptized in the temple and got to shake Heber J Grants hand. Nana says she remembers her baptism day was cold in the temple basement that used to have high ceilings ; ). She also shared stories of my dad and his siblings as kids. It's always fun to hear how they were as kids.

 

Friday my whole family got together. We took the kids to do arcade games at the Fun Park and went bowling. Peter got a ticket jackpot and was in heaven. We all enjoyed bowling together. Alice even attempted a frame or two with me, but mostly wakes around with patient grandpa. That evening we went out to Uncle Kelly's for a Loosle family dinner. It's been a few years since we've made it to one. It was nice seeing family we rarely see. Kendal has been pen palling with my Aunt Peggy. Peggy and Nathan were beyond sweet and gave the kids gifts that night. Kendal got a couple of awesome books she'll love reading. (A love of reading is a big bond between her and Peggy.) Peter got an amazing Lego avengers ship he's loved. Alice got a sweet teddy and I got a super plush blanket Alice has tried to steal since.

 

Saturday morning we left Logan to join the Darrington clan that had gotten together the day before. We had an afternoon of chaotic awesomeness. For our family party we had chili, did the nativity play with the kids, and exchanged presents. Kendal got a crystal growing kit from cousins and a climbing gift card and a much loved locket diary from Grandma and Grandpa. Peter got battleship from cousins, and a climbing gift card with slime from grandma and grandpa. Alice got a skirt from cousins and a baby doll and shirt from grandma and grandpa. (She's obsessed with her doll and even ate breakfast with our under one arm while she ate with the other one morning.) Most everyone filtered out that night, however we still got some play / game time with those that stayed. Mom D was sick while we were there and others got sick as well so we cut our Raft River stay short and headed home Sunday.

 

  

I knew I didn't want a crazy new years eve just in case anyone got the sick bug (thankfully we escaped the gunk!). The kids happily spent the morning with their Christmas goodies they'd been missing for a week. Casey took Kendal and Peter to the rock climbing gym after lunch to play. Kendal as usual did amazing. Peter was everywhere and climbing well, but he still has limits with height so he'd only go up to high. We had delicious Korean bbq for dinner. That evening we had family Wii time and let the kids stay up later than normal. Casey and I casually rang in the new year watching tv, and sharing a smooch!

 

One of our Christmas gifts to Kendal and Peter were one in one dates with mom or dad. So Wednesday Casey took Peter out. They went to the indoor glow in the dark mini golf and played arcade games there as well. They ended their outing with ice cream! Kendal has saved up her money for awhile and finally earned enough for roller blades. So Thursday when it was Kendal's turn to pick she and I went out to skateland to roller blade for awhile. She's getting the hang of her skates better and we had a good time. We ended with ice cream and pants shopping.
Both Kendal and Peter got a kiwi crate last week. Kendal's was a bonus one I earned. She got to make her own stamps by tracing and scraping away at the rubber to make cute images to stamp. Peter's second crate came and be got to build a hydraulic claw with Casey. I love seeing his engineering mind at work, he's got such a gift! Saturday Casey took Peter out to do some archery set a range. It was free so they didn't get to shoot a lot, but they had a good time anyway. The kids had extra Wii time, movie time, and just lots of days playing away. Overall out was a really nice break.

 

 

  

 

Sunday we started the new year with two hour church and a 9:00 schedule. I got what I could ready the night before and despite three kids that wanted to sleep in we made it on time! It was a good couple of hours. After Casey got home and Alice was napping (yay for having nap time back!) We sat down with the older two for a gospel lesson. Peter wasn't thrilled with more church, however he endured and we kept it semi brief. Afterwards we put together a puzzle and played games together for some extra quality time.

 I had New Beginnings that evening. I came up with a popcorn theme so I conducted and connected the theme with the evening. I related popcorn to the girls. Each popcorn kernel is unique just as the girls are. Each flavor of popcorn has its good qualities just like the YW values that these girls get to partake in. They get too learn about and gain these amazing qualities helping and shaking them into amazing young ladies! The changes with advancing the youth all at once made our planning quick, but out turned out well. I gain six new beehives; fire of which I taught in primary years ago. It'll be interesting for sure, but fun!

It's the most wonderful (busy) time of year

We did our annual Toys for Tots family home evening on the third. The kids each picked a toy and we donated it. We've tried to do our part to light the world this season. Peter took a can of food in to school each day of December. Both kids took socks for a giving tree at school. We bought some groceries for people at the store and donated to a bunch of things like the local outreach program, St. Judes, and fire disaster relief in California. We've shared our love with goodies and Christmas cheer. Really I'm so grateful for the opportunity to spread some light this season and hope it's something my kids learn and cherish as they grow up.
The kids joined me for both young women's activities this month and we're supposed to this past week, but Peter was too sick to go. On the fifth I had made a service scavenger hunt for all the young women to do. The kids and I stayed at the church (because I didn't want to haul them around getting in and out of the car every ten min.) On the twelfth was just my beehives activity where we made treat plates for people in the ward and played games. I was in charge this past Wednesday but with Peter sick and Alice semi sick I passed on my duties to another. Young women's is a great calling, but it sure is filling my plate sometimes. I planned all three activities this month and am planning new beginnings last minute with the new changes and a bunch of girls joining in a couple of weeks we're trying to prepare.
Kendal had practice that Thursday in the LA Thomas so Peter, Alice, and I joined. Alice donned a jersey (or two ; ) and happily ran around. Peter shot hoops for awhile till a friend came and they played tag. We grabbed some tacos and went to watch a bit of basketball and give Casey some dinner. We didn't stay too long since it was a school night. We also signed Peter up for basketball. He'll start in January!

 

December 7th the kids had their dentist check up. All three did great and are cavity free. To give them a bit if extra fun we went over to the mall to the new indoor playground to play for awhile and got pizza on the way home.
December 8th Kendal had a basketball game in the morning. It was close but they ended up losing. After the game we jetted out to Raft River for the Webb party. It was full of the usual, food, games, cereal pass, and singing. It's fun to see family, catch up, and spend time together. Afterwards we hung out at Mom and Dad D's till just after dinnertime then headed home.

 

The church hosted a community choir night on the 9th. Kendal's school choir got to participate and sing a couple of songs. She did so good. Peter did not want to be there and let it be known the whole time, and Alice didn't appreciate being confined to a bench again on a Sunday.
I let Kendal and Peter join Casey for a practice one afternoon. They had fun with the girls. But Casey said his girls paid more attention to the "cute" kids than practice.
Casey turned 35 this year! I made him ham and cheese sliders to take to work for their two week food thing they do every December. I also made Hawaiian burgers and carrot pineapple cake that evening. He's a pretty amazing guy! My love, admiration, respect, and heart grows for him every year. We truly got a good one as a Dad and husband!

Kendal had her choir concert on the 13th. Peter was wandering during the 5th grade hand bell part, but thankfully sat through the choir singing. (Grandma D was going to give him a taking to if he hadn't sat down. ; ) Alice didn't want to stay put so Casey had to wander in the back with her (probably why Peter wandered also). Kendal was wonderful and sang so well! David, Brooke, and Meadow were also in the choir. Kendal has loved her experience and will continue after the new year!

 
 Kendal ended her basketball season last Saturday. They played at nine and noon. They won their first game, but lost the second. She scored in the first game!! So overall her team won five games and lost two this year. She's picking up speed in games and doing great at defense. It's hard for her to get much ball time with better / taller girls, but I'm happy she loves it and I know her skills will continue to grow!

 

After Kendal's last game we headed straight over to our first time seeing Casey's team play this season. The kids got face painted and snacked away till Peter and Kendal went off to help Mrs Makings sand wooden blocks for her kindergarteners. Casey's team lost that game, but overall they're having a good season. We just haven't been to games because of schedules, kids not listening, sickness, young women's, and my lack of wanting to take a toddler and keep track of her. I'm sure we'll hit up some more before the season ends. Alice was falling asleep by the end of the game so we left, put her down for a nap and watched Christmas Chronicles.

 

 

This week has been full of sick. Alice had a slight cold, with a lingering cough, but she's teething and miserable on top of it. Peter missed two days of school being sick. His teacher had around ten kids missing most of the week and we were told a kid in his class has influenza, : / plus I've been sick throughout our all. So we're trying to conquer the sick before the holidays and more sick inevitably comes our way.
Kendal got to go to a basketball clinic Casey's girls put on Wednesday. She loved it!
The kids had a dress up week at school. They had wear green day, elf / reindeer day, Grinch day, ugly sweater day, and pj / sweats day. Peter didn't want to dress up on the days he went, but was willing to on pj day. I was in charge for Kendal's class party. It was a lot to get a bunch of moms to commit and plans set, but it worked out. I ended up doing a craft with the kids. We made little Tomte gnomes that are a Scandinavian tradition. The kids had fun, Alice had more fun coloring herself and wandering around the class.

 

  

We said goodbye to Goobie this week. He's been around for fifteen years and been a decent car up till more recent years when he's been breaking down bit by bit. Fittingly we sold the car to a guy who's mechanic father in law will fix it up for his teenage daughter. Hopefully it carries her through many years and great memories like it did me.

I'm honestly a bit fried with this month's frenzy. My load has been full lately and packed with busy, crazy, sick, planning, making, and doing. I'll get by, it's what I do. . Looking forward to Christmas and family time over the holiday break!
A couple more pics (even though these three add a lot to my insanity level, I love them beyond words!) p.s. Don't have butter out for a toddler to find, eat, and decorate the couch or herself with.

 

Thanksgiving and more

Peter had a Thanksgiving play on the 16th. He got to play the part of a pilgrim in the play. He was a bit demanding over his costume. The original costume I made out of paper Peter refused to wear because other kids had "better" costumes. So I put together a lame, yet not paper version for his top and he was pleased (long story short sometimes less is more). He did wonderful in the play. He sang so well and did great giving his part! Alice enjoyed the play and clapped the whole time.

 

Kendal has played a few basketball games now with three more to go. She's won all of them so far. She's loving basketball this year! Her team is mostly 4th graders, but she does ok keeping up with them. She may not get the ball as much as she'd like, but when she does she makes the most of it and does her best!

 

Saturday the 17th Casey and I got a rare date thanks to swapping babysitting with our friends the Birks. We went to see Fantastic Beasts Crimes of Grinderwald. So good. I'll forever be a Harry Potter fan!
We decided it would be more money to fix old Gus than the car was worth so we chose to get a new car. Since our other car is older also with more than 100k miles we decided to go for a newer family car and Casey will take over Gus Gus as his work car.  So Saturday afternoon Kendal went to a play date and Peter and Alice joined us in our car hunt. I had done my research so we had a list of cars to look at. We ended up with a Blue Ford escape from Middlekauff Ford. The process took a couple of hours, thankfully the kids managed well waiting around the dealership for so long. The price couldn't be beat anywhere and even though it was a couple thousand more than we planned it's practically a new car and will last for a long long time! We're happy with the car so far and even broke it in with a trip to Logan for Thanksgiving. We've landed on Toto as it's name : )

I had the idea to put up the tree before our Thanksgiving break. When I realized how early Thanksgiving was in the month this year I was ready to wait; but the kids were told and wouldn't let it go so we HAD to put up the tree. It went up Sunday and we decorated it for family home evening the next night. I'll slowly put up the rest in the next week. (I'm on my rush since my little "helpers" are already going at the tree to much.

The kids had mini cold over that weekend that they kindly shared with Casey and I. Casey ended up taking the day off of work Tuesday because he didn't feel good and knew his voice wouldn't last. He did go to his basketball games that night though.
Kendal had her well check in Wednesday and I added myself onto the end of the appointment due to ulcers and a wicked cold (pretty much bronchitis) I was given a slew of meds to take for the following week and a hope my ulcers would get better (which they finally have. November has been a long month with to much sick : /.
That afternoon we headed to Logan for Thanksgiving break. The kids were up at six on Thanksgiving. (Not ideal in any sense of the word). We had our big dinner at one. The whole family got to be there and Nana got to join us too! We kept it simple this year, but it was still great. Anica, Mom, and I snuck away hoping for a good JCP deal between dinner and pie. We got to enjoy the day away enjoying family time! I meant to take pictures, but the only one I got was the kids right before bed.

Friday my mom and I hit up a few places for sales. Katherine took Kendal for her birthday present of arcade time at the Fun Park. She had so much fun with Katherine and hit the jackpot in a game coming home with lots of loot! We pulled out my parents tree and Alice helped grandma put her bears on the tree.

Saturday Casey took the kids to the Home Depot craft and then to the shop for a bit. They enjoy the builds and like exporting Grandpas shop shoo their morning was fantastic.  David, Anica, and the boys came and we got to enjoy the day with them as well. That evening we went out to Nanas. We took dinner and helped set up a bit of Christmas (really we just made a mess and got out tons of stuff, but hopefully it was helpful in some capacity.) The kids enjoy time at Nanas! They played with the toys and beat Uncle David at battleship. We left from Nanas to come home. It was a nice break to Logan and the kids are excited to go back at Christmas time!
(picture before is our little cutie in one of my black Friday steals)

Casey did his annual no shave November. He grew a nice beard.(but I'll always prefer him smooth ; ) Casey's had a slew of games this past month. They've mostly been away and have won many of them!

I've been busy with kids, Christmas, family, friends, Young women's, and just life. It's been a very busy month, with more to go this next month! Thankfully I'm finally getting over the sick that has seemed to stick around all month.
We started December with a bit of snow today. Kendal had a game this morning. This afternoon Casey's parents dropped by after a day of watching grandkids basketball games. We took the kids to start a new tradition of sibling gifts. We decided to do books and spent over an hour at the bookstore picking, choosing, wandering, and playing. Tonight we got to go to the community Christmas celebration in Kimberly. Kendal sang a few songs with her choir. They did great! We saw the nativities in the gym and then got to go outside to see Santa and some fireworks. We ended our family filled day by watching Incredibles two. Good movie, with some kids similar to a few we know ; ).

 

Happy ninth birthday Kendal!!

Our sweet little lady turned nine today! Kendal is still our Sweet Pea; kind, loving, smart, sensitive, and happy. She's got a full schedule right now with piano, choir, Achievement days, and basketball. She's improving and growing in piano! She loves choir and loves it even more because her best buds are in it with her. She's always loved basketball and is enjoying herself so far this season and made a basket at her game Saturday!
Kendal loves school so much! (she gets upset when there are days off.) She likes everything about school and can't pick her favorite.
We're so lucky this awesome little lady is in our lives!

  

Kendal's interview of favorites this year!
Favorite color: Pink and Blue
Favorite Toy: American Girl doll
Favorite food: Cheeseburger
Favorite animal: All of them!
Favorite song: I'll be what I believe
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite books: Thea Stilton, Harry Potter, Sisters Grim
When I grow up: Teacher, and Coach
Favorite part of school: Everything
Nicknames: Sweet Pea and Little Lady
Favorite part of birthday: Spending time with family. I

Other favorites I'm adding: art, unicorns, church, butterflies, time with friends, and Wii time.

Kendal's main gift for her birthday this year was her bike that we bought awhile ago. We wanted her to enjoy it in the warm weather, not just whenever winter let her. This morning she opened a pair of earrings and a new book from us. She happily requested rice krispies (her favorite cereal) for breakfast so I added sprinkles for some fun.  She had a great day at school. Alice and I took rice krispie treats to her class too! After school Kendal got to open a sweet package from Aunt Peggy with a new book, a card from cousins, and then she got to open up her presents from Grandma and Grandpa Loosle while skyping them! They gave her jammies, a cute rhyming book, a butterfly ornament, and her much anticipated big fluffy pillow of a butterfly! She's in love with it and took it off to bed to cuddle. (so I'll add a picture of her with it tomorrow). Grandma Darrington drove all the way up yesterday to give Kendal her get card and some money that she wants to save up for roller blades.
For her birthday experience this year she chose to take Brooke and Meadow out for ice cream tomorrow and I'm going to take her to the high school princess play Saturday!

"I get knocked down, but I get up again" . . .

We had our primary program on the 28th. Peter sang, wiggled a lot, and whispered his part (aka his most successful program to date!). Kendal really got into the songs, shared her part, and loved being apart of the program. Casey's parents came up to see the kids in the program.
Casey started basketball the last week of October. He had tryouts for a few days and is now into his season with three games done and . . . to go.
Because Casey had basketball Halloween night I decided to opt out of typical trick or treating with three kids. So I talked the kids into going to a Harry Potter maze and activity. The kids got to go through a maze with Harry Potter and Luna answering riddles, battling Voldermort, and getting Dragon eggs. They also got to decorate a cookie, practice spells, play games, make art, and just have loads of fun. Alice was a trooper in the stroller most of the time till the end so we found a slide to enjoy. It was a fun and memorable night!

 

 

 

Early the following morning Peter threw up so I kept him home from school. Poor kid didn't have a good day. Unfortunately the sick spread, Kendal was next and ended up missing her first game Saturday and church Sunday. I stayed home from church with the girls and  switched with Casey to give my lesson.  Alice and I were hit with the bug as well and Monday was spent cuddling on the couch. (Even while sick, little miss still wants to get naked and have her dolls join in to. This little one sure keeps things interesting ; )

Tuesday the sixth was my mom's surgery. She went in to have an RNS device put onto her skull and brain. (It's a device tho stimulate my mom's brain as she seizures to help shorten or stop them.) It was an emotional couple of days, but my mom is a champ and her surgery went well! So grateful it's done, and hopeful for the help it'll give her. Kate Birk was sweet and came and helped me with the kids that night and was a listening ear for this frazzled lady.
Tuesday was also parent teachers conference. Kendal and Peter are doing well academically. We just need to work on confidence and focus with Peter. Both kids are enjoying their teachers and class this year!
Wednesday; with Casey at basketball I took all three kids to young women's with me. The Beehives were in charge, so I had a lot to do. We cleaned all the nursery toys. The kids "helped" with that. We tied three quilts also that night and Kendal got to help a bit. She was elated to learn a new skill and wants to make a quilt now. Alice was either playing, bonking her head on quilt boards, wanting to be in my arms, or trying to get "yummies" from the girls.

Alice and I went down Thursday to help with my mom's recovery. Alice was a little busy body the whole stay, but a good distraction and amusement sometimes, other times she was a teething, typical toddler. I'm so grateful I could go down and help out. My mom is so strong and is getting better everyday. My poor Dad has had a rough week as well with migraines and getting sick but hopefully he's on the mend as well.

 

There was no school Friday. The kids got to spend the morning playing with Dad and neighbor Echo. Cheryl came and stayed with the kids Friday night while Casey was off at a game. They joined Vanessa and her crew for a Harry Potter movie night. The next morning Casey and Kendal had games at the same time do Cheryl took the kids for the morning. First Kendal's game (she did great and made a basket!!), then the high school JV game, lunch, then Becca's game. That afternoon Casey took the kids to Pocatello to play at Nicole's while he went to the Kimberly football game. They stayed overnight in Raft River. Unfortunately Casey's car had some major troubles on the way home cutting my trip to Logan a bit short, but thus is life.
So I'm back home and into our busy routine of things. Looking forward to Kendal's birthday in a couple of days and Thanksgiving next week!