I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas.  It can be a stressful time of year, but I’m glad to have this time to reflect on the birth of the Savior.  He truly brought peace, hope and joy.  I’m also thankful for the Leo, Fischer and Rocky–they bring those things, too (minus the peace).  And Marissa brings excitement and big hair.  Here are some Christmas pics:

We’re also sending out our annual Christmas eCard this year.  If you don’t get it, we don’t have an up-to-date email address for you. In that case, please send us your address and view the card here.

We wish you peace, hope and joy this Christmas and throughout the coming year!

Leo passed off the 13th Article of Faith on Sunday.  She’s been working hard all year–actually, more like since July, and really, it’s not very hard for her. She just has a knack for memorizing.  She and I usually work on them at night when she’s going to bed, and it only takes a few nights for each.  The best part is that she gets up in primary on her own and recites them loud and clear (and sometimes fast).

She got $13 to celebrate her accomplishment–she gets to pick anywhere she wants to go to celebrate (and I’m rooting for Chipotle).  Tonight she told me she wished we could go to Antarctica, but she’s afraid of polar bears.

Our family took the day off from normal life today.  We all ditched our responsibilities and spent the day together, we really needed it.  Especially today. Everyone slept in a little bit then we got up and had breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  After that Leo and I spent three hours doing Christmas shopping.  If I had done it w/the two boys in tow, it would have taken me three days.  Both Fischer and Leo earned money to get each other and Rocky Christmas presents, so Leo picked out one for Fischer today and will get Rocky’s later.  Fischer bought his presents the other day and even paid for them himself to the cashier, it was really cute.  They can’t wait to wrap them.

Later on I spent time at home w/the kids while Denton did some Christmas shopping.  It was a nice, calm day, exactly what we needed.  I think it’s worth getting away from it all for one day just to be together.  It’s my all-time favorite thing to do. 

A couple weeks ago, Leo and I had a girl’s night and saw Disney on Ice!  Due to Thanksgiving and my camera being on the fritz, I’m just now getting these pics up.  Anyways, I bought the tickets back in July and I think I’ve been WAY more excited for this then Leo. 

My favorite part of the night was just watching Leo, she’s hilarious.  We went to dinner before hand, and when her platter of Grande Nachos came out, her eyes were as big as the platter.  I laughed while she downed the whole plate and talked about Kindergarten drama.  Then at the show when the characters came out, leo’s eyes about popped out of her head!  That look was worth it all!  I actually got a little emotional watching her excitement (I’m old and turning into my mom) cuz I’ve been waiting 5 1/2 years to be able to do something like this with my daughter.  So while I give Disney on Ice about a B+ having that experience w/Leo was awesome.  Now if I can just convince Denton to let us see Disney WORLD!