New Years Eve

We like a good new years party in our family, and we've celebrated quite a few with our friends the Draper's. We always have plenty of food and this little Mister helped himself to the chocolate covered pretzels. I was helping Grams in the kitchen and he found the jack pot in the living room. He had one completely clean and three others in his mouth. Who can blame the boy, they are delish.

There was no way I was going to keep this little sass pants up past his bed time. So, since I'm that mom, we had a little New Year Photo -op before he went up to bed. I love this little man! The twinkle in his eye and his expressions when he discovers something new make me so happy.

Puzzles are an essential part of all Keetch/Draper New Years Eve celebrations. Generally they keep us going until close to or after midnight depending on the puzzle. This year though, these crazies had it finished almost before I knew they had started it. I didn't even do one piece! I guess that could have been because I was chasing and entertaining these darling faces.

Mister Hayze hanging out with Auntie Jo.

Big happenings this year, Chris surprised Erin with the question she's been longing to say 'yes' to. She was caught completely by surprise, I love that!

We managed to get in some Tenzie and Greed before midnight.

We were happy to have Uncle Adam staying with us for a few days. He had been visiting Camarie's family in St. George and Cody couldn't have his brother that close without getting a couple days of hunting in. They had been out all day and being the good sports that they are, they came. My hubby knows I'm a little silly about traditions.

Sweet Miss Sadie did all she could to stay awake but if you notice the clock, so close and yet so far.

Mya on the other hand was ready to go. All day she was concerned about if she was going to be able to use a noisemaker and wear a crown. All her wishes were granted. We had to get creative because she had to have her Frozen earmuffs on as well.

I feel like every New Year should involve fireworks, and a burning evergreen. This year the tree needed a wee bit of encouragement but not to worry, Tyson and Scott were ready with a little liquid encouragement. It's a miracle that they both have any facial hair left.

Another year with this sweet little redhead. She is growing up and I'm not sure if I appreciate time passing so quickly.

My incredible Mom and Dad. I am so very blessed to have had these amazing people as an example in my life.

Scott and Laura the cute little newlyweds.

Mr. Eli, he was going strong to the very end. Our girls were out cold on the couch and he was on the run! And this Boy's dimple and smile will melt you.

20 minutes after midnight, Happy New Year to all and to all a good night.

Snow Much Fun!

The snowfall this year just called to these little ladies every day. Sadie would use her big sad eyes and beg to play 'dig up snow'. We tried to build a snowman one afternoon but the snow wouldn't cooperate. So we made a snow castle instead. 

Their other favorite game was to have me burry one of their toys so they could search for it.

My little snow angel.

Daddy got in on the fun Christmas eve while I was baking.

Grams and Grandpa invited us over to try out their new Christmas tube.

I love these boys so very much! I love when we have time together as a family.

These cuties were loving life! They were cheering and hollering every time around the circle.

Hayze even hopped on and took a few turns around with Grams.

Grandpa was going to pass on his turn but when one of his little girls asks he can't say no.

The Day after Christmas...

I woke up this afternoon, yes it was afternoon... I worked last night. I woke up to the girls having the time of their lives playing with their My Little Ponies and their new pony palace. (Which is actually a doll house but since my girls don't do dolls Santa brought it for their ponies). Cody said they had been playing all morning long. I loved listening to them. Their little imaginations were running full force. I was a little surprised at how full my heart was watching and listening to them. I was so happy that they were enjoying their gifts so much and so thankful for the growing relationship that they have with each other.

That afternoon was so peaceful and I was so happy to spend it snuggled up in the poof with Cody watching our children. It was one of those lazy days that I could have used to accomplish some things before I headed back to work that night. You know like, laundry or picking up some of the after Christmas chaos. But, I'm glad I didn't.

Christmas 2013

My cute little ladies showing off their new jammies. I feel like each and every year the adventure of preparing Christmas for these sweet little people becomes more enjoyable. This year has been the first that they have both had things that they really wanted, and their wish lists remained quite constant.

Christmas Eve Cuties

Sadie (3) Hayze (9m) Mya (5)

This little man was awake and ready to play bright and early. He and I had some hang out time before daddy woke up. Sadie and Mya must have been having wonderful dreams because we finally had to wake them up at 8:30. 

Stockings are always the first order of business. This feels a bit backwards to me because growing up that was always what I saved until almost last.

Eventually they decided to open presents. I had to giggle because Santa Clause had brought them a doll house and they would glance at it but weren't quite ready to acknowledge it until a little later.

Little Miss Sadie, also know as Queen Elsa, was super excited to receive her crown and jewels.

'One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly.'

My Little Ponies were at the very top of these ladies wish lists and Santa did not disappoint them. They also finally figured out that their doll house was palace for their ponies.

These faces! It makes my heart so happy.

We were excited to have Grams and Grandpa here to celebrate with us.

Little Mister didn't quite know what to think about the commotion or the wrapping papers but once he discovered his present from Santa he was happy.

We had to scurry over to Grams and Grandpa's by 10 to talk to Uncle McKay. It was so great to visit with him. He had sent home some Swedish candies, all of which were delicious except a very special little treat that Dad, Mom and Ty were brave enough to try. I think he enjoyed watching their reactions. It was slightly surreal to think that it was the last time we would talk to him before he comes home.

Uncle Ty and Aunt Hallah knew the way to their hearts. The couldn't get these ponies out of the package fast enough.