December

December went by in whirl wind. We tried to figure out fun things to do in San Antonio and to get some new Texas traditions started. 

We went to the Schertz Christmas parade. We've started bringing our own popcorn everywhere. The WhirlyPop has changed our little popcorn addicts lives!

 We visited several Santas. This one is in the neighborhood over with the most amazing lit up house.

 We had friends come help us put on a Nativity with a full cast for FHE one night!

 We went to the Christmas festival at the kids' elementary school. Santa was the PE teacher which I thought was a brilliant incentive to get the kids to stand in line.

 We went with friends to Sea World. Scotty wanted to touch the shark teeth like everyone else.

AND we went to the Nutcracker. I found $14 tickets on Groupon at the beginning of November. The kids were restless for about 40% of it. But I liked it! We also had the absolute worst seats in the house (like up against the very back wall!) but at least after the fact the girls dance around and still talk about it.

Then my parents came into town for the actual week of Christmas! I'm slowly catching up!

Family Pictures

I had to get these blogged before I post Christmas. My friend Kelley in our ward is an amazing photographer. I told her I wanted light and bright so we set an alarm and were out of the house at 7:45am one Saturday morning. I managed not to burn any of the girls this year with the curling wand. I love that Scotty is officially a member of the family now. His poor frame on the wall sat empty for 8 months. Poor 5th child.

Thanksgiving

We headed up to Dallas to spend Thanksgiving with David's parents so I didn't post our grateful tree. I love that we do this every year and that the kids are getting better at thinking of their own blessings instead of various things we suggest to them.

We are so blessed. I am grateful for Jesus Christ because I know every blessing up on that tree came from Him and millions more.

7

We have a 7 year old! I am getting more sparse on my posts but birthdays are still important! Ashton partied with us at home and got a new bike and walkie talkes. He spends alot of time setting up battles with bases and army guys. He loves playing outside with friends. He loves his sisters and Scotty. He is a pretty clever and funny little guy. He is still known as "Bug" to the family and we have to translate to our new friends in San Antonio when the girls talk about "Bug". I hope that nickname never gets embarrassing for him. His Dad is still his very best friend and I couldn't imagine a better oldest boy!

So my parent sent Ashton some candy, sunglasses and money for his birthday. He thought he was pretty hot stuff and he kept saying stuff like, "I'm pretty much the most awesome kid!" It was hilarious. He loves money. He is always asking what he can do to earn more and counting how much he has in his piggy bank. He's up to almost $100. Sometimes I get a little worried he'll be a greedy little miser and then he'll say something like, "Don't worry Mom, I'll buy it for you!" Or he'll ask to send some dollars to some of his cousins or friends. Then I realize he'll be just fine because he has so much generosity in those little bones!