Christmas

 A few days before Christmas Sea World advertised "buy one, get one" season passes. We were on the fence about whether to get season passes this year or not. The sale sealed the deal for us but there was one catch. It had to be activated at the part before the first week of January. We looked up the weather and Christmas Eve was forecasted to be 77 degrees so we decided it was a perfect day to go to Sea World.

 We got there and the kids went on a few kiddie rides and then begged to go into the splash park area. Since we knew we weren't staying for very long we let the kids get soaked. They were the only ones in the water area and they had a blast.

We went home and cooked our dinner of apetizers quickly and then opened Christmas jammies.

Bug is so happy to finally have matching jammies with a brother.

And the girls were thrilled with new nightgowns.

We did our nativity program again. Posing for the picture is the only thing that goes well for this. Lucy begged to play Mary so we decided Scotty should be Joseph. They ended up fighting over the doll the entire time so I was grateful we didn't wake up Rachel from her nap to play the part of baby Jesus. 

You guys, I didn't get a single picture from Christmas morning. The kids got a few awesome toys but the $35 Kindle Fires from Amazon and headphones stole the prize. The kids love them.

I made them all sign a contract about not complaining and the time limit rules. They all obliged and we are happy they quit borrowing our tablets. They all have linked up, even Lucy, to play Minecraft which is hilarious. Mallie one day told me she had to kill a sheep because it fell into her swimming pool and it was the only way to get it out.

December

My parents stayed with us through the first week of December. We dragged them all over San Antonio. One of our favorite activities, besides getting Shipleys Donuts every other day, was Top Golf.

 We loved having them with us for so long. I realized when they left I hadn't done laundry in over 2 weeks. They were my post partum angels. They got the kids to school every morning so I could sleep in. They made having 6 kids seem like a breeze. They also taught the ward What a treat to get them for so long before they head down to Africa on their mission.

My Mom bonded with her grandmother's namesake.

We went ice skating for the YW Christmas Party!

Our Bishop and his wife spoiled the kids and got their a gingerbread house kit.

Hannah got to decorate a gingerbread house at school.

Mallie grew a shark tooth.

 We drove around Windcrest and saw the most incredible Christmas Lights on not just one house but tons of houses throughout the entire city.

December was awesome!

Family Pictures

Once a year we doll ourselves up and get family pictures done. David never complains and is super helpful while I do hair and make everyone get their outfits approved. This year Ashton started to complain about taking pictures and David gave him a short talk about how this is what mom wants once a year so this is what we do for her. It was sweet to hear him say suck it up and do it for mom. This year we spent 20 minutes outside cold and trying to avoid mud... I was pretty sure by the end of the shoot our photographer didn't have much to work with. I was wrong. The results were pretty amazing and she made us look like a well groomed happy family...

The candid pictures were my favorites this year.

And if you think we got this picture on the bottom without some photoshopped heads you are crazy! Everyone looking in one direction and smiling would have been a miracle so I am grateful for the editing magic that went down to get us this gem. And David and Ashton will tell you how grateful they are that this happens once a year!

A Baptism and Baby Blessing

The 28th was a pretty special day for our family. Ashton was so excited to be baptized. He told the Bishop in his interview that we weren't making him be baptized but that he really did want to be baptized and it was his choice. Bishop also mentioned later that when he talked about getting to live in Heaven again because we are baptized Ashton said he was pretty excited about that because his Grandpa Marv was there. I always tell him that's one of the reasons that he was named Ashton so it's pretty special to hear that he feels that connection with him also. The baptism was awesome and Ashton even played "High On The Mountain Top" on the piano for the musical number.

So grateful for David being a worthy priesthood holder and a great Dad! After Ashton came out of the water and David hugged Ashton my heart wanted to burst. I love these two boys.

After Ashton was confirmed Rachel was blessed.

David's parents drove down and we were so happy to have them here.

My parents were here too and my Mom graciously did all the logistical stuff like making punch and setting out cookies so I didn't have to worry about that at all.

I always want to say I love"our little family". The kids are little but I guess we've grown far beyond little.

What a great day. The church of Jesus Christ is on the earth again and I am so grateful for that knowledge!

Ashton turns 8!

Birthdays are pretty mellow at our house. We let them pick out their dinner and somewhere fun to go but it's rare the kids have friend parties. David and I talked about letting Ashton do a friend party this year and we pulled off a surprise for him. My parents were in town so my Dad took Ashton to McDonalds while I picked up 3 of his friends. When he came back in he was shocked when he opened the door. It was hilarious. It took him a little while to get excited. David took the boys to go play laser tag while I stayed home. They had a blast.

Bad lighting but here he is with his budies.

Then they came home for cake and ice cream. Ashton is hilarious and smart. He keeps us on our toes with his negotiating skills. Sometimes I find myself debating with him and I have to stop myself and say he is 8 this isn't necessary. His Dad is his favorite playmate and he is a very responsible oldest kiddo. He loves to read and has become a pretty good little piano player in less than a year. He is always making up games for he and his buddies and sisters to play. I love this boy!!