Loot pictures!

 Taylor's gifts were great this year!  He always strives to give me a great gift, so this year I was really sneaky and got him an ipad!  He has mentioned wanting one many times, but I always said we didn't need more electronic devices. 

 Taylor, of course, really spoiled me!  He got me tickets for Time Out for Women in Layton and then Kim and Kody went and bought me tons of clothes and a purse from him.  I got clothes and books and new serving bowls from Mom.  She also gave me new plates early so I could use them for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties.

 Spencer scored awesome toys and clothes! 

 Serena wearing a new outfit from Grandma Hoppie and posing with her toys.

 Carter, man he looks grown up!  Everyone knows him well and he got lots of sports related fun.

Aleeya was given great games and crafts and clothes!

Christmas 2012-at home

 Serena opening her Santa gift-Tinkerbell roller skates!

 Carter thrilled with his Santa gift-Pokeman cards!

 Spencer had fun opening presents, with lots of assistance from his sisters!

Aleeya LOVES her Barbie and the Popstar DVD and she also got the Barbie Doll.

Christmas Morning 2012

The traditional picture of the presents and tree after all the presents have been delivered.  I felt abundantly blessed as I viewed the fun waiting for the children. 

Dearden Christmas Party

 At the annual Dearden Extended Family Christmas Party, the children received a visit from Santa.  Grandma Dear, with the help of elves (this year Camille), gets each of the children really nice presents.  Carter got a hot wheels racer ramp.

 Serena got a magnetic dress-up doll.

 Aleeya got a little peoples car.

Spencer got a little people helicopter.

Gratitude Turkey

 Serena posing by our Gratitude Turkey and a turkey she made in school.

I loved what the kids put on their feathers.  We try and do one every day in November, but we miss a few days and then do some extra.  The first day we started, this is what Serena wanted on her feather-she wanted this all on one- "Thankful for church with my family. I love Jesus. I love Heavenly Father. I love everything that is beautiful in the world."  It warmed my heart to hear her share her feelings. 

The first thing that Carter wrote that he was thankful for was "Me."  I am so glad that he has appreciation for himself.  I hope he keeps that throughout his life.  Some other Carter favorites: food-meetballs, Pokeman, and Erth.  He would illustrate his feathers also.

Some that Aleeya said, "Toys, Blankie, Clothes, Shoes, Shopping." Another day she said "Spencie." 

This is a simple tradition that makes me feel like we do more for Thanksgiving than just eat!

Thanksgiving

 We got new glasses so we could have a fancy table setting for Thanksgiving.  Carter filled them with different amounts of water and made an instrument.

As a surprise, Serena set the table for me.  I was so impressed that she knew how to put it together correctly.

Layton Lights Before Christmas!

 We have made it a traditon to go to the Layton Lighting Ceremony.  We enjoy school choirs singing at the High School and then walk over to the park.  I noticed the tent set up and figured that was were Santa was located, so we headed down that way for the count down.  After the count down and the lights went on, we were the first in line for Santa! Awesome! 

Over the course of the holiday season we drove through the lights seven times.

Halloween Dinner!

 Our Second Annual Halloween Dinner!  Spaghetti brains, witches finger bread sticks, egg eyeballs, orange jack-o-lanterns, mouse cheese balls, candy corn cake pops, orange cookies and kitty litter cookies.

Aleeya Birthday Party at the Park!

 Celebrating Aleeya and Hayden's birthday at the park!

Next door neighbors, friends and exact birthday buddies!

 I expected that we would just have muffins and play, but Aleeya's wonderful friends brought her lots of gifts!

 Aleeya LOVES make-up and this kit was a dream.  Taylor called later in the day and she said, "I am glorious and my make-up is super hot."

Ashlie Christensen, Millie Smith, Haylie Curtin

Birthday Hats!

 Our neighbor, Carlee, made the kids these darling birthday hats!

North Logan July 24th Celebration

 We celebrated July 24th in North Logan.  After the traditional parade we went to the park for the festivities.  This basketball shooting game is Carter's favorite! 

 The only thing we paid for was this pony ride for the girls.

 The Youth Council had TONS of games for the children to play for free.  I counted seventeen games that they were able to enjoy.

Happy Birthday to Me!

 All of the children helped me open presents! 

Fourth of July Parade

 Serena and Aleeya have been participating in a music camp this summer and they performed in the Layton Parade.   They had matching patriotic outfits and looked so cute!

June Birthday Celebration

Family Celebration for Carter and Serena with Hoppie's and Dearden's.

Spencer sleeping with Granny Dearden.

Modeling the cute new shirt from Grandma Hoppie.

This shirt was made for Carter!

Babies got drool!