3rd Week of December

We had a fun week finishing up work and school.  I worked Monday and Tuesday and Nyles had school through Wednesday.  It was great to finish up for the year!  Here are some highlights.

The boys wanted to build a fort, so Steve put up a tent instead.

More of Buddy, our "Elf on the Shelf."
Every morning the first thing the boys would do would be to go find the elf.

We took the boys to Zoo Lights as part of my work Holiday celebration.  Instead of doing a work party where no family was invited, after much feedback from the employees, they decided to do this instead where we could bring our family.  Though we didn't see many animals, it was still fun to get out and enjoy time together as a family.  Ironically Steve took me to Zoo Lights 10 years ago when we were engaged.  It brought back good memories.

Cute Nyles and Carter ready to go!

Nyles and Carter in front of the "elephant" and by the lions.

The next day Steve left w/ Rob to go up to Idaho to go duck hunting.  After the kids got out of school, Pauline and I met at the Aquarium to find the hidden elves and look at the animals.   

Nyles and Carter had so much fun, we went back Thursday and Friday also. 

Divers cleaning the tank.

Carter is getting so brave and willing to venture out more.

We also went to the park since it was quite warm, 48 degrees. 
It was nice to be outside and not freeze completely.

Elf found the temple!

 While we were having fun at home, Steve and Rob were hunting ducks in Idaho.
They didn't get any geese like they normally do, but they still had fun getting the ducks.

Steve got his grades posted.  He got all A's, which is incredible all by itself, but even more so considering he started 3 weeks late.  Steve worked really hard to not only catch up but he also excelled!  Good work Steve!  He's excited to start his rotations at the hospital in January as well.

 

2nd Week of December

The 2nd week of December was long yet short.  I was pretty busy at work, considering the market volatility, and trying to wrap up before heading out for 2 weeks for the Holidays.  Steve finished his finals the week before, but has still been studying in preparation to taking his Physics board,  hopefully soon.  Nyles and Carter have been counting down until Christmas with their Advent Calendars.  They love getting a chocolate every morning. :)  Here are some other highlights.

Carter taking a ride on Nyles.  They do this quite often and both actually enjoy it.  It's pretty cute to see.  Carter pretending to be asleep in our bed.  Silly boy.

Steve took the boys to the Aquarium one afternoon.  They have elf on the shelf hidden w/ the animals and reptiles, so it's even more fun for the kids.  Nyles and Carter at the Aquarium play area.  Carter can now go up to the top level by himself!

They're playing a 13 minute 4-D version of the Polar Express also at the Aquarium.  Carter actually LOVES the movie.  Luckily we have it on demand at home as well so he can watch the whole thing.  He says "choo choo" when he wants to watch it.  It's his new favorite movie now.

Steve put the boats away at LuDean's place for the winter.  

Nyles got a call from Santa one night, which he thought was pretty neat!

The elf.  We got a little bit of snow while I was at work last week as well.

The boys also love watching "Despicable Me 3" these days or "minions" as Carter calls it.

Steve took the boys to the duck pond one afternoon.

They took turns skipping rocks.

My parents came down over the weekend for my mom's family Christmas dinner on Saturday night.  Since they were going to be down, we invited Pauline and Rose over for dinner Friday.  After dinner we played Charades and Pictionary, Christmas style.  

The elf just hanging out next to our shoes.

Ezra acting out a rocking horse and Carter mimicking him.

     

More Charades w/ Nyles and Charlotte acting out things.

Chris' turn.

Now Rose.  Carter was so excited to help out.

On to Christmas Pictionary.  Charlotte w/ Rudolf.

My dad drawing Rudolf as well, and my mom keeping Carter busying on another white board.

Dad helping Nyles w/ his turn.

Chris and Ezra.

Steve's turn.

And Pauline.

Chris again.

Charlotte helping Carter draw one.

Matt's turn.

Ava's turn.

And Nyles again.

Elf hiding out.

The next afternon we were able to go to the Draper Temple together and do sealings.  Rose brought some names, and so did my dad, but we were only able to get to Rose's names.  We did a few more that others brought in as well.  It was a wonderful experience.  The Spirit was especially strong as Rose and my dad did the last name, which was a Hegerhorst cousin (Hegerhorst last name even).  It's always great to be in the temple, and even more special when you have your family with you.  We are so thankful to have temples so close and to be part of this work.  We love you all!!!