I had the last week of the year off as well, so we got to spend more time together as a family. We were planning to go visit my parents in Idaho, but it was supposed to snow all week, so we didn't want to travel in bad weather and decided to stay home. Here are some highlights of the week.
Carter giving Hudson a ride in his truck. The boys w/ their stuffed animals from Aunt Diane.
And Piper passed out on her bed :)
Nyles and Carter playing w/ their Legos. Nyles got his castle and dragon put together!
We got more snow!
Since it snowed we decided to go to the Aquarium w/ Pauline and her kids.
Hudson going down the slide. Lincoln and Hudson trying to get up to go down the slide.
Looking at the penguins and Nyles sitting on the whale.
Carter and Hudson w/ their matching Pokémon PJs from Christmas. There was ice forming on our tires when we got out of the Aquarium, kinds crazy. Cute Hudson waking up from his nap.
Steve and I celebrated our anniversary by going to the Jordan River Temple (the temple we were married in 13 years ago on January 2nd, 2009) and doing a session together. It was wonderful to be in the temple together again. Silly Hudson w/ his blankets. :)
With more snow we decided to go sledding again. We took Hudson for the 1st time as well.
I took him down w/ me and he LOVED it! So much fun!
Nyles took Hudson down a few times as well.
Nyles and Carter went down the bigger hill while Hudson and I stayed on the little one.
The next day we went to Thanksgiving Point at the Butterfly exhibit.
There were beautiful flowers in the exhibit as well, so of course I had to take pictures :)
Look at this cool butterfly w/ transparent wings.
Steve got the butterfly and was able to transfer it to Nyles. Nyles thought it was pretty cool!
Pretty butterflies!
Nyles w/ cool butterflies on him.
More fun at the butterfly exhibit and playground.
Cute Hudson looking out our bedroom window (I'm holding him), looking out at Steve in the driveway. Hudson going up the steps at the Aquarium to come down the slide. Piper waiting for the snow to fall from the tree so she could bite it. Silly Piper :)
And we got MORE SNOW!
Another 6 inches or so. Steve taught Nyles to use the snow blower, which he thought was pretty fun. Carter playing on the playground w/ the snow.
Fun in snow!
Steve told Rob about the butterfly exhibit and Rob wanted to go too, so he took him the next day, New Year's Eve. I stayed home w/ Hudson while he took a nap. They had a great time.
They were able to hold a lot of butterflies!
They were very friendly, especially w/ Rob.
Pretty butterflies, and the transparent wing one again.
They were having such a great time, they decided to go over to the Dinosaur Museum as well.
They even found one of the hidden gnomes!
Even though it was pretty snowy, we were able to make it over to LuDean/Diane's for a New Year's Eve get together. Dave, Joann, Carrie, Ryan and Lynsie came as well, along w/ Carrie's friend Lara. We had dinner, then played a game together. It was a lot of fun!
On Saturday, New Year's Day, Nyles and Carter had fun playing in the snow pile in front the of mailbox pushed there by the snowplows. It was their "fort" for the day. They played for like 3 hours and didn't stop until they realized they actually were cold. Hudson LOVES the vacuum and goes over to the closets to get it any chance he can, silly kid. Piper LOVES to play ball, even in the snow. And Hudson also LOVES to take baths and splash! Cute boys :)
Nyles and Carter playing on their "fort" more and they put a cup of water out to see how quickly it would freeze. It only took a couple hours. The boys thought it was pretty cool.
On Sunday, January 2nd, it was our "real" anniversary. We went to church like normal and had Steve's family dinner get together that evening, this time at Jeff/Kim's place. They sang us "Happy Anniversary." We also put together a puzzle over a few days, which was fun! I'm so thankful for Steve in my life and that he is my eternal companion. I am so blessed because of him.
The boys also like to build "forts" in the house w/ blankets and pillows.
They all think it's pretty fun, including Hudson.
I love the New Year, not only is it our anniversary, but it's a great time to look back over the year to see what we've accomplished and set new goals. Happy New Year!!! I know we're all hoping for a great year!
Great quote and reminder.
It's also a great time to set spiritual goals. From our dear prophet, President Nelson:
I’m sure many of you are setting aside time today to write down your resolutions for the coming year. May I make a few suggestions?
First, resolve to strengthen your spiritual foundation. This may involve setting a specific time and place to study the scriptures, praying more often, making temple worship a bigger priority, and letting God prevail in all aspects of your life.
Second, resolve to be kind to others. When the Savior Jesus Christ visited the Americas, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, one of the first things He taught was the need to eliminate contention in our lives. So, please be compassionate, be understanding, be slow to judge, and be quick to forgive.
Third, resolve to be resolute. The Lord loves effort. The Lord loves consistency. The Lord loves steadfastness. While we surely will come up short from time to time, our persistent efforts to hear Him and follow the inspiration He gives us will help us to “wax strong in the Spirit” (Mosiah 18:26).
May God bless you, my dear friends, and may this be a wonderful year of purpose and possibilities for all of us.
