As I was saying, Friday, December 16th was a busy day. We were getting snow and rain that morning, Steve took Nyles to the Dr for his short procedure, and I had an "early" appointment at 8am. Joann came to sit w/ Carter while I left to work and Steve was already at the hospital w/ Nyles. Apparently the Dr was behind schedule, even at 6:30 in the morning. It took over an hour or more for Nyles to be taken back, but the entire procedure was only 30 seconds and he was sedated for less than 5 minutes. Nyles came out the sedation really well, and they were able to come home.
My parents left their place that morning, trying to beat the snow storm. They made it safely to our place by 3pm, though they did find snow along their way. I was busy at work trying to get everything wrapped up, since I was going to take the rest of the year off (the last 2 weeks of the year). I've taken that time the past few years and loved it of course! This time of year is busy/hectic as it is, it's nice not to have to worry about going to work as well.
I got off a little late and didn't get home until just after 6pm. Steve had invited his parents to dinner w/ my parents, and Rob also since Steve was making ribs again and missed it last time for Steve's birthday dinner. Steve worked hard to take care of the boys and get dinner ready by the time I showed up. It was snowing pretty good most of the afternoon in Sandy, so when I showed up we had a few inches. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed visiting w/ everyone. Thanks Steve for the yummy dinner, again! I do enjoy it when he cooks :)
Snow starting to come down pretty hard at our place in Sandy.
We were only getting rain downtown SLC.
The next day I helped my mom in the kitchen as she made pies for her family dinner. Steve ended up taking my dad to his dad's place and helped move some of their stuff around so they could get ready for carpet to be installed. My parents left that afternoon to go to Sheri's house (my mom's sister) to set up and bake potatoes for their dinner. Steve went back to his dad's to help move more things. Carter, Nyles and I hung out at our place and did our normal things for Saturday: laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. My parents stayed the night at Sheri's so they could visit longer and help clean up after the party.
My mom and her brothers and sisters at their Buhler Family Christmas Party.
Back Row: Ben, Brad, Slade, Chris, Brent, Roy.
Front Row: Sheri, Alesa, Jane, Roseanne, Judy, Connie, and Cathleen (my mom).
Brad, my mom, and Slade.
Carter getting Nyles hair again and eating his toes.
Carter eating his binky strap and learning to jump!
On Sunday, December 18th, we had dinner at our place w/ Rose and Pauline and their families. We've never had that many people at our house for dinner, so it was a little chaotic. We barely had enough chairs for everyone to sit, but we managed and everyone got fed. Most important though it was nice to visit and be together.
My my holding Carter and Nyles. Elf just hanging out.
Hot chocolate bar Rose brought.
Dad, Chris, Pauline, and Summer relaxing after dinner. Ezra not wanting to smile for the picture.
My parents left Monday morning to get back home. I was glad I didn't have to go to work that morning, so I could spend a little more time w/ them. We then had a chiropractor appointment later than morning, ran some errands, and I had a dentist appointment that afternoon. Steve also went and upgraded his cell phone, so we had a busy day to say the least.
Carter trying a roll after eyeing it all night.
He's still getting used to textures, but is getting better.
On Tuesday, December 20th, Steve went out duck hunting w/ Zach Hannay after dropping Nyles off to Preschool. He was gone until the afternoon, so I went and picked him up after he was done. Steve and Zach went up to Farmington Bay. Though most of the water was frozen, they were still able to find some of the side streams open and they actually found a few ducks. They got a lot of exercise also from walking around trying to find the ducks :)
Steve w/ a duck he got.
Beautiful morning.
Zach's dog Jesse bringing a coot in.
That night Nyles got a call from "Santa" -from my work.
Beautiful sunset.
Elf taking the nativity animals.
Nyles helping to shovel the patio off.
Nyles trying to help Carter play w/ the ball, but Carter just wanting to eat it ;)
Wednesday, December 21st we went bowling as a family. Nyles and I watched a Reading Rainbow episode of the book "If you give a mouse a cookie," which Nyles really loves, where they were talking about chain reactions. They then talked about bowling and Nyles wanted to try it. Nyles has never gone so we thought, why not? We played for an hour and had a lot of fun! When we were finished he asked when we could go back again to play. We told him we'll have to see. :)
Steve rocking it at bowling. Nyles doing a great job on his first time ever bowling.
Steve helping Nyles bowl.
Carter enjoying our family activity.
Nyles helping me get the right ball.
Nyles doing it by himself now.
Carter patiently waiting as we play.
A little more help from Steve.
Steve did AWESOME both games.
Nyles did really well also. Me, not so much ;)
After bowling we decided to stop at the Draper Park down the street from our house and look at the lights. We have been wanting to go for quite some time, so we figured now is as good of time as any. Carter wasn't quite sure what was going on, but Nyles had a great time!
Nyles looking up at all the lights on the "Tree of Life" while Carter tries to figure out why it's so cold.
Quick family picture, minus Carter who was in the stroller in front of us.
Nyles being silly.
Steve and I in front of the tree.
A few other trees lit up in the park.
Elf just hanging out on the Christmas tree.
On Thursday, December 22nd, we had a McGrath Family Christmas Party in Lehi. Jeff had organized it in the clubhouse near their house. It is the same facility where their swimming pool is, but at the highest room. This room has an incredible view of the area. It's meant for receptions, so it can hold lots of people. Jeff invited all the McGraths under LuDean. Unfortunately not everyone was able to make it, but it was still a fun evening for all who attended.
Dave holding Carter.
Stacie holding Carter while we visit.
Nyles and Conor loving life. They love doing everything together.
Joann visiting w/ Santa as the kids come give him hugs.
Phill bench-pressing Conor and Nyles at the same time.
They each weigh about 40-45 lbs mind you. Good work Phill.
Nyles w/ Santa after telling him what he wanted for Christmas.
Santa holding Carter and Nyles.
Everyone singing "Jingle Bells" w/ Santa.
Nyles eating the frosting off a cupcake. As he says, "It's my favorite mom!"
Around 7pm I left to take Carter home to bed, but Steve and Nyles stayed to play some more.
Everyone playing a game like "Headbands." -the person has to guess the word above them through clues given to them.
Steve w/ LuDean.
Another game like fruit basket upset.
Nyles helping to clean up. Steve and Nyles rode home w/ Joann, who dropped them off, since I took the car.
Elf keeping his eye on us from the banister.
Just the tops of the mountains showing through the clouds.
A lot happened in a week, so I'll make another post for Christmas and the last week of the year.
