Christmas!

This year it was a good old Grantsville Christmas. In the Allen Family (my side) we have a few traditions.

We start on the 23rd with Temple Square Lights. It was so beautiful!...

Christmas Eve pajamas! The Girls...

The Guys (their shirts got lost amidst all the other Christmas presents)...

And Dad (I think he felt left out without orange pants :) )...

We tried to get one with Grandma and the Grandkids. And, yes, this was the best we could get...

Then we played games and all piled in the basement to fall asleep to Scrooge. In the morning I'm sure you can guess who was waking up who because Santa came. That's right, all the adults were gathered around Brecken trying to get her up on Christmas morning. She just kept pullin' that blanket back over her head...

Ok! Sleepy Head is UP!...

And Sleepy Heads 2 & 3...



Passing out the presents. We take turns opening them one at a time. Yes, it's murder on a three year old (notice we found the missing pajama shirts)...

Brecken's turn! What is it? What is it???...

It' a Hula Hoop!...

More presents! (3 year old heaven)...

And here she is with all her Christmas loot...

It seems shallow to only talk about the fun, games, and presents on a Christmas post, so I'll end with with my testimony. I know the Savior lives. I know He was born in a stable. He could have come in Glory and Wealth, but he chose to come in Humility, because He is Humble. He is Perfect. I know He is there for me when I let Him. He has been there for me through the hardest times in my life, and He is there with me in the Happiest. It is because of Him that I am Happy. And it is through Him that my family can be together forever. It is through Him that we will see our daughter, Kamry, again. He has done so much for me, and He continues to do so much for me, every day. I am so grateful for His sacrifice. I am grateful for His Humble birth and hope that I can become Humble, and more like our Savior.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!!!

The Best Five Years

Russ and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary on December 20th!! Crazy! It really has been the best five years. I got the better half of the deal I think. Russ is just perfect!!!

Russ took me to Little America (complete with no kids) where we had spent our wedding night (so romantic). We had their amazing breakfast buffet (seriously. amazing.) and then Russ took me to The Roof for dinner... which was also amazing (especially their creme brulee). My parents tagged along too (just to dinner... not the hotel) which was so fun! (the 20th is also my dad's birthday... what a coincidence :) ) It was perfect! Everything!

So I was going to share pictures of our honeymoon suite and dinner, but... I forgot my camera.... then I was going to share lots of pics of the last five years, but.... I'm lazy. So instead you get an engagement picture, a wedding picture, and one of us now. I know. Boring.

Thanks for everything Babe! You are the best!

Another First!

After three and a half years the only time I had attempted to cut Brecken's hair was with her bangs (big mistake) So.... Brecken was in the bathroom, her hair was wet, and I had a whim....

Here we go! Yes, she was as nervous as she looks...



But she sat there like a champ :)...



Admiring her locks...



And TADA!!!!!...



Showing off the new do :)...



Ok, so it's a LOT shorter than I wanted.... especially when it's curly :( Next time we'll stick to the pros. But, hey, what's done is done. She's still cute :)

Who's Ringabell?

I was in the Living Room while Brecken and Russ were in the kitchen and I overheard the following conversation :

After trying to jog Brecken's memory of who somebody was...

Russ: Does that ring a bell?

Brecken: Who's Ringabell?

Russ: No, ring a bell isn't a person, it's a saying.

Brecken: But who is Ringabell?

Russ: No, it means to remember. When I say "Does that ring a bell?" that means "Do you remember?"

Brecken: I don't remember Ringabell.

Russ: No, honey, ring a bell isn't a person. It means to remember.

Brecken: Oooooooh! I get it! Ringabell isn't a person. She's just pretend!

I'm pretty sure she didn't get it, but in her defense: Annabell, Isabell, Ringabell... I see her logic :)

How to Keep a Three Year Old Occupied for Hours...

Give Her a Box of Paper Clips :)....

Three Year Olds are Funny

I went into Brecken's room this morning while Brecken was sleeping and the following occured:

Brecken: (opening her eyes) Is it Sunday?

Me: Nope

Brecken: Why are you waking me up?

Me: We're just gonna clean your room this morning.

Brecken: I have a baby in my tummy.

Me: Oh you do huh?

Brecken: No, no, no, no. Not a real baby just pretend.

Me: Oooooh! A pretend baby.

Brecken then pulls back the covers and climbs out of bed...

Oh! I couldn't stop laughing. I'm still chuckling! She must have slept in that all night... How uncomfortable!!! But funny :)

Where's Taylor?

Russ caught this one on camera and I thought it was too cute!

And the culprit :)

Thanksgiving!

It was a Grantsville Thanksgiving this year. It was so wonderful to be with family and friends... being thankful for family and friends and food...

Here's Brecken Early Thanksgiving morning



And the Preparing of the feast...



I helped a little. A very little...



And amidst the Thanksgiving festivities there was a Birthday!



My little sis Hannah's Birthday once again fell on Thanksgiving. Happy Birthday Han!! Isn't she cute??



I think my sister in law Kari put it best:

Cook. Cook. Cook.
Eat. Eat. Eat.
Pie. Pie. Pie.

And for the Allen's I would add:

Phase. Phase. Phase.
Eat. Eat. Eat.

Yes we had the Third Annual Allen Thanksgiving Phase Ten Game

This picture was taken around 3 o'clock in the morning. The game itself lasted until 5..... Yes. Insane.



Happy Thanksgiving!