Decorating the Tree

Sunday after we returned from Flagstaff we decided it was time to decorate the tree! We reminisced about our past adventures as we looked at each ornament. We drank egg nog and listened to Christmas music. The kids loved to look at the lights and enjoy the beautiful tree. It was fun to see them decorate and they did a wonderful job. 

My cuties

Emerson is getting so big. He is now "saying" all kinds of words. The cutest are "ni ny" Lyndie, and "cruck" truck. He loves to have his back rubbed while laying on my lap. He loves to play with his cars, line them up, and drive them. He loves "poo poo" Pooh, "mween" Lightning McQueen, and "Cuh Guh" Curious George. He is loud. He loves to run and scream. He hates being buckled into his seat, but once in is resigned to the drive. He still has bright blue eyes and blonde hair. He is excited about life.

Lyndie is almost all of the way potty trained now. Ugh. She is a doll and loves to rub her head on my arm and snuggle. She sings and dances and makes up songs/stories/jokes. She loves to be "bootiful". She gives very thoughtful prayers. She is a sweetie and a breath of fresh air.

Mae ends up sleeping on our couch every night. She is energetic and loud. She loves to play and run. She thinks farts are hilarious and likes to smell them. She has a contagious, loud laugh. She is getting better at reading, but does not like practicing. She is smart and adorable.

Emmie is growing up. She is acting bigger/older. She loves to carry a purse around. She whistles/sings constantly and likes to give it her all when singing. She is creative and helpful. She lies. Must be a faze. She is helpful and kind to her sisters, but can be a pest. She is interested in learning to cook. She loves to dance and use her body.

Benton is getting old. He is a smart boy and is getting more and more independent. He loves the outdoors and legos. He enjoys reading and often does so in his bed at night. He loves to make friends and does so easily. He does not like scary things and is very sensitive with his feelings. He loves TV, especially Pokemon and has to be tempered. He likes science and learning. He still kisses his mommy.

Sunday

We had a wonderful Sunday. We started off at church in Flagstaff where we enjoyed watching the primary practice for their program and then had a wonderful meeting. Afterwards we headed to a local park for lunch. It was cool and a little rainy, but beautiful. We played on the trees and bridge and enjoyed our treats from the candy shop the day before. We then drove a ways towards the San Fransisco Peaks and enjoyed the breathtaking aspen meadows. The fall leaves were bright and beautiful. Benton found some sticks, and all of the kids enjoyed climbing trees. We were rained out again, but had plenty of time to enjoy the wonder of God's creations. About an hour in to our drive home we realized we had left Adam's tablet at church. We returned with a prayer in our heart and safely retrieved it from the Bishop. Prayers are answered. Not only that, but he called on our way home and eased our worries by informing us it was in his possession. God is good. We arrived home later than usual, but enjoyed a wonderful weekend together. I am so grateful for these sweet children and loving husband. I loved spending time enjoying my most favorite time of the year. Beautiful!

Hiking and the Observatory

We started off by hiking around Sunset Crater Volcano. Since Benton is a 4th grader this year, we get into the National Parks for free. It was about a mile long hike and very beautiful. There were lots of volcanic rock that the kids found fascinating. They loved to find caves and crevices, and stick of course. We were sprinkled on for a bit, but still enjoyed the walk. Emerson had the best seat in the house. He was just happy to be along for the ride.

Our second stop was Wuptaki National Monument. Daddy and Emerson stayed in the car and napped while the rest of us hiked the monument and learned about the people who once lived here. The kids thought the ruins were amazing and loved seeing the blowhole at the base where air escapes from the earth. They enjoyed learning and were eager to hear what our trail guide pamphlet had to say next.

This tree was right outside our hotel room and was covered in beautiful yellow and red leaves. The kids enjoyed climbing eat each time we passed.

We stopped by a local favorite, the Sweet Shoppe, for some gelato and handmade chocolates. A man asked if I had a camera and wanted to take a picture of us girls enjoying our treat because apparently it was adorable. Adam was poised, ready to run after him if he took off with our camera. Turns out he was honest and snapped a cute picture of us sitting and crowd watching.

We played at a local park and loved it. There were three or more separate play areas and large grassy areas to run. All of those munchkins love to run and climb. There was no shortage of things to do. Emerson even did the Mommy/Baby swing together with each of us as we took turns. The highlight was going down the slide and teasing each other. The weather was crisp and cool and perfect for playing.

Mae was "stuck" in this tree and claimed she needed help, but was merely playing the damsel in distress. She is a firecracker.

We went to Lowell Observatory and enjoyed seeing the telescopes and watching a presentation about our Solar System. In the middle of the presentation Lyndie let out the loudest, the longest fart I have ever heard. It was loud. And she was sitting on my lap. Giggles filled the room as we were in awe at how long that fart lasted. Cracking up. Lyndie got a little embarrassed about it though. We did not get to use the giant telescopes as it was a cloudy night and hope to return later to enjoy it! We had a very late dinner at Cracker Barrel. Emerson woke up halfway through dinner and ate a bit, but was mostly sleepy. Amazingly, by the time we returned to the hotel everyone was hyper and ready to run! We finally fell asleep after a long, fun day.