This Week...

Hudson insisted on dressing himself. (And yes, he did pick out the shorts, the tie, the socks, the shoes, the shirt, the necklace, the bracelet, the bag and the belt. He is quite the unique dresser. I picked the word unique, because it is a kind way of saying what I am thinking.)



I raked up all of the leaves in our backyard into one big pile for the kids to play in. I don’t think I have ever raked that large of a pile before. At least not to Elle and I’s recollection. Elle, Hudson, and our neighbors thought it was the best pile ever—thanks for boosting my ego—and had so much fun jumping and playing in the monstrosity of leaves.



We celebrated Johnny’s birthday in style. There was cake, there were candles—all 31 of them—there were presents, there was sushi, and there was a movie—in the theater. The kids and I had so much fun making Johnny’s day extra special. Elle wanted to help with everything, and she loved surprising her daddy with presents and a homemade cake. But the highlight for Johnny and I was getting to go out on a date to both a dinner and a movie. That is not something that happens too often for us, due to the fact of the length of time it takes to do both. We usually have to pick one or the other. But thanks to the ever giving Bridget, we got to do both. And it was the perfect birthday gift.





We started our advent calendar. This year, instead of little prizes, I decided to have a Christmas related, or simply a fun activity to do each day. I have tried to keep all of them free or cost minimal. It has been fun planning and keeping it all a secret. I thought this would be a more fun and exciting way to count down to Christmas. And I guess I was right, because Elle has just loved it thus far. So far, we have decorated our house (day #1), gone to a Christmas concert at the library (day #1)...



we went to a puppet show at the library (day #2), made glass necklaces—Elle’s favorite so far (day #2)...



we built a caboose for our Christmas train (day #3), we went to Paws and Claws at the zoo (day #3), we went to a Fancy Nancy tea party at the library—another favorite (day #3)...



we decorated Christmas cookies (day #4), and watched the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional (Day #4). It has been a packed and exciting first four days. And to think we have 25 of them.




Hudson quite easily managed—as he always does—to spill salt all over my counter. He thought it was exceptionally funny. But unfortunately for him, I found it exceptionally naughty.



Johnny and I attended the last home football game for BSU. So much fun. I love going to the games with Johnny. We had tons of fun cheering, laughing and talking. And even though it was freezing, we loved it.