Grandpa's & Grandma Lori's Sleepover

Our festivities continued as Grandpa & Grandma Lori came to stay with us. Lori had asked the girls what they wanted for Christmas when we were together at Thanksgiving. They told her that they wanted skateboards. I had no idea that when they told her they "wanted" skateboards they really meant that they "wanted skateboards more than anything else, and if they happened to get them it would be the highlight of their year, if not their lives". And they didn't think they could even hope to actually get a skateboard because in Mom's mind skateboards mean skinned knees, broken bones, and stitches. Well, Grandpa & Grandma Lori made all their dreams come true when they delivered 3 skateboards, and protective gear as an early Christmas gift. The excitement was through the roof. I don't know if I've ever seen kids so thrilled. It was really fun to watch and unforgettable. It was a great gift for me too since the skateboards helped keep the kids entertained in the crazy days leading up to Christmas.

POST SKATEBOARD EXCITEMENT

We ended the night with one of our favorite December traditions, reading Christmas stories. As you can see we were all exhausted from the exhilarating evening. Thanks Grandpa & Grandma Lori. We can't wait for more sunny days to perfect our skills.

Note to Self: Sign up for more accident insurance ;)

Weekend with Grandma

Grandma & The Girls

Grandma & Kade came up North for an early Christmas celebration. Grandma got a room at the Marriott so that she could have some special grandma time with the kids. They went to the Grand America Hotel to see the famous window displays and enjoy a special treat (only Grandmas allow you to have treats before dinner). Later they were nice enough to allow Jesse, Logan, and I to join them for dinner and then we all went to look at the lights at temple square. It doesn't matter what the thermometer says its always FREEZING at Christmas time on temple square, but somehow in the cool temperatures our hearts were warmed as we enjoyed this tradition and remembered the real reason for the season. Jesse, Logan, and I were then politely asked to leave so more spoiling could take place. We all agreed that memories are the best, most lasting gift you can receive. We will always remember our Christmas memories in the city. Thanks Grandma and Kade!

Natural Disaster - Dec 1, 2011

Before and After

We lost our huge pine tree in our backyard because of the windstorm that blasted Bountiful with winds that reached up to 110 miles

an hour. The tree fell to the West and miraculously missed our neighbor's house by inches. The wind was not only strong, it was freezing cold. We spent a sleepless night listening to it howl, and blow things around. We got up about 6:00 am and realized our tree was down, but somehow our trampoline had stayed put. We decided we better get the trampoline down fast. My hands and ears were freezing as we worked to untie the knots holding the pad down. We witnessed miracles throughout the neighborhood and community. There were over a thousand trees that went down that night, and we didn't hear of any injuries and very little major damage.

Thanksgiving 2011 at Grandpa David's & Grandma Lori's

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend in Whiterocks. The weather was pretty nice for the end of November and we were able to get out and enjoy the mountain air.

Lexi was completely grossed out by the turkey, but the rest of us enjoyed one of the best birds ever along with all the fixins. Grandma Lori is such an amazing chef! It was a treat for all of us to be able to eat all of her culinary creations on Thanksgiving day.

Logan finally got pumpkin pie! Since we went to the pumpkin patch in October he had been asking if I could make him pumpkin pie. Being the great mom that I am I never made it for him. So he was thrilled when he finally got to eat Lori's pumpkin pie. It was delicious, of course.

Lexi loved it too!

Lydia loves the wide open space and being in the country.

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for a fun, memorable Thanksgiving!

Sisters

Brother and Sisters

Logan - Fall 2011

Age - 2 1/2

We are so grateful for our little "boy". He tells us all the time that he is a boy. "I a boy, Logan Jesse Bell." He loves cars, trucks, trains, bikes, wagons, and pretty much anything with wheels. He keeps us on our toes as he explores and discovers so much each day. Its pretty amazing that a 2 year old can rule the roost, but he does. He has us all wrapped around his finger and he knows it. Logan is a show off and loves to make all of us laugh. One day I asked him if I could count on him. He responded "Yes Mom" and then pointed to his stomach and said "one, two, three . . ." I love this age and try to take mental pictures and notes each day because I know he won't be my "little boy" for long.

LEXI - Fall 2011

Age - 7

Lexi is still our squirm worm, cuddle bug. Her Nana gave her that nick name when she was a few months old and it still fits. Her bouncy, sassy, silly, giggly personality comes bubbling out and brightens our world. I love being with Lexi because her excitement for life is contagious and you just can't help but smile and laugh when she is around. At the same time she melts our hearts with her sweetness. She would do almost anything for anyone if she knows it will make them happy. She loves taking care of Logan and she understands what he needs and wants better than anyone else.

LYDIA - November 2011

Age - 8 3/4

Lydia was not excited about getting her picture taken, but she faked it pretty well. I love my almost 9 year old. She is the best biggest sister ever - very responsible and hard working. Lydi is determined to conquer whatever she sets her mind to - school work, soccer, dance, back handsprings. I might be a little bias but I think she is super smart. She recently won 2nd place in her school spelling bee where she competed with 3rd to 6th graders. She is

really sensitive to others' feelings and is always aware of how her actions are impacting others. Lydia tries to do whats right and wants others to do the same. She inspires me to be better and try harder because that is what she is always trying to do.

FAMILY PICTURES - November 2011

Why is it so hard to get family pictures done? All I can think is that it must be REALLY important because it seems like we have every force working against us when we try to do family pictures. We haven't had a professional family photo done for 5 years. We decided we couldn't put it off any longer, so on a bright Fall day we went to a plaza in downtown Salt Lake and said Cheese until our cheeks were sore. It was sunny but cold and breezy, hence the watery eyes and crazy hair. I love those precious little faces so much! I hope these pictures help me to remember our sweet kids as they are right now because they are growing and changing so quickly.

Easter Sunday 2011

Logan - Our Truck Lovin' Boy - Turned 2