Austin is 6!

Austin turned 6! I started the tradition of decorating the tree for Austin's birthday. He seems to like it.

He opened presents throughout the day since he couldn't wait for Jake to come home- a few in the morning, a few in the afternoon, and he saved one for when Jake came home.

He had cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and hot chocolate for breakfast- the breakfast of champions!

That night for dinner he chose ravioli (I was really surprised he didn't pick pizza) and wanted spamoni cake. That cake is a Williams' family tradition, every frosting is a different flavor.

Austin is a fun, happy kid. He is reading really well and likes to ride his bike but his favorite thing to do it watch tv.  It's hard to do much else when it's so cold outside! We are happy to have Austin in our family.

Music

Kaylee had her last Christmas Concert of her elementary career! She was so excited about this concert. I thought she didn't like to sing (she told me so every primary program) but she had a big smile on her face during this performance. Maybe she just likes the applause that they don't get at church. It was well done and we enjoyed it! 

That night was Kaylee and Brooke's piano recital. 

These girls have improved a lot and I'm proud of them for how well they did.

Birthday and lights

Having a December birthday makes parties hard. Everyone is so busy and I didn't want to have a big party so we invited Austin's BFF Talmage to lunch and play. What's more exciting to kids than a happy meal and an indoor play area?

Maybe adding in some ice cream cones!

That night we went to Scentsy headquarters to see the lights for FHE.

I love this tunnel!

By the end the kids were really tired of me taking pictures.

Party Weekend

Jake's work party was at the Egyptian Theater. The invited all their clients, had free popcorn, candy, drinks, and watched Miracle on  34th Street.

These kids really loved the candy and popcorn!

As a bit of Christmas magic it was snowing when we left the theater. Kaylee said it was just like a scene from the song Silver Bells.... 

We drove past the capital Christmas tree on the way home.

Austin and Emma fell asleep on the way home but Kaylee and Brooke had to play in the snow for a few minutes even though it was 10:00 at night. Our driveway is a slight hill so they got to sled down.

The next morning was pretty leisurely. We were hanging out in our jammies when we got a text telling us to come  NOW to Urban Air. They were having a grand opening and the first 100 in line would get a free jump pass for a year with a one time purchase. We waited in line in the cold for an hour. Luckily they gave out free hot chocolate. Other people slept over night and we only had to wait an hour. 

It was a pretty cool place....

Kaylee and Brooke spent most of their time up in the ropes course. I didn't get to try it since Emma was a bit grumpy (from her late night) and just wanted me.

Mini golf

Face paint...

Climbing walls...

There was even a little snow left when we got home (although it melted most places.)

Light the World

For our Beehive class activity we collected toys from ward members, cleaned them and donated them to the Department of Health and Welfare for foster kids.

We got a lot of donations. It was a great service activity. We had a fuzzy sock exchange after.

We made sugar cookies and took some to neighbors. The kids love making them but they sure are a lot of work!

Parties

At the beginning of the month Jake and I went to a white elephant party. I had no idea what kind of presents to get but ended up bringing some "snow" gloves and hot chocolate and Christmas socks.

This is the gift I ended up with. I didn't realize what was on it. At first I thought it was just a cute scarf. On closer inspection....

it's Sant's plumber's crack. Jake got some used slippers which he "accidentally" left at the party.

Emma and I went on a lunch date one day. She mostly abandoned me for the play area...

I invited my nursing school girls over for brunch and a "tea party".

It's always fun to get together. I found the slideshow of pictures we all got at the end of nursing school for us to watch... oh the memories!

We went ice skating for our Dec. YW activity. I'm still getting to know most of these girls but they are fabulous!

Family Pictures

WE had just a few hours on Sunday after Brian and Kevin's families got back from their trips and before we left to get some family pictures taken.