Wheeler Farm

Today we went to Wheeler Farm with my mom, Megan , and Becca. It was super hot but we still had a lot of fun. We found some picnic tables in the shade and ate some lunch. The kids had such a great time playing in the stream. They loved getting wet I'm putting their feet in the water. My mom brought some goldfish for them and they kept sneaking them off to float down the stream . It was actually really cute. I'm glad we were able to go even though it was hot!

Having lunch with friends!

Earlier today Cooper came down the stairs carrying his bear and sword...I just thought it was so cute!

Cooper is a sweetheart!

Zoo Day

Casey had the day off  and so we went to the zoo! My mom, Mal, and Nate also came and so it was a fun day with family. I wish Megan could have been there as well. I miss her :)   

Here are some pictures from Mal's camera:

Family Night

Last night for family night we went to Scheels. When we got there, there was a guy cleaning inside the fish tank. He was giving the kids fist bumps through the glass. I should have taken a picture! The kids thought that was pretty cool!
Kendall really liked watching all the fish swimming around in the tank. While the kids were watching the fish Casey went and bought some tokens for the Ferris wheel. Kendall was too small to ride, and so I went first with Riley, and then the boys went after us. Poor Kendall kept asking when her turn was, but there were a lot of other things to see at the store and so I don't think she was too sad.
We looked at the animals, and then we tried to find a medicine ball for our p90x workout, but we didn't find one we liked. We also tried to find Casey some new shoes, but no luck there either. Before we left, we saw a little playground area for the kids and so we let them play for a little while. I think they had a good time...but they were pretty cranky on the way home, haha! :)

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is finally here! I love seeing how excited the kids get about Christmas. Being parent is so much fun!

This afternoon we went over to my Grandpa's house for our Christmas Eve party. Grandpa and Grandma Riley gave all the kids their own little bean bag. They were all so excited when they opened them. They all just loved them! Such a perfect gift for the kids! 

It was fun seeing our family! After the party we went over to my parent's house so that the kids could open one gift from my parents, and also so we could give each other our sibling gifts.

The kids were so excited to open their gifts from grandma and grandpa. They each got a pair of jammies, and some hot chocolate and a mug. They couldn't wait to put on their jammies and watch the movie when we got home!

After the kids opened their gifts, we surprised Mom and Dad with a couple gifts we went in together on. We got Mom a gift card to Salt Lake Running Company so she could buy a new pair of running shoes. And we got Dad the extended version of The Hobbit. At that time I also gave them the booklet I made about our family service project that we did. The kids liked showing grandpa the pictures and telling him all about what we did.

After we got home the kids immediately put on their jammies they got from grandma and grandpa. They took their new bean bags downstairs and they watched the new Home Alone move that grandma got them. 

We made some cookies for Santa later that evening, and then Casey read them the story of Christ's birth. I just love my family!

Grandma and Grandpa with their cute Grandbabies!

Momma with her gift card to Salt Lake Running Company! I'm excited to see what shoes she gets!

Papa and Allie. I want to watch the extended edition of the Hobbit!

My Love and my baby princess!

I love my family!

We had fun making cookies for Santa!

There's nothing like Christmas Eve!

Watching a movie on their new bean bags. The kids love them!

Listening to Daddy reading them the story of Christ's birth.

Suki was excited for Christmas, too!

Service Project

For our service project we participated in our Ward’s “Angel Tree” program. After picking two ornaments off of the tree, we sat down with the kids and talked to them about service, and how helping others is like giving a gift to the Savior. We showed them the little angel ornaments and talked to them about how some children don’t have all the things they need.

One of the angels was for a 5 year old boy who needed a coat, and the other was for a 4 year old girl that needed a shirt. The kids were shocked to learn that some children don’t even have coats, or all the clothing they need. It really helped them connect with these two little kids, and they were very anxious to help!

We took the kids to Target to pick out a coat and shirt for the two children. They had fun looking at the different coats and shirts, and deciding which ones would be good to give to the kids.

When we got home, we wrapped the gifts together and then took them to church. I think the kids learned a lot about service and why it’s important to help others. I loved watching their excitement throughout the whole process…they were very happy to be able to help!

I’m grateful for these experiences we have with our children, and I know that one of the best gifts we can give the Savior is to serve others!