The gift that keeps on giving.

During my Christmas post, I failed to mention the repulsive white elephant gift that Mark so generously brought to the Ellison family party. While my "Poo dough" (Play-do that looks like poo) was funny/bad, Mark's gift was disgusting/awful/red-eyed/bad. I was NOT a happy camper to have this nasty pale rodent in my house for the one day until the party. The kids of course wanted to keep it and named it "Harry" but at 11 PM when I could hear it scratching the top of it's cage trying to get out, I knew it was time for it to go.

Most unfortunately for Sarah MacDuff, she picked the prize. Mark's brother's girlfriend's daughter (still with me?) had a hamster that had died so Sarah let her keep it. I am not sure it lasted more than a week- it looked almost dead in the picture if you ask me.

The only good thing that came from that gift is Mark, while waiting at the pet store was told the true meaning of where "White Elephant" gifts came from. Apparently, there was a rich prince in India. White elephants were prized BUT they were very difficult to take care of. They had to have a gold palace to sleep in, filtered water, expensive food. So, by giving someone a white elephant, you were doing them a disservice because now, they were obligated to take care of the sacred animal. In this case, the "white mouse" was lucky to go home with someone else because I wouldn't have been so obliged to keep it around.

Six of 12

How has Lorenzo already been here 1/2 a year!?

Our sweet boy has TWO teeth (both bottom), can sit up, rides in the umbrella stroller like a champ, doesn't fit in the baby bathtub anymore, puts everything in his mouth, fits in size 12 month clothes, has a head in the 98th percentile, weighs almost 19 lbs at his six month appointment, gives the best slobbery kisses, needs a haircut, loves to bang and pat all his toys, has a "shy face", loves to be held and melts our hearts.

Lorenzo really is an excellent baby. Back to sleeping through the night- after a bout of teething restlessness and on formula #4 ("For Spit up"). Mckinley and Kingston still ask to hold him almost every day. He hates being on his stomach and it's awesome that Kingston's job is to "go roll your brother over".

You make us happy when skies are gray. You complete our family.

Sitting up. The Dr was surprised this "orange on a toothpick" could hold his head up long enough to sit up.

Enzo and Ezra- 20 days apart.

First time in the umbrella stroller.

Our little caterpillar.

George

G & Chris invited us for the annual after Christmas vaca and Mark and I were happy to tag along to their condo in St George. Kingston was a little confused as to why we weren't flying to the "George" but was content watching Toy Story while Mc played her DS and Lorenzo screamed his face off from Provo to Hurricane. We were exceptionally fond of the pink carpet, the location and the awesome park that was just down the street.

We played Phase 10 until all hours of the evening, ate good food, played in the warm weather, visited the Dinosaur Museum, ate crepes, walked the St George temple grounds and visitors center and saw the most Christmas lights ever on a single house. The kids had a blast playing and spending time with Grandma and Grandpa. It was a short trip and we can't wait to go again.

The kiddies (G & Chris in the background) at the Dino Museum.

The car that played a delightful Japanese ditty over and over and over.

My fearless girl scaled this rock wall like it was nothing.

The Christmas house

Christmas 2014

Christmas seems to get better and better when you have little kids. The magic is still "real" and the excitement that centers on presents, Christmas lights and leaving milk and cookies for Santa is almost tangible at our house.  Mckinley asked for " a doll that looks like me", Kingston wanted a light up race track and Enzo, well, diapers were on the list for him. Mark spoiled me with a Bose wireless speaker and my coveted Fitbit (calorie counter/activity monitor). We got Desert Star Playhouse tickets for the 2015 season (thanks, Mom and Dad), a Thanksgiving Point pass (thanks, G & Chris), money and book (thanks, Mary Ann). The kids were spoiled by Alex first (Miworld for Mc, Train tracks for Kingston and keys for Enzo). More toys, clothes and goodies from Mimi & Papa, books from Grandma and more books from Grandma and Grandpa Grant. We ate too much, remembered our blessings, and watched our kiddies have the "best Christmas ever".

The break was awesome- two whole weeks off for Mark, the kids and myself. We stayed up to watch movies (I got Mark quite a few edited DVD's of movies that we wanted to see), went to Thanksgiving Point, St George, slept over at Mimi's and spent New Years with the Dave Williamsons, Petersons, Mary Ann and Grandma Irene playing Bingo and the Logo Game.

It did seem this year; however, that the holidays (the year in general really) went too quickly. The months of preparation and it's over by 8:15 AM on Christmas morning. We once again were blessed to be so close to family and to have such an abundance not only given but received.

Milk and Cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Mimi showing Enzo the tree.

Papa and the kids watching the Nightmare Before Christmas train.

Mc in her church garb. The only one who wanted a picture solo.

Mckinley and Mckinley (her choice).

Kingston and the light up race track- already out of batteries but we play with it almost every day.

Ready for church- Navy and Gold was the theme this year.

The annual Dickens Festival tradition to see Father Christmas. In the hustle to put my Christmas decorations away, I failed to take a picture of the kids sitting on his lap.