Lights at Temple Square

One of our family Christmas traditions is going to the lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. We usually have a whole crew of family with us, but this year we just went with us. It was a cold night, but the spirit of Christmas was so strong around us with the beautiful lights, and the Temple in the background that we stayed nice and warm. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect night out as a family!Us at the lights
Me and the kids
I love this picture! The Temple, the Nativity in the background,

and Peyton's cute smile!!

Kris with the kids
Kids in front of the Temple
Our cute family in front of the Temple

Christmas carnival

Every year, our work does a little Holiday carnival for the kids to come to. This year, Peyton invited her friend Boston to come with us. They decorated cookies, got thier faces painted, and hit the pinata. When we were coming home, it started to snow.

Blake, Boston and Peyton

Peyton collecting candy

Boston the Elf

Peyton the Elf
Peyton playing in the snow

Christmas fun with Grandma Ali

Grandma Ali came over and made a gingerbread house and ornaments with Peyton. We put Blake down for a nap for this candy fest. Peyton liked putting all th candy on the house and eating it, ofcourseGetting started

Finished house

Peyton with her gingerbread house
Making ornaments

Putting finished ornaments on the tree
Peyton was really excited to show her cousin Lucy her gingerbread house

Letter from Santa!

Peyton decided she needed to write Santa a letter last week. She was really excited to color a picture for him and make deer food for all the reindeer. She actually put a lot of time into all the envelopes she filled with things Santa would need. She helped Blake write a letter too. We were so excited to receive a letter back from the North Pole this week. Santa said thank you for all her notes and said they were both on the Nice list (Blake can be questionable sometimes)!

Our letter Santa sent us

Mom reading Santa's letter

Blakey's "silly face" (he does it on demand)

Daddy and kids in front of tree
Blake's future ride!

Train ride to the North Pole

Kris' mom (we call her Keet) found this cute train ride in Lindon. We really weren't sure what to expect, but it was a lot of fun. The family put in railroad track throughout their yard and about 5 other yards. It was awesome. They played Christmas music, showed pictures of Jesus, had tons of decorations, a nativity scene and we even got to visit Santa and his elves at the North Pole.

Blake and mom waiting for the train

Peyton, mom and Blake still waiting

Daddy and Blake on the train

Peyton with Santa (she told him she wanted a cash register)

Blake with Santa (He wasn't afraid)

Peyton's First Dance Recital

Peyton wanted to try out dance this year, so we signed her up through the city for an 8 week class. She loved going to dance, but once she started to learn the dances, she would wave to me, play with her hair and pull her skirt down in front of the mirror. She says she wants to go back to gymnastics. Hey it was worth a shot, but maybe she can be a 3rd generation gymnist.

Getting ready to dance

Warming up"Lollipop, lollipop, oh lolli lolli!"

This was totally candid. "Peace out!!"