December started with Bryan's annual work party.
Maisy was infatuated by the tree and all the decorations that we have hung within her reach...since she is usually trustworthy these days.
We went to the Christmas Express and loved it. Poor Myra was sick and stayed home to rest... and we almost decided not to go because of her. But, we are so glad we went.
Myra sang in the annual Youth Choir Christmas Concert. But, had to pass off her solo to someone else because she had a croaky voice. Maisy took a picture of us before we went. Bryan was growing out his facial hair for a few days in December.
More of Maisy and the Christmas tree ornaments.
We helped Grandma Castle and Aunt Moki paint car windows at Lins one day. The kids stood on the corner advertising the Free Window Painting.
It was a fun day.
We had our annual Olive Family Christmas Caroling Party at my parents house. We went to dinner and then stopped at the Old Folks Home where my Uncle John lives and sang to them there. Then we hopped in the back of Grandpa's pick-up sleigh and drove around the neighborhood singing all the way...stopping to drop off goodies and sing especially for a few friends.
Back at Grandma and Grandpa's house the littles put on a live Nativity while Uncle Michael read the Christmas story...
and Grandma put out treats galore for our munching pleasure.
It was a wonderful evening with my whole family.
Then we went to the Santa Train with some of our Castle Family.
It was a fun day and the kids played and enjoyed each others company.
One evening, while the big kids were at friends' birthday parties, the Littles made Gingerbread houses.
Bryan finished our fire-pit out front and on Christmas Eve we cooked our dinner over it.
Then Bryan put the star on top, while we opened gifts from each other...
And new Christmas pajamas.
After we did our gifts to Jesus, and tucked the kids warmly in their beds...we put out Christmas and
then joined the kids in dreamland.
Christmas morning came early, with McCoy volunteering to read our Christmas story...
and then after a prayer we rang in Christmas Day.
The rest was a bit of a blur, as usual...
but the kids were happy and content and I was so grateful for my little family and the blessing of living on this wonderful earth with each of them.
After Christmas, Myra wanted to cash in on some of her Christmas monies...
so her and I went shopping. While Bryan and the kids went to the shooting range.
On the 30th of December we celebrated Little Miss Maisy's 5th birthday.
I believe I am in denial. How does one let their baby grow up?
When Myra was 5 years old she could practically run the household on her own. Maisy, on the other hand...
I will need to work on that a little harder.
Birth order is a real thing. How does one not baby the baby? Without having more kids forever? I mean, there has to be a caboose sometime...but gosh! Her mug still gets kissed on nearly as often as it did when it was oh so much squishier. We all bemoan the fact that she is loosing all of her chub. She tells us that she will make sure to have fat babies for us to kiss on.
That is good. Very good.
Oh, how I wish I could slow the time down. How I wish I could push some big pause button and keep my babies much longer. Yet, we are making plans that include things that we have never before been able to do with little ones in tow...and that is new and exciting...and I just want to enjoy them while I've got them. In every stage and age.
On New Years Eve, the big kids headed off to a Stake Fireside...so while they were away we made pumpkin waffles with strawberries and cream, turkey bacon and eggs. Then when the big kids got home we played Pictionary, set off some fireworks, talked about the new year with our fresh new calendars, and banged on pots and pans to welcome 2018.
Hooray for another New Year!
Bryan and I will turn 40. I am not so sure how to feel about this mid-life kind of age. 40 trips around the sun. 40 years of living in this world. 40 is really and officially adult. 40 is the age my parents were when I started dating Bryan. 40 is...all grown up. 40 is all about more gray hairs and wrinkles. Even so, I have a funny feeling that I am gonna like 40. Myra will turn 16! !!! Myles will become a teenager. McCoy will get baptized and start cub scouts. And Maisy, will hopefully continue to let us
kiss on her fleeting chub and will learn how to hold a bit of her weight around here. Like perhaps unload the dishwasher. ;) Its sure to be a good one!!
kiss on her fleeting chub and will learn how to hold a bit of her weight around here. Like perhaps unload the dishwasher. ;) Its sure to be a good one!!
Happy 2018!
