Instagram: December 2017

As my five year journal is less than a month away from being FULL, I have to share my love for this little book again. I've talked about it before, but it bears repeating. I can't tell you the memories and daily happenings that have been recorded, re-read and cherished in those years. It literally takes me 1-2 minutes an evening to do it. I brush my teeth and wash my face for longer than that. I highly encourage you to add this to your wishlist or treat yourself to it for 2018. I'm upgrading to a 10 year version that has some additional space for recording the days when 1-3 sentences just doesn't cut it but it is more of an investment. If you are just starting out, I recommend a pocket-sized 5 year one. I ignore any prompt questions included in these books and just write about my days. Hopefully my posterity has the gift of translating my late at night, tired hand-writing.

The kids decorated the "kid" tree on Sunday (mom's tree is in the other room). Bet you can't tell how hight they can reach...

My first-born turned 10 yesterday! How did that happen? Easton had a great two day celebration with local family and our little clan. He got his UW cheesecake and was spoiled as usual. We love our thoughtful, excellent big brother! Happy Birthday Easton!

We got to see the real Santa this evening. Hallee was a big fan, as you can see. Sure love our ward family and had a great time at the Christmas party.

Brynlee's makeup today...

Santa letters 2017.

Easton had his first orchestra concert last night. He did great and it was short and sweet (just what we need when taking the crew). And now my dad is laughing maniacally because I am subjected to the same thing he was for my years of violin. (Easton is in the white sleeves towards the middle of the picture).

Christmas time means lots of boxes to play in.

Devynee is hands-down our craziest sleeper. A month or so ago, I decided to start taking pictures of her best positions. We sure do love her. Boy is she good for some laughs when we check on her before we go to bed.

It was a wonderful Christmas Eve! Attended a great church meeting followed by some relaxing, nativity acting, dinner of things that Jesus ate (loosely, he loved shrimp and salmon, right?) and then drove to look at lights. Love my family and love this season.

I snuck in last night after Santa made it to our house and took some pictures! He made our kids very happy. It has been a great day.

A wonderful morning with our little family and then the rest of the day with extended family. Merry Christmas!

I'd say it was a successful trip to Laramie and back. We loved spending time with siblings, cousins and loved ones. Even if I didn't take a single picture inside the walls of my parent's house.

This year was so good, but hard too. Changes happened, fun was had, family time was enjoyed and we were so blessed. #2017bestnine

Yesterday, I got to spend most of the day with the birthday girl. She is the best and one of my best friends to boot. And now, we have a close up picture of why we get stopped whenever someone knows the other one.

The girls were dying to try out their new curlers from Santa, so after baths on Wednesday, we got them in. Brynlee had hers pulled out about 2 minutes after this picture, but the big girls endured sleeping on them and got the awesome results!

We've been able to spend some time with cousins over the last few days but the kids are so busy having fun, I forget to get pictures. I had them line up for a quick shot before they left our house. #devyneehatesgoodbyes

Doing my water test! 6-months after buying this bad boy and I may actually use it! #seriouslyterrified #whyamiscaredofanappliance