The Holidays Begin

Mark has made some nice progress with his cello this past year, so I was kind of disappointed when they limited the number of guests that could attend his Christmas concert due to theater constraints.  But then I realized my night suddenly got better, no longer would I have to wrangle all the bored siblings and was able to actually sit through and enjoy the concert on a date!

 Hannah and I went to see Jan Brett, with my sister Jill.  Jan Brett is the author/illustrator of some of my favorite children's books.  I've never done an author meet and greet thing before and it was tons of fun!

Gavin went to work with Jotham one morning for a few minutes and was utterly spoilt.

   He was spoilt again when he got to spend a day with Grandma Jo, 

while I finished up the Christmas shopping. 

Hyrum also got a date night, lucky guy.

But look at my handsome standby date, it appears he's getting old my friends, old...

Enjoyed several visits with Grandma and Grandpa Hatch and especially Grandpa's stories, 

and Grandma's poetry.

And after much searching, whining, and a few tears from Hollie, 

we found a tree that would suffice. I'm beginning to rethink my favorite tradition...

Mark was super excited to saw it down 

all by himself this year and even hauled it out for us.  

I made and added these fun ornaments to our tree this year and I'm not sure if I'm 

more in love with the ornaments or the people in them.

And the after...

We also enjoyed some caroling. Jotham accompanied us with
his guitar for the first time ever and we weren't horrible or at
 least that's what my Mom told us before she invited us in for hot cocoa.

I let the kids do most of the decorating this year, but they surprised me when they actually 

begged me to come help before the night was over.  Apparently it's harder than it looks.  

The stockings were eventually hung, but not until after all were assured they still fit.