Crazy Canines

No I am not talking about dogs people, I am talking about Ellie's canines coming in. All four at the same time. They are making for one loonnnggg winter. 

Ellie is 21 Months and talking more than ever. She finally decided she was ready to learn some sign language and now can't stop signing cracker all around the house. (even though she says the word along with the sign). Better late than never I guess. This little monkey is climbing on EVERYTHING. It's made for a few accidents but nothing serious enough for the emergency room. She seems to have more energy than ever and I wish it was warmer outside so she could go run around. Although she drives me crazy (whats new) she is sweeter than ever. She snuggles more and grabs my face to plant a kiss on me. I'm not pregnant, but I already think of the day we bring home another baby and Ellie isn't an only child anymore and it makes me a little sad. As much as I want her to grow out of this "terrible two" phase I'm torn because I don't want to loose my little baby. We are so excited for Christmas and you better believe there will be a lengthy post about christmas day and tons of pictures. 

Ellie Lately

dances- it's hard to describe but it is absolutely adorable (hands are clasped, then sort of a side to side twist at the waist with knees slightly bent motion) 

spins

jumps 

climbs

loves the snow

smiles on command

She knows the uses to most house hold objects and pulls everything out of every drawer. 

fold her arms for prayers and says AMEN.

December Happenings

I can't believe that Christmas is less than a week away. December always goes by so fast and is so hectic. Ours is extra hectic with Jared finishing his finals, taking him to the train every morning at 6:00am, Primary Presidency meetings, fulfilling crochet orders and the normal day to day stuff. We have found some time to engage in holiday festivities.

We went to see the lights at Temple Square, which were beautiful as usual. Our night on the other hand, not so relaxing. We decided to take the Front Runner up to Salt Lake thinking it would be fun and we wouldn't have to look for parking. Well the rest of Utah Valley had the same idea. The train was so packed, but it made for some good people watching. We took the trax into downtown and grabbed a bite at City Creek on Black Friday (this was another bad idea). I think Jared and I are just naive to the fact that so many people have the same idea. We ate then proceeded over to Temple Square with the throngs of people. It was crowded but pretty, Ellie was in the backpack which was the BEST idea we had all night. Amongst the crowd we happened to run into Laynie(Jared's Cousin) and her family. Such a coincidence. Ellie loved riding the train and now I feel confident enough to ride it myself to Salt Lake.

 

This picture represents exactly how we felt, exhausted from a hectic evening. 

This lady is as crazy as her hair!

With taking Jared to work at 6am there has been a lot of morning snuggling as the sun rises.

The picture below are from the day that it NEVER STOPED SNOWING! I don't know if we have ever had that much snow fall at one time, at least while I have lived here. It is so beautiful! 

She warmed up to the snow, she didn't want to walk in it at first. 

We had the opportunity to go to the Living Nativity in Alpine. It was great. We braved to single digit temperatures and had a great time. They had animals all around which Ellie loved. The goats were especially fond of Jared. Jared can make an incredible goat sound. I love starting traditions as a family, especially one's that help us remember what Christmas is all about. 

I have been busy crafting, making decorations for the house. I love the way everything turned out. 

I think this may be the best tree we have had. 

Love for our family in Eureka, Ca.

and Love for our family in Salinas, Ca.

and of course we love our family and our home here in Utah.

We shot the Hone's family photos this last week. Again it was freezing, I took a few and Jared finish the rest. They came out great!

Jared surprised me with tickets to the Utah Symphony. It was a busy busy night in Salt Lake. A Jazz game, a Mo Tab performance, the symphony, the lights, and just christmas shoppers, it was crowded once again. We were naive again to think we could go eat with out reservations. We ended up eating at Harmon's and got a yummy salad bar and soup. It was absolutely perfect. It was quiet and good and cheap. Our night turned around from that point. 

We also stumbled upon the Waffle Love truck, which was a perfect dessert!

The symphony was great. It was Christmas Swing. They had a complete jazz band play along with the symphony. It was so much fun. It was such a great night out with Jared.

I can't help but get a little homesick during the holidays. We wish we could be with everyone but for now a blog post with a million pictures will have to do. Love everyone, miss you all. Sending our love from here in Utah!