We put up the tree on my birthday, Nov.20, and after that there were lots of events and things happening. The kids were so excited to put up all the decorations, and especially loved helping put the ornaments on the tree. We had a few balls break, but then made sure all the breakable ones were up high. After it was up, they did surprisingly well with not touching it or taking things off. Deacon would stand and look at it and go "Ooh." It was very cute. And Bentley made sure she turned the lights on every day. We also have a countdown tree where you put an ornament on each day before Christmas and every morning Bentley would make sure she put one on!
My parents took Jeff and I to Stage West for my birthday. The play was “Pure 90’s,” and we had such a blast. I loved all the music and dancing and it was just such a fun night!
Dance ended for Bentley and she had her little recital again where we got to go in and watch her. It was the same Ballet class as last year, but Bentley did even better this year and was so much fun to watch! She just loves being with kids her age and is very good at listening to teachers. Watching her dance around and giggle with her friends was just the cutest thing. She is such a beautiful little girl, I can hardly stand it. My parents also came and watched her and loved it too! I got some cute photos.
Bentley saw me buy a gingerbread house from Costco way before December and couldn't stop talking about how excited she was to decorate it. When December hit, we didn't wait very long to pull it out. It's one of our favorite family home evening nights! Bentley could've spent hours decorating it. Deacon, however, discovered how yummy the candy was and just wanted to eat it all. He put a few on the house and then ate and slobbered everywhere.
Santa was a big hit this year! Bentley wasn't scared in the least bit. In fact, she was very chatty with Santa, asking him for a doll that walks and talks, some bracelets, necklaces, and rings. She'd usually come up with something new for each Santa too. Deacon was a little nervous, but wouldn't fuss about sitting on his lap. He just sat there and didn't move. Bells and cookies were usually enough to distract him too! We got photos from Christina Parker (Bentley's preschool teacher), Granary Road, our ward party, and Walmart.
Jeff's staff party was Dec.9 and we went to the Grey Eagle Casino for a delicious meal and some live band music.
Then on the 10th, we headed to Fairmont for a little vacation! We stayed in a house with Scott and Kellie's family and Don and Cindy. We decided to take Bentley to the ski hill and try her on some little skis. We weren't really sure how she would do, in fact we thought we might be coming home right away, but she surprised us! She was very brave in trying everything out and loved being with her cousins. I'm not sure how much she enjoyed the actual skiing, but it was a really good start! I was very proud of her. We used a leash to help control her and stayed on the bunny hill. Jeff and I just wore our shoes and helped her, so with kids being free we only paid for her rental skis which was nice! We rode the gondola as well. The hotsprings were also a hit, we ended up going twice. Bentley has become such a good little swimmer and Deacon is learning to use his life jacket and swim on his own. The rest of the trip was filled with bubble baths, movies, games and playing. Cindy cooked some food, which was really nice.
My mom set up a craft day for all the grandkids where they came and made a nativity. Bentley loved it, as she usually does with any craft, and Deacon enjoyed the stickers and then playing with all the cousins. Then they ate lunch and watched a movie with some popcorn!
We had our own little Elf Party that I decided to put on. When the kids came in they wrote down their "elf name" on a name tag, which had to do with the first letter of their name and their birthday. I made some waffles, bacon, and yogourt parfaits for breakfast. Then we did a little gift exchange. I had everyone bring an inexpensive gift, sit in the circle with it, and I read the night before Christmas using the words "Right" and "Left." When they heard those they would pass it that way around the circle. When it was over everyone opened up the gift they ended up with! Then we went upstairs to watch Elf and eat popcorn. It was pretty chaotic, but super fun nonetheless! I love all these little kids, and seeing how happy Bentley and Deacon were to have this party made it totally worth it. Not to mention I love parties...
The Gallup's put on a potluck at the church again where we reenacted the nativity, which is always so cute! Both kids were a big fan of dressing up this year.
We helped the kids write their letters to Santa one family home evening, but also made sure that they knew the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Bentley was very good at saying it's Jesus' birthday. She also loved reading all the Christmas books I got for them this year.
I guess we've kind of started a new tradition. On Christmas Eve Eve, we go out for dinner and then drive around afterwards looking at Christmas lights. We went to Boston Pizza, and then drove through Spruce Meadows and some streets in Chaparral. When Bentley got her special drink at BP's she took a sip and said "Mmm, tasty!" The waitress thought she was really cute. She sure is a drink girl!
On Christmas Eve, church was just one hour long. After that, we went home and I prepared the food we would be bringing that evening. Then we went over to my parent's house and did our Christmas gifts with them, since we wouldn't be seeing them the next day. It was really fun and exciting! Then we headed over to Tamara's house where we spent the evening of Christmas Eve eating appetizers, as well as ham and potatoes. Then we acted out the nativity and did our talent show. Jeff did an awesome magic trick, and Bentley joined in on playing the piano after all the other kids did. She even bowed and was pretty proud of herself. The Loewen kids did a really cute 12 days of Christmas number, and my dad did his "awesome" magic tricks which most the kids figured out as he was doing them, even Scarlett! Then we opened up pajamas and took lots of pictures. The cousins all had fun playing together. Of course Deacon and Griffin were buddies, as usual. So cute! All in all, it was a really great night. Christmas Eve is just one of my favorite nights ever!!
When we got home, Bentley helped us put out some cookies for Santa, and a carrot for Rudolph, her request. Then she went to bed and we told her to stay in her room all night or Santa won't come. We were shocked that she really did stay, as she usually ends up in our bed each night. In the morning we heard Deacon wake up, but nothing from Bentley. Jeff went in her room and found her sitting near the door. She said she wasn't sure how long Santa would take and if she was allowed to come out! We brought them both downstairs and they were really excited to see what Santa had left them. Bentley screamed when she saw the dress-up closet with some new dresses, shoes and crowns in there for her. Deacon was mesmerized by his electric car that went around a track really fast! They were thrilled to see all the cookies and the carrot were eaten, and their stockings were full. They enjoyed opening the stocking presents too! It was so much fun to watch!! Bentley said Santa knew just what she wanted. Deacon was thrilled with every little thing he got. After this, we headed over to the Ady's house and did our gift opening with them. It was so fun to give our gifts to everyone! Bentley was especially excited this year about making and wrapping gifts for people. It was neat to see she liked giving just as much as receiving! I had her make some cute gifts for her grandparents and daddy, and she helped me wrap everything. After presents we ate a delicious brunch and then hung out and played for a while. Bentley had a blast with Emri playing with her new tea and cake set. We went home to put Deacon down for a nap and get showered and dressed for turkey dinner that night. Cindy did a great job, as always, and it was also great to see Grandma and Grandpa Ady there too! I love how much my kids love the "older" people too. Deacon especially takes a liking to them, especially my Grandpa Cooper lately. It was a fabulous Christmas and we all got so spoiled!!
