Children's Museum

Molly got to spend three fun-filled hours at Discovery Gateway, with her cousins, Lizzy and Andrew. She loved every minute and at one point during our trip she looked at me and said, "Mom, this is A-mazing."

There was so much to see and do, she got very distracted any time we tried to move to another "station." So a huge THANKS to Rachelle for inviting us!Our conversation on our way home:

Me: Molly, what was your favorite thing at the museum?
Molly: The balls. You put them in and then they go up and then they go round and round and then they fall down.

Those of you who have been to the museum will know what she is talking about-it was all quite fascinating to her.

What did YOU do this weekend?

This is what we did.Is anyone jealous?

The trees in Bear Lake were amazing. Every single tree was covered in snow and ice. Really, every tree.It was beautiful.

What we've been up to...

The last couple weeks have been slow, thankfully. It's been great to get back into a routine and have my happy little girl back, rather that the whiny girl she had been (Christmas and moving and not staying at the same place for more than a couple of days will do that). Our computer had a major virus but it is now healthy again. Here are a couple of things we have done lately...

I took Molly outside to play in the snow. She didn't like the sled and wanted to build a snowman instead. Justin was working, and I'm sure he could have built a much better snowman, but I did my best. The snow was hard and Molly got bored really fast. In fact she wanted to go in before I even had the head on! She wasn't much help, either. She just ate snowand sang "Once There Was a Snowman."


But, alas, I finished, and Molly came back out. She named him Frosty, of course.Last Saturday we went to the Jazz game in my uncle's suite. It's much nicer this way, because the kiddos can run around-and that's exactly what they do! Molly and Chloe were up and down the stairs; they'd sit on the chairs and clap and cheer, then walk to the bottom of the stairs, poke their heads over the railing and scream "Go Jazz!"Yes, they were literally screaming-Molly's daddy has taught her well. Then they were back at the top of the stairs, dancing to the blaring music during time-outs.

I didn't get to pay attention to the game very much but had fun watching those silly girls.As I mentioned before, I am enjoying having my happy Molly around. Her life was a little chaotic (okay, more than a little) for a few weeks but now that it's settled down, she is mostly full of smiles and giggles. And I find that I love her more and more each day. For some reason, I can't stop kissing her cute little cheeks-does anyone else have that problem with their kids?

Christmas Festivities

We had a great Christmas and hope all of you did too!Here's a run down of the celebrations...

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve this year with the Goodrich family. The night begins with a delicious dinner, tons of food, all of which are appetizers. It's a fun tradition, and this year we all brought 2 dishes, so there were new things to try. I always eat way too much!

We had a special visitor this year; Santa came! It was quite unexpected and Molly didn't have time to prepare. She was slightly scared, if you can't tell...She did like the treats he brought her!After a fun game involving dice, big gloves, and a present wrapped numerous times, we headed upstairs for the nativity. Molly actually participated this time as an angel.Lizzy took her part very seriously; when it was her turn, she came out, put both arms high in the air, and recited the line from Luke, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy..."

Then we gathered around and listened to a story and a spiritual message by Grandpa.We exchanged sibling gifts. Eric and Heidi had us so Tiana got Molly a small present, a My Little Pony. It was a hit since ponies have been her obsession for the last couple of months. Thanks Tiana!The night is always ended by gathering around the piano and singing Christmas songs.

I love Christmas Eve because everyone, grown-ups and children, are so excited about the following day...the feeling of anticipation is great!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was equally wonderful; Molly understood most of what was going on and Justin and I had tons of fun watching her. When we got up, Molly got to check out her Santa gift and open the things in her stocking. She got a fish tank from Santa.She loves to help Daddy feed the fish. As soon as she wakes up in the morning, she says "My fish are hungry!"We made Molly eat breakfast before opening the presents under the tree, but she didn't mind waiting. When we finally made it to the presents, she would tear right into the paper, see what it was, and then say, "Daddy, will you open it for me, please?" She got blocks, dishes, and food.Daddy seems to like his new drill.And although there is no picture of me on Christmas morning (and I'm okay with that), I love my books and new shoes!

Right about the time we were finishing up, Grandma and Grandpa Goodrich got to our house. Since we were all there the night before, they were nice enough to make the rounds on Christmas morning-Thanks! Molly got a Princess scooter, which is so cute! She needs a little help now, but pretty soon she'll be zooming all over on it.Justin and I were surprised by season tickets to Hale Theater, which guarantees that we'll get at least 6 dates this year! Sad to say, this is probably more than last year!

Christmas afternoon

Even though a blizzard was in the forecast, we headed up to Plain City in the afternoon. The ride was pleasant on the way there and pretty much a white-out on the way home. But we made it safe and sound and were sure glad we went! Molly got a kitchen, that goes great with her food and her dishes.Justin and I got spoiled as well.Merry, merry Christmas!

I know I focused mostly on the gifts that we received, and they were great, but let me make known how grateful I am for the one gift that is of most importance, the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ. How grateful I am for His humble birth, His life, His teachings, the great sacrifice He made for me and for everyone, and for His gospel which has been restored.