Sophie Turns 9...and a trip to the ER

Sophie had a really great birthday party at Seven Peaks Ice Arena

The kids ice skated, enjoyed a lesson from a real ice skater, and Santa was even there.


But before we could truly enjoy all of the ice skating festivities...I was hit in the face with a soccer ball while I was taking a picture of Sophie...



The kids were having such a great time that I hated to ruin it all with a blow to the face...but the party did take a dismal turn once the kids saw the blood running down my nose, and Sophie crying, hiding in the corner because the accident scared her to death. Ugh. Not quite the party I had envisioned...


This is us trying to take a picture of the damage with my now broken camera...I left straight from the party to the ER where I received 7 stitches from Dr. McBee...the plastic surgeon. Whew...that's a party we won't easily forget.

Concerts and things...

Grace wanted to join ballroom dance, the only problem? She needed to bring a boy (surprisingly they had a lack of male attendance). So she coerced Spencer to join. And he actually likes it! They sure are cute. Grace is our family Mozart...and we enjoyed another Violin Concert with her elementary school orchestra.

Heber Valley Railroad

We did the Heber Valley Railroad...the North Pole Express. Oh what fun! Even Spencer can admit that it was mostly fun.... He was a good sport--since he is practically a man. The girls loved it. The best part? The lazy train ride, caroling and the hot chocolate. The worst? Hmmm. It was quite a lively ride. Just imagine a train packed with energetic kids; singing, dancing, laughing, crying. Yep. Just about every emotion that is possible was packed into that train ride. Get ready for some drama that only the hope of Santa can create.

Winter is Here!

With all the stress of the cold and snow we try to help each other out. We call this the "pain train"...shoulder rubs for everyone...hey wait, what about me?
Lucy loved the snow...for about 10 whole minutes, and then she came inside because it was a little freezy.
And I know we're practically cavemen because we still buy FRESH Christmas trees...but we just love the piney smell.
So it was off to the Christmas Tree lot. And we found 2 beautiful trees.

And because we have a special event tonight...we gave our kids their Christmas pajamas early this year. So cute!

We hope you all are having a fabulous Christmas Season. xojen