zoo lights.....

We actually had to bundle up last night!  For FHE, Lynsdie and I decided to take the kiddos to see the zoo lights.  It was the free members night so it was packed, but really fun.  I was disappointed that none of the animals actually had lights on them. 

We decided it is as close as we get to Temple Square, and probably a good 20 degrees warmer!

Random moments....

Here's just some random pics from our day to day

Here's Addie.  She is so sweet.  We had the chance to play with her a couple days a week for the past few months and she and Sam would just run around and chase each other and squeal with delight.

This is Sam shivering and saying "cold"- yep, 2nd week in December and note what she is wearing outside...

In order to remember that it actually is December,  we went to the "snowfall" at a local mall where they play Christmas music and blow snow from above.  Samantha wasn't all that impressed.  The escalators were way more exciting.

I never remember my camera, so I had to catch this.  Samantha's best friends are all boys.  She is always out-numbered.  She is learning to tease back and hold her own ground with them all to survive.  Who knew they would all love playing in the stroller cars at the mall?  

I had worn a scarf on this particular day and as we were folding laundry Samantha decided she wanted to wear one too.  She grabbed one of my shirts and put it around her neck.

And then there's this little gem.  You wouldn't know it, but she was happy as a clam until I pulled out the camera.  The minute Chris walks in the door she is laughing and squealing and running around.  She loves to play with his name badge and help him take off his shoes and socks.

Another year of thanks.....

This year for thanksgiving we had a party!  It started off small, but kept growing by the minute.  We ended up with 14 adults, 2 babies, and 8 kids.  I am so grateful that there were such fun friends left in town that were willing to join us.  Everyone brought a little bit of their traditional meals with them.  

Chris also got the day off- awesome- and even got to play a game of soccer with some of the guys.  He may or may not have complained about being sore for the next week.  His "soccer muscles" have not been used in years.

The kids table ("borrowed" from the church the night before!)

 The adult and baby table

 And of course Sam, who never wants to be the subject of a picture unless she is looking at it.  It is really hard to capture her these days, but she was a champ while we set up and cooked.  I am pretty sure she had 3 squeeze applesauces and triple helpings of ice cream and chocolate cake.

I am so grateful for the friends we have who make being away from family a little bit easier on holidays.  I am also grateful for my incredible husband who works really long hours so I can stay at home and play with Samantha.  He is pretty sure we just kick it in our pjs all day, I assure him its not all tulips and roses, but it is a pretty sweet gig.