Hello Double Digits

Macy has said goodbye to nine and hello to the double digits. Wow. I have a ten-year old! My sweet, sweet Macy is growing up. She had her best friend come over for a late night, and the family helped to make this a special day for her. Some friends had extra tickets to the David Archuleta performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and were kind enough to give them to us. Lucky Macy, the concert was on her actual birthday. Since we only had two tickets, I took her and we had a wonderful, wonderful time. The concert was outstanding!
Some highlights of Macy's birthday:

*Getting her first Harry Potter book. Thanks Sarah!
*David Archuleta concert
*Ice cream cake
*The green light on getting her ears pierced
*Having a late night with her best buddy
*Getting her own sewing machine

The Lights at Temple Square

Last weekend we met up with some friends to see the lights at Temple Square. Despite it being "very" crowded, we enjoyed the views and the feeling on Temple Square. We had fun, enjoyed some laughs and let the kids ride the TRAX line.

Gingerbread Houses

Making gingerbread houses, always a fun tradition at our house!

The Grinch

This December Abby had the opportunity to perform in her dance studio's production of "The Grinch." She wore a beautiful costume, make-up and got to perform on a real stage. She was in heaven. The whole family cheered her on and we loved every minute of it. Thank you Abby for sharing your talent with us and for a wonderful show. We love you!

I took many years of dance as well and for about 6 years I had the opportunity of performing in the Nutcracker each December. As a tradition my parents would give me a Nutcracker after each opening show to remind my of my experience. Even though Abby did not perform in the Nutcracker, I wanted to carry on this tradition with her. So we got Abby her first Nutcracker. She was thrilled!

Abby turns 8

A few weeks ago Abby turned the wonderful age of eight! She was so excited for this special day that she asked me earlier what time she was born. I told her 2:19 in the morning. Before going to bed the night before, Abby set her alarm so she could wake up and celebrate the exact time she was born. Clint went down to her room at 2:15 and they watched the clock together until it reached 2:19. They both celebrated and cheered together the exact moment of her birth. It really made Abby feel extra special.

Abby had a few friends over to celebrate her birthday and we all had a wonderful time. Per her request we had chocloate cake with chocolate frosting!

Thanksgiving

This year we were delighted to have my parents here for Thanksgiving. They flew in from Washington D.C. the night of the "blizzard of 2010!" The weather never got as bad as predicted, thank goodness.

Having my parents here with us had us all in pure heaven. The house was so alive and full of love. I absolutely felt it was the best Thanksgiving ever. Just perfect! I even had the privilege of cooking my first turkey, upside down by accident. You learn and grow right?!

We had our usual traditions:

* Putting together a Christmas puzzle, twice. Tyler got a hold of the puzzle when we were almost done and destroyed it. It went together much quicker the second time around.

* Nana and Pops emptying their pockets of change and allowing the kids to dig in a bowl with one hand to get as much money as possible.

*The fishing pole game where Nana and Pops have the kids fish for prizes behind a huge quilt. Always a crowd pleaser.

*Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

*Black Friday shopping. Need I say more.

It really was an absolute perfect Thanksgiving. Thank you mom and dad for coming to spend the holiday with us.