Christmas 2013

Our annual Ugly Sweater Christmas party was a hit this year! Hideous sweaters, lots of friends, great white elephant gifts, and a game of Christmas Family Feud. Some of the white elephant gifts included a poster sized, autographed wedding picture and a live white mouse. (Who we later found frozen to death by the bus stop. Poor little Christmas mouse.) 

Once again I didn't take very good pictures, but some of my friends did!

The Snows and Sillitos were pretty funny in their "ugly" sweaters... 

We spent Christmas Eve with my family having our traditional Jesus Supper. Christmas morning the kids dove into their gifts. Lucky for him, Santa didn't have any gifts to assemble this year! But Mrs. Clause spent an hour putting together the new train set.

Merry Christmas!

Steve bought me this beautiful mother's ring for Christmas. It was my favorite gift. Three blue stones for my three boys (Benson was still in my tummy) and one pink stone for my little girl.

Jaxson Turns 8

Jaxson turned 8 years old (back in November last year). He was very excited to be baptized and we spent one family night each month teaching him about baptism. He also memorized all of the articles of faith before his birthday. We are so proud of him and the decision he has made. We didn't get good pictures and I'm so disappointed! He was also very excited to start cub scouts, he loves to go each week and enjoyed cub scout camp this year. My little boy is so grown up!

On Jaxson's Birthday we started the day off right with pancakes and a balloon pit. He chose a Lego party this year and it was really easy and fun! With a large wipe off board we purchased at Home Depot and some inexpensive Lego kits from Tuesday Morning the boys had a great time building and racing their cars.

Thanks to my sister's idea his cake was easy to make and turned out great! All you need is a 9x13 cake cut into four pieces, some big marshmallows cut in half, and lots of colorful frosting. 

We are so proud of our Jaxson James and the wonderful boy he has become. He is smart, funny, inquisitive, energetic, and fun to be around. He has learned so much about his Savior, Jesus Christ, and has a genuine desire to follow His plan and make good choices.

We love you, Buddy Boo.

Summer 2014

We had a good summer. The summer began with a 2 week vacation to Utah for a Cox family reunion and a visit with my sister and her family. When we got home it was back to the usual. This summer was an adjustment with 4 kids, but we had a lot of fun. Here are some things we did this summer.

Jaxson: 

Went to scout camp- shot a bee bee gun and bow and arrow 

Tried wake boarding

Watched all the Harry Potter movies with his Dad

Became more comfortable swimming and can now sit at the bottom of the pool holding his breath

Grew like a weed

Ehlana: 

Practiced reading

Played with Benson like he was her doll

Found out what happens when you don't comb your long hair for several days (rats nest)

Drew countless pictures and notes for every member of the family

Wore a swimsuit everyday

Got glasses

Jakob:

Got a big boy bike

Followed his siblings everywhere

Went to the dentist and did AWESOME

Broke his arm falling down the stairs

Swam independently (with his life jacket)

Loved riding on a sea-doo and paddle board

Benson:

Started giggling

Learned to roll over

Stopped sleeping at night

Had allergy testing (luckily it was negative so he started reflux medication)

Played with his siblings

Loved swimming and going to the beach

Barely napped

Started eating solids

Got a haircut (or two)

Steve:

Loved our vacation and a visit from his parents

Went on family bike rides with us

Found a hornets nest on the side of the house and got stung a couple times

Got released from being elder's quorum president at church

Was called to be on the high council at church and was set apart as a high priest 

Turned 34

Worked a lot

Myself:

Loved our family vacation and a visit from my in laws

Went off of dairy for a month

Went off of gluten and dairy for a week

Gave up on most of the house work

Went to the beach and the park a lot

Was called as an activity day leader at church

Turned 31

Survived my first summer with four kids