Wonderful December!

Karlee playing Jingle Bells at Aunt Linda's

She has a hard time holding her feet still when she gets excited

Abby showing off with Greensleeves

You would think Kayci is actually playing something here.

She had to have her turn, too!

Karlee dressed up for the Christmas recital.

Abby taking her turn at the recital.

She's an old pro now!

Karlee's all smiles in her new tutu from Holly.  Happy Birthday my drama queen!

Karlee was so excited to get a new CD player.  The old one in her room hasn't worked for some time.

Carrying in the cake and trying not to let Jake blow out the candles.

I'm not too proud of this cake, but Karlee thought I was an amazing artist.

It's supposed to be a Barbie cake but we couldn't find a pan for one so I improvised.

Everybody brought Holly 30 of something for her 30th party.  She got everything from cupcakes to scrapbook paper and pop to money.  It was a pretty good birthday.

Blowing out the 30 trick candles Jared put on the cake.  We filled the room with smoke!

The girls at the live nativity outside of Rexburg.  We got to go with Grandma and Grandpa Kinghorn.

Jake loved the little lamb.  The family who put on the nativity did a great job and even gave everyone who came homemade donuts and hot chocolate.  It was a special evening for all of us.

It has been a wonderful holiday for our family.  We really enjoyed a lot of fun get togethers and family time.  We started out our month right off with my Peterson family Christmas party.  I however forgot my camera on several of these gatherings.  My Peterson party was with my Grandma, my aunts and uncles, cousins, and all the great grandchildren.  It was fun to be them.  My grandma is just as cute as ever and has all the energy in the world.  The following week we had a family part at Layne's Aunt Linda's in Rexburg.  There was lots of food complete with the kids showing off some of their musical talents.  At the end of the week we had my Clayton family Christmas party.  I again forgot my camera!  We love my getting together for my grandma's homemade bread and soup.  She goes all out for us.  She and my grandpa are so supportive and concerned with what goes on in our lives.  I'm so thankful they are so healthy. 
The next week was a whirlwind from piano recitals to work parties and birthdays - we did it all.  Karlee celebrated her 6th birthday by going to gymnastics (life really does have to go on even when it's your birthday).  Afterward we had my family all over for cake and ice cream.  They are so supportive.  It doesn't matter how many grandkids we keep adding, my amazing sisters and parents are always there for them.  The most exciting part of the night was power going out while everyone was here.  Layne rushed around and found enough flashlights for all the kids and they continued to play in the dark.  Karlee was a little disappointed, however, but soon realized it was kind of cool to have your birthday in the dark. 
The following day Layne and I were able to go to his work party on campus.  We are truly blessed to be at such a wonderful place.  Our week finished off with my sister Holly's surprise 30th birthday party.  Her husband and friend planned the whole thing and she didn't have a clue.  The girls and I went to the new Princess and the Frog movie with Holly, Heidi, and Andy earlier in the day and it was all I could do to not let it slip about the party that night.  It turned out really great.  I love her to death!  She is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her.
Once we made it through our crazy week, the kids got out of school and we had a really fun Christmas week.  Christmas Eve we had a fun party at Layne's brother Brian's with all the breakfast fixins for dinner.  The kids put on the nativity for us all and we just really enjoyed being together.  Christmas day was busy but wonderful and by that night we were ready to crash. 
I am so thankful to be blessed with an amazing husband, beautiful, healthy children, and a testimony that my Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to be happy.  I couldn't ask for more.