Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

Another busy week! We baked cookies and brought them to our neighbors in a wagon and my kids could not be more thrilled with the opportunity to do this. From the baking to the delivering, everyone was in a festive mood! Parker helped the kids with gingerbread houses so I could wrap presents and then he threw a party! He’d been talking about having friends over for a Christmas party and I was not about to plan THAT. So he totally took over and did everything from the planning to the set up to the games to the clean up! He was thoughtful about every detail and I was very proud of him! And he had a great time with his buddies!

On Wednesday, Tanner had a last minute MCO rehearsal and I had Book Club and Parker had mutual so I asked Courtney’s daughter, Natalie to babysit and she did a great job! The kids loved her! Book club was at Jami Ward’s house- the annual Christmas book exchange and even though my mom couldn’t make it, it was fun to be there with so many women I respect and adore. (My mom went to Savi’s choir performance with Kari) Thursday, Tanner and Parker had their big MCO rehearsal at the Segerstrom and I had Relief Society so I had to ask RaShelle’s daughters to watch my kids! They were thrilled with this set up and I was able to enjoy a nice night with my special ward sisters. We had a yummy dinner and a white elephant gift exchange. Everyone laughed when I took a big plate of Billie‘s chocolate chip cookies home but they cookies were sooo delicious and I sent some with Parker and Tanner the next day for their mid performances dinner. 

Friday was the big day, the day we’ve been waiting for, the day Tanner and Parker have been working so hard for: the Millennial Choirs and Orchestras Christmas Concert! 

It was extraordinary and I loved watching my boys sing! Tanner was super exuberant and Parker totally played it cool. They sounded like a host of angels and it truly put my heart into the Christmas spirit! It was a joy to be there with my parents, too. They took me to dinner afterwards which was so nice! We saw the first performance and I was able to see Tanner after and give him a big hug! He was glowing and I was so proud of him!! I left the kids at RaShelle’s and they had so much fun over there! I had the house all cleaned and organized for bedtime when they brought the kids back and when I got home at 9, all of the kids were quiet and sound asleep. The next morning they told me how they saw a bunny and a turtle, had MACARONI and cheese, went to the park, and had a blast with the Tolley girls. RaShelle said they were so cute and so happy! She said they LOVED looking at Christmas lights. Ha ha That night, I saw that Abby put Rayleigh as Jack to bed: she tucked them in and said prayers and then they asked for hugs and kisses. So sweet. Beckah held Ella and rocked her to sleep which totally touched my heart! I am so thankful for such beautiful young women who stepped in to love my babies when I had to be away. 

The next morning, after this crazy week of school and dance and swim and parties and rehearsals and performances, we slept in and cuddled in the morning before heading off on our luxury resort tour! But in the early morning hours, we got word that Max was being rushed to the hospital. He developed a very serious infection and had passed out. Cami hasn’t left his side and we are all praying for him. Saturday was Ben’s birthday and he had to spend it at my moms while his parents were at the hospital so we stopped by and brought him his birthday gift. Parker wanted to stay and hang out so he played wit Ben and Jessi and Noah while Tanner and I took the littles to the beach. We checked out the Grinch themed gingerbread house at the Ritz, walked around the beautiful Montage and enjoyed a few minutes down at the gorgeous beach. We got La Sirene Grill for lunch and some Handles for the road before picking up Parker and heading home. That night we went to Jill’s for a Grinch movie night in the backyard. She went ALL out with amazing popcorn and cookies and a hot chocolate bar! Tanner brought his projector and we cuddled up with blankets and beach chairs in the backyard. The kids had a blast and they were soooo good! We have the best friends!!!!!!

Sunday was fun too! I woke up early and attended sacrament meeting in my parent’s ward to listen to Trianna’s farewell talk. She is going on a mission to Chile, Vina Del Mar. Her testimony was so sweet and authentic. She really is such an incredible young woman!!! 

Rayleigh wore socks with sandals which was hilarious- she was adamant. After church we had chicken and rice and then headed down to Jon’s Park for a party for Ben. Jon was nice again! Woo hoo! The kids played and we got to catch up with Cort and hear how Max was doing. It was nice to be together and rally around my sister’s family during this difficult time. Since we’d made the drive all the way down there, we decided to look at lights in Ladera, walk around Dana Point for Happy Harbor Days, and see the Tallest Christmas Tree by the Sea at the San Clemente Outlets! After that, we were hungry so we got some Pedros. But it was a good day!!!

Another super busy week but so much fun and I feel like we are really doing it! We are checking things off the list, living up our family traditions, and keeping our heads above water!!!

Just pray for Max!

Taking selfies

Saturday morning snuggles