Yates & Mates & Yatertates (AKA kids)

The Yates's  Christmas Party is always one we look forward to. This year Wendy and Steve hosted it at their home in Salt Lake. The kids did a great job performing the Nativity. Jayden and Skyler were a little old for it this year, but Auri was ecstatic to be a little lamb. Then once all the dice gifts were spread out, the chaos began!!

Christmas Celebrations!

Sunrise Meadow's 1st Ward Christmas Party

Aysia, Auri & Rachel Mason

Auri and Aysia performing Christmas songs with the Primary

I'm glad Skyler had the chance to sit on Santa's lap this year, he was getting a little worried he wouldn't have the opportunity. We almost had to go to the mall to find him, but luckily he happened to show up at our ward Christmas Party! Lucky us!

School Class parties are always something the kids have looked forward to. I have helped with the parties for 10 years straight and they never get old! I helped the kids with crafts for Auri's party and the hot chocolate bar and snowball fight for Aysia's party.

Louie & Charlie

Our sweet elf, Louie comes back every year. He must like us or something... He often times leaves little gifts and notes and even made his own bed this year where he would sleep under the Christmas tree. We think he got a little lonely one night though while the cousins were over because we couldn't find him. Then Aunt Noelle called and said that Louie decided to pay a visit to his cousin Charlie. So all night long, she sent pictures of their adventures together. It was only one night, but I'm sure it felt like a month to Aunt Noelle who had to keep cleaning up after them.

Louie left hot chocolate for Aysia and Auri

Auri's picture of Louie

Charlie waiting for Cousin Louie

Louie and Charlie found each other!!

 Snacking, playing games, putting puzzles together, sneaking treats and making messes was what they did best!

After a long night, the cousins said goodbye. Then Louie had to leave us for another year which is always a sad moment. But we assume he heads back to the North Pole to help Santa with some of his toy making!! We love our Louie!

Cousin Time!

Instead of Christmas presents for the cousins this year, we decided to make memories. We had fun cheering the Grizzly Hockey team on and even came from behind in the 3rd period, down by 3 to win the game in overtime!! It was fun to spend time with the Hafen's and Grandma Woobie and even more fun that we came away with a win!

While the Hafen's were up, we decided to hit the Hogle Zoo as well. It was a little cooler, but not crowded and the animals were a little more active than in the hot summer months (other than the Lions ;).  Our favorite was the Big Gorilla who kept making faces at us through the window.

We love the holidays because it means more family and cousin time! The Pace family invited us along for some iceskating fun. It was a little chaotic at first until we rented a few of the sliders to keep the kids on balance. Jayden and Skyler really picked it up fast since they hadn't had much practice. Lacee and Traycen had speed skating lessons in Costa Rica so they were twirling and racing. The twins absolutely loved it, especially when they were being dragged along by the kids on the sliders! 

It wouldn't feel like Christmas without making Christmas Sugar Cookies. We invited Lacee and Traycen over to cut out, bake and decorate the cookies. I think we ate many more than we gave away...

Jared and Jodi's family came into town for the holidays so we decided to take advantage of the snow and hit the slopes at Brighton Ski Resort. It was fun to let the cousins all ski together. We met up for a quick dinner and hot chocolate, then hit the slopes until closing. It's always a good trip when you can walk away without injuries!!!

DECEMBER 2017