Now none of my siblings can say that mom never cooks. I have proof!

The kids were Sooo thrilled to get new pj's and blankets and pillows from grandma and grandpa Evertsen! We all had so much fun at the Christmas party, all the boys acted worse than 2 year olds and we all got along really well, which is saying something for my family! We had everyone there and had no arguments and we all had a really good time! It was nice to all be together and have fun! Me and JoLee had the best ginger bread house I would have to say, until the boys had to go and chew up all the gum balls and put gross blobs on it! But I say we win and that's all that me and JoLee care about!

Olivia wasn't so sure about getting up on Santa's lap, but she saw there were presents involved and didn't cry. She is learning to love Santa!

Asher was so funny when Santa came to the cabin! As soon as Santa sat down, Asher backed right into him and sat on his lap without anyone saying anything to him! He was so cute!

We went to Beaver for our family Christmas party with Brandon's family, and the kids had a really good time. We all did, but especially the kids. The whole weekend was centered around the kids and doing things that they would like to do, and for the first time in a long time, Brandon and I didn't have a complaint about one of our kids. It was so nice to just enjoy them and not feel burdened by them when we're trying to get stuff done or play an adult game. We had a blast and I realized that I need to be centering my activities around my kids and do more things that they would like to do instead of trying so hard to have my own life. My life is my kids and I am just realizing how much I really love that! The kids really enjoyed sledding down the snow hill with dad, and eventually on their own. We made ginger bread houses and had a contest with the other families and Asher was so proud that our family won the contest! The kids made all of the decorations for the Christmas tree and got to see Santa. Asher is still so innocent this year! He thought that since Santa gave him a ninja turtle at the party that Christmas was done and he was totally okay with that. He was happy with one small toy! We are being really simple for Christmas this year and I am glad to know there is no expectancy level for my kids! They will have fun with whatever they get! They were so excited at my family party that they got pajamas! Christmas is such a great thing when you're so young! It still is, but I miss the excitement and pure thrill of seeing it all through an innocent child's perspective. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces tomorrow morning when it is Christmas day! It'll be good!

This has been a really good year for our family. Asher is 4 and goes to pre-school and loves every minute of it. He comes home with a new letter almost every day and loves to think of words that start with that particular letter. He ADORES his baby sister Avaree. He loves to talk to her and hold her. He is a very sensitive child. If I am mad at him for any reason it dosen't take him long to come give me a hug and tell me sorry for whatever he has done, even when he hasn't done anything! He is such a sweet heart!
Olivia is 2 1/2 and a little fire ball! I am surprised she dosen't have bright red hair with horns underneath! No really she is a lot of fun, but watch out for her! If she is making a lot of noise I don't worry about her, it's when she's quiet that there is a problem. She loves lotion and makeup and anything I have told her not to get into. She, like her brother, loves Avaree. She climbs into bed with her in the morning and talks to her and sings her songs. She loves to hug and kiss her and rub her face all over avaree's face. It's really funny to watch her when she thinks no one is watching. She sings to herself and has pretend tea parties. She has an amazing imagination! She knows that she's daddy's little princess, and calls herself princess beauty. She really has her daddy wraped around her little finger! She won't let me give her her sippy at night, daddy has to give it to her and tuck her in. She really is a fun and bubbly person and we love her!
Avaree is-well-amazing! She is such a good and happy baby! You can tell instantly by just looking at her that she is a happy and content baby. Random strangers in stores-every time I shop- look at her and say "Oh what a happy baby. Oh she is so smiley!" She hardly ever cries, and I usually have to wake her up to eat! She is such a joy and blessing in our family.
Brandon is still working for Desert Door, and we are very blessed to have the boss he has! He has done so much for our family and is so generous to Brandon! He never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think he can't do anything nicer, he does something else.
Brandon is also very lucky, he gets to go to Venisuela in January to help work on the temple there, for 2 weeks. I am jealous, but very excited for him! He says it won't be a vacation, since he will be working 6 of 7 days a week and 10 hour days, but he's going to be in Venisuela! Warm and comfy while the rest of us freeze here in the cold desert. I really am excited for him though. I think he'll have a great time!
We have increadible family members also! Both of our parents are so involved in our kids lives and are always concerned for their welfare it's like our kids have 3 sets of parents! It really helps me out when I need that break, and my kids adore them! I never worry when they are with the grandparents, I can leave and they don't cry until I come back and tell them we have to go home! They do so much for our little family and we are so greatful for them and for all the other family members-aunts and uncles and great grandparents. We love you all!
That's our family for now- We hope everyone has a great holiday season and enjoys the spirit of christmas! We love you all!

It has been so cold this week! Snowing in Saint George! I love Avaree's seat cover, it comes in very handy when it's cold outside!

For any of you who know Olivia, this isn't a surprise. This girl goes and goes and goes, and then when she sits down... the rest is history. She was watching a movie after a long day of trouble and play and she passed out while sitting at the table. She is so funny.

Lagoon

This is Brandon me and Kelly (Brandon's dad) While at Lagoon, we rode the Sky coaster and the sling shot. It was a major RUSH! I would totally do it all again.

For our family vacation this year we went up to Grandma and Grandpa Sheriff's house in Centerville Utah. We went to Hogal Zoo, Lagoon, rode the Heber Creaper, and hit a corn maze. Lots of fun!

Asher loves the splash pads! He had a blast at this one jumping from rock to rock. Olivia tried to keep up, but usually just ended up crying and getting hurt. Overall they both had lots of fun!

Mascara Mess!

Olivia is a very free spirit! This is her getting into the mascara. She at least knew the general area that it is supposed to go on. She is full of energy! We are always cleaning up her messes. She's lots of fun, but hard to keep track of.