Goodbye, 2013!

As the year comes to a close, I like to reflect on what has happened this year. We added a new member to our family, and we have changed because of him. Brooklyn grows more and more each day, and she is a constant reminder to me to be spontaneous and joyful. Craig finished his CPA exam, and was rewarded for so many years of dedication and hard work. As our family grows and matures, it warms my heart to see how far we've come, and I look forward to what will come next year!

Choo Choo

Brooklyn has been wanting to ride the "train", so we finally went! Sure, it was freezing and we had a newborn, but it was fun nonetheless. She squealed every time the train started moving. Not that you can tell from this picture, but she was laughing and smiling the whole time!

And here is what a big sister bestows upon her baby brother. He's beautiful!

Here's Brooklyn helping me vacuum with her new vacuum!

It's Christmas, and I Want Everything!

Merry Christmas!!! What a great Christmas we've had, with Brooklyn understanding more and having our little Stockton James with us! Brooklyn was so excited for Santa to come (we left him cookies!), and for his reindeer to have a carrot snack. He filled our stockings with lots of candy!

Christmas morning is probably my favorite part of the season. Everyone is sleepy but excited, and the anticipation is finally at an end! My sweet little Brooklyn was really into it this year, and that makes it more fun. I have always loved Christmas, and bask in the family love, service, and giving of the season.

I'm the best. 

Or maybe Craig's the best!

Elsa!

The perfume that's been on my list for 4 years...

Brooklyn got some new books that became more fun than opening more presents. She is quite the little bookworm.

Once a month dates for the whole year!

Showing all her new animals to Great-Grandpa Ellis.

Do you wanna build a snowman?

One of the best presents was seeing Uncle Riley back from the Army!

We had an amazing Christmas this year, and Brooklyn is already excited about next year!

Growing Up

Brooklyn is getting to a point where she likes to play by herself. She got this cute playset at a Christmas party a few days ago, and she loves it! She loves pretending to be a little waitress and serve... herself. 

I'm also learning how much fun it is having a daughter! We painted our nails together, and she wanted hers to look just like mine.

She also likes wearing my shoes! She can strut in heels just as good as the next girl, and she says it makes her feel like a princess.

Then she makes faces like this and I think, "maybe she'll never really grow up." And that's not bad.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Snow!

One of the greatest things about Utah is the snow. Kids love the snow. And lucky for me, I have a husband who also loves the snow! We haven't had much time to play in it yet, because it's been crazy busy. But Brooklyn finally got to go out and have her fill!

Her first snowman. ♥

'Tis the Season

Stock had his first real bath! He loved it, of course. He splashed around and got about as excited as any newborn can. :)

Here's Brooklyn with her new paint set from Grandma Hanks! She loves it so much! She paints all the time. 

Ah, a baby who actually loves his swing. :)

While I was finishing Stockton's stocking (hard to say), Brooklyn somehow figured out how to tie Bucket to the table using the extra string. Clever girl. Poor dog. Don't worry, I released him immediately after documenting it with a picture.

Mmm. The stocking were hung by the chimney with care...

Visiting with friends! Calvin and Stockton finally got to meet! Their birthdays are only two weeks apart. 

Still loves him :)