Volk Family Pictures 2015

My talented sister-in-law took these family pictures last week when we were all together and I just love how they turned out. It was freezing outside and we only had a few minutes before the kids broke down, but I'll cherish these memories forever. Thanks, Mary Beth!!

Temple Square lights

Earlier this year when we decided to have Christmas in Utah, I voted for Temple Square Lights to be on our list of things to do together! I haven't seen the lights since I lived in Utah 9 years ago. And, when we visited Temple Square last August with Angela, we saw the workers putting the lights up. When we watched the First Presidency Devotional earlier this month, I showed Eli the lights at Temple Square and he wanted to see them in person! 

It was freezing and crowded and we couldn't find parking, but it ended up being a highlight of the trip for our family! And I love the spirit you can feel even outside the temple.

I love that my sister-in-law has an identical twin. She just gets me!

Thanks, Mary Beth for these pictures!!

Goodbyes are the worst. Traveling is always exhausting and the boys don't sleep well or get good naps so they're a little grouchy, but we're grateful we could spend time together with family!

We stayed Sunday night with Mike and Angela and then left early to drive back. Glad we could see you one more time, Ang!

The first thing Aaron did when we got home, after unpacking the car, was putting up Eli's train table. Thanks, black Friday deals. ;)

More Christmas!

Austin's first Christmas!

Aaron was pretty excited for our gift from Spencer and Mary Beth. All you can eat deep dish pizza for everyone!! :)

A train!!

Another train!!

And this picture is priceless. Here is Eli's face when Austin was opening the gift he gave him - a helicopter!

Christmas week continued

Thursday evening we all spent the night at Granny's house and there was definitely Christmas excitement with all these little cousins.

Santa brought both these little boys train sets and this picture had to be document because for one hot second, they were playing together nicely. ;)

Granny's cinnamon rolls - sooooo good. The rest of Christmas day was spent eating yummy food, taking family pictures (more to come!) and playing games. 

The day after Christmas, we attended a bridal shower for Aaron's cousin, Amanda. I love everything about weddings. 

Saturday evening was another family party with pizza and a white elephant gift. Even though Eli didn't quite grasp the concept of a white elephant gift with people taking gifts from each other, we all ended up with some fun gifts, like a Star Wars water bottle, Oreos and Hot Wheels.

It was a busy, busy week, but oh so memorable! 

Christmas Week via my phone pics

We left on Sunday, Dec. 20 for Utah. We made a quick stop in Grand Junction to attend church with the Pavlovskys. (We planned to start our vacation on Saturday, but Aaron's work party was that evening and he was asked to attend. Why didn't I get a picture?!)

I love the Sunday before Christmas so we hated to miss it. Church was the perfect start to our Christmas holiday.

We started the week with a girls' shopping trip to the outlets while grandpa and the kids went sledding. I love this tree!

Monday night we went to the BYU art museum to see the work of Norman Rockwell - so much talent!

Tuesday the boys and I had a playdate with Angela and her girls while Aaron went snowboarding. Discovery Gateway was the best place for a playdate! 

Wednesday night the boys hung out with Angela and her girls again while Aaron and I went to see Star Wars. Yes, Start Wars! For the first time in my life, I watched Star Wars and I secretly loved it and I secretly can't wait for the next one to come out. Strange, I know. Thanks, Angela for babysitting the little rascals!!! :)

Christmas Eve the parties began with a visit from Santa himself. The best part was when he asked Eli what he wanted for Christmas and he said, "A train!" Guess what toy Santa gave Eli that night? A train. And guess what he got Christmas morning? A train.

Austin was so exhausted he fell asleep on me - something that is rare these days and I loved it!!

For Eli's first Christmas, I remember thinking so much about Mary cuddling baby Jesus on his first night of life and how peaceful that must have been. I reflected on those feelings again this year as I rocked Austin in my arms. 

Oh how we're grateful for a tiny baby born in Bethlehem all those years ago. I wish I could share Eli saying, "Baby Jesus" in a high pitched voice as he played with the Fisher Price Nativity we set out in our home. We had a scripture countdown chain we read each night in December and it helped us all try and stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. I love all the excitement that comes with Christmas, but our ultimate goal as a family is to focus on what Christmas is all about - A Savior being born and how our life is blessed eternally because of it.

Christmas magic

Oh I loved Christmas with these little boys in our home! The magic in their eyes about everything Christmas made our home extra bright this year.

The Y hosted a milk and cookies with Santa event so we stopped for a quick visit before I dropped them off at child watch while I worked out. Santa gave them little gifts. I was surprised. They were happy!

And just for the memories -Austin woke up like this. Haha.. this kid cracks me up. He's tough. 

Snowed in

The week after my birthday was filled with several snow days so we opted to stay inside and do crafts and bake and listen to Christmas music two days in a row!

Meet Frosty.

We love the Friend and look forward to the activities each month.

Gingerbread cookies! I actually don't like gingerbread, but Aaron does and they're fun to decorate so we made some.

Team Volk.

Here's Eli "decorating" the cookies. ;)

And happy little man.

During the snow days, I also wrapped presents and addressed Christmas cards. 

I love Christmas cards!

Birthday Part II

Birthdays are a big deal around here! 

Eli loves singing Happy Birthday over and over and again!

It was a warm day so I wanted to see the zoo lights before the weather turned cold. And it was perfect timing because the next day the weather was so bad, our ward party was cancelled.

Aaron hasn't been to the zoo before so feeding the giraffes was a must. 

Every time we've been to the zoo, Eli begs to ride the carousel. I remind him that it costs money and that maybe we can ride it on a special occasion. I figured my birthday classified as a special occasion. :) He hopped on and then seconds before it started, he hopped off. And we got our money back.

And now I'm 32! Now that I'm a mother, birthdays mean so much more to me than in the past. I'll never forget the day Eli and Austin were born and birth truly is a miracle. I spent the morning thinking about my mother having a c-section and TWINS! She's my hero. 

I must be getting older, because I cried as I read the nicest messages from family and friends. How blessed my life is because of the people that are in it.

It was a perfect day that would have been even better if Angela was celebrating by my side! Next year, Ang!