Soccer and Christmas Break

ARGENTINA won the World Cup! It was an exciting game and I loved sharing the whole experience with my kids. When the boys asked if they could wear my two jerseys to school after the winning game, the answer was YES!! 

We attended the boys' school Christmas party! The girls were excited to participate and get treats too. 

The girls also had a little party at their music class to finish up the semester. They both love to sing and are constantly singing! 

The boys had an early release day on Wednesday and then it was officially Christmas break! A winter storm hit and Aaron's office was closed on Thursday so we enjoyed the best day at home together. December turned out to be busier than I like so I was grateful when the winter storm allowed us to be still and be together. 

The kids spent hours outside. Adelaide lasted for a few seconds then wanted to come back in. 

Aaron started a fire and we sat around it after dinner to roast marshmallows and play games. Our home started feeling extra cold so we were relieved when the air filters Aaron changed help to warm up our house. 

Christmas tradition: decorating sugar cookies for Santa and friends!

Our nice neighbor took these pictures this week of the kids and sent them to me! I love their happy smiles. I'm grateful I was able to find the boys new snow gear months ago at a garage sale. 

Tonight I'm truly grateful for our furnace the provides us heat for our home. It's moments without something that I stop and wonder when the last time I poured out my heart in gratitude for things I may take for granted, like our furnace. 

My 39 birthday!

I had the best birthday! I loved that it fell on a Sunday this year and I got to spend the entire day with my family around me and attend church. I love birthdays and I'm especially excited to turn 40 next year. I'm already making goals on how to improve myself and to make this a memorable year! We returned home from church and these sweet balloons were sitting on my porch. I loved them and never figured out who they were from. 

Since we moved here three years ago, we've heard of this live nativity put on by families in our stake. We finally made it to the event and loved every second of it, even with the cold temperatures.

We've been following Argentina in the world cup this year and it's been so fun to cheer on a country I love dearly. When they won an intense game during the week, the obvious choice for dinner were empanadas. They taste extra good in the air fryer. 

When Eleanor went to bed, she grabbed every animal in her room she could find to put in her bed. Where is she?!

The primary helped with a nativity for our ward Christmas party and it was darling.

 My kids will never forget this! 

Eli and Austin desperately need hair cuts. 

Eleanor had a Christmas ballet recital. She loves performing and she's cute up on the stage! 

Eli had a performance with all the 4th graders and they showed off their recorder skills. It was impressive!

We grabbed him for a hug before he ran back for the school bus. 

I helped plan our ward Christmas party. It takes a lot of work to plan a big event. I love event planning so it was fun. I was also grateful when it was over. :) 

Adelaide wanted to participate too. She climbed up the steps and sat on Eleanor's lap. 

We ended the evening singing together, "Joy to the World." I teared up seeing my kids sing with all their hearts. 

Some of our favorite neighbors moved 6 months ago so we were excited when they said they would join us for our ward Christmas party. 

December happenings

We watched Blue for several days and Adelaide loved playing in Blue's cage. Sometimes I think I'm ready for a dog, but I'm definitely not. 

I may have over done myself because while we were dog sitting, I also taught piano lessons and agreed to help my friend by watching her baby for the day. Eleanor and Adelaide love babies so they were very helpful with baby Danny. 

The boys had a fun run fundraiser and we loved cheering them on as they ran and ran their hearts out. 

Thursday evening I was exhausted and just wanted to watch a Christmas movie. We dipped some pretzels and all watched a movie together. 

Austin's turn to run! 

The best cheerleaders! 

We went up to Omaha to see my cousin graduate. Our hotel was right by Bass Pro so we stopped in to see the winter workshop! 

Adelaide looked so big hanging out on the couch while the kids all watched a movie. Thankfully, she slept well because she usually is a mess at hotels! 

My Grandma Pav was at the graduation and it was special treat to see her and hear Tylen speak! 

The graduation was only an hour! It was spirit filled as the prayers and speakers talked about relying on God as they do their medical work. I love exposing our kids to things like college graduations - it's hard work, but as they preserver, I know our kids can do hard things, like when it comes to getting an education! 

Everyone was exhausted as we drove back home. 

My Aunt Delzia sent some pictures that she captured! 

We've fallen in love with Omaha. It's nice to live close to other midwest cities and it was especially nice to be with family for a day without having to drive 8+ hours!