Oh, the lights at Temple Square.......Serene

It finally was warm last night and so we called Grandpa and Grandma Green and made plans to go to Temple Square. We went to dinner at the Little America and then rode trax, also known as the "fast train" per Dylan, to Temple Square.

We were all bundled up and I never heard the words, "I'm cold," which was my intent with the over abundant outdoor attire.

The boys loved the giant gingerbread house at the Little America. The lights are beautiful with the snow and we spent most of the night walking around Temple Square. Dylan loved the nativity and when we went inside to see the Christus he told Mike, "Jesus was a baby down there and now he is a man in here." I did not take the best pictures, but I do think we created good memories.

Green Grandchildren...

Every year for Christmas, Grandpa and Grandma Green put a picture of their grandkids at the top of their list. It has been a fun tradition and it is cool to see the way the kids change. This year we had Jeremy Pexton, a photographer in Lehi, take the photos. He did a great job and is inexpensive. He took a ton of photos, but I will just post a few favorites.
My sister in law, Cami, and I loved this one because the kids were done and we told them that we would not be going to McDonalds if they did not cooperate. For those concerned, they did win a trip to the happy place. I am biased, but in my opinion I think these kids are adorable!

Is it Christmas yet?................

Our home is full of anticipation for Christmas. Dylan has been counting down the days on an advent calendar and still he asks Mike and I the same question every day, "is it Christmas yet?" Since I have been bad at the blogging thing lately, I thought I would share some of the photos we have taken during the busy month of December. We have been having a blast enjoying this time of year. The boys loved the lights at Thanksgiving Point and Christmas in Utah. We have been in the house for the past week because Dylan had pneumonia and Mike and Tate had the flu bug....Merry Christmas! I must say it was nice to be home because our home feels so comforting with all the decorations and the spirit of anticipation. Dylan has loved the Christmas movies, especially Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (love DVR). Tate has opened one gift and loves sitting in the basket near the fireplace under the stockings waiting for the jolly old man to come down the chimney.

The best thing I ever bought has to be the train that goes under the tree. Dylan loves trains and has passed this love on to Tate. The boys are always playing with the train.

Every chance I get I am in the kitchen making candy. My Grandma Rowley made the best candy during the holidays and I found her recipe and then my friend Jen showed me how to make the fondant and dip the chocolates. Thanks Jen for all your secrets in the candy making arena. I am enjoying making the candy and our family and friends are enjoying the taste. We would love to see all of you during the holiday season. Stop by and we will even give you homemade dipped chocolates. Have a Merry Christmas and may the love for our Savior be in your heart.

Guess who is walking?...FREEDOM

Our little man Tate is now walking all over the house. He looks so adorable and because he is a short little guy he looks like a puppet. Dylan is so excited that Tate is walking and is always saying, " come on Tate walk to Dylan." Notice how he has already found the TV remote. Yes, he is a male for sure.

Family Photos..........

Our last family photo was taken before Tate was born and we have been wanting a new family photo. My sister, Toni, is an awesome photographer and so we wanted her to take our photo this year. As you can see, Toni is very talented and Dylan smiled at the camera for her (he has a hard time with other photographers). If you want an awesome photo session check out Toni's website @ http://www.m2mphoto.com/ Thanks aunt Toni...you did an awesome job. Now we have to choose our favorites which is a tough decision. These are just a few photos that she took.

It must be Santa..........

While we were in Parowan we went to a Christmas parade and then the boys were able to sit on the Jolly Old Man's lap.
Dylan has a big list this year. He wants a Bumblebee Transformer, a bowling set, and a race car set . He was very serious and made it a point to tell Santa, very plainly, every item on his list.
Tate was the typical one year old who cries on Santa's lap. Although, he did enjoy the candy and peanuts that Santa gave him. It reminded me of being a child and getting a brown paper sack with peanuts and homemade chocolates from Santa on Christmas Eve at the annual ward Christmas party.

Thankful Thanksgiving...........

This year for Thanksgiving we went to Parowan. We spent Thanksgiving day with Grandpa and Grandma Rowley, Colby and Toni's family, Chase and Nick. My mom gave us the opportunity to go around the table before we ate the big feast and to state what we are thankful for. This was memorable for me as I am grateful for many things in my life. Especially, for family and to be a wife and mother. It was a great day and we had a wonderful time.
The boys love to be with their cousins, Reagan and Payton, and they all liked to climb on Grandpa.
The men had their annual competitive basketball game with cousins and we all laughed at what occurs before and after the game(family secret). My mom, my two sisters, and my niece went Christmas shopping in Las Vegas on Friday and I have not laughed so hard in a long time. We had a blast! Thanks for the wonderful holiday Grandpa and Grandma Rowley.