New Year's Eve

Happy almost 2016!  What a fun New Year's Eve we had.  It was low key, which was fine after the sick we had at our house in the past week.  This is the one night of the year where dinner rules go out the window and we get to have just snacks.  It's fun, plus this year the girls actually stayed up and watched the ball drop in Times Square on TV.  I was surprised they both stayed awake until midnight, but they were pretty determined.  We had noise makers, 2016 sunglasses, sparkling cider and these noisy popper things that Baxter did not like.  Poor dude.
So anxious to see what 2016 brings our family.  I have mixed feelings about saying goodbye to 2015, but am really excited about the new year!

Merry Christmas

Christmas was different to say the least this year.  Christmas Eve day Ryan started feeling bad and by that night he had full blown Flu.  I'm not sure I've seen him that miserable.  He had high fever, chills, aches, and had vomiting into Christmas morning.  I felt so bad for him. Before bed he asked me if I'd please wake him up the next morning so he could see what Santa left the girls.  He ended up being so sick that he couldn't leave the bed.  As the girls were opening their presents, Lane said she didn't feel well.  She ended up with a fever and said her throat was really sore.  Its especially sad for her since she was sick only a month ago.  

Santa definitely still visited even though we had a sick dad.  He left the girls pretty much everything they asked for, and then some.  We tried to make the best out of our Christmas this year even though we had two sick family members.  Things can be worse I always say, and actually made me more grateful this year than I have been in years past.  Hoping for a fun New Years when hopefully everyone is well.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

It's been over a year in the making...Addyson finally got to see the new Star Wars movie!  She's been waiting to see it since she heard it was coming out.  Since Grandpa Fackrell is such a big fan, and introduced her to the Star Wars movies, they decided to make it a date.  Bud told her he treats his dates first class and that meant any movie treats she wanted for the movie, haha. They took Ryan and LeeAnn with them but Lane and I decided to stay home.  It was lots of fun for Addyson and she made some awesome memories for sure!

Delaney's Baptism

Delaney was baptized on Saturday and we are so proud of her!  She couldn't wait to turn 8 for this very reason.  Originally we we're going to have her baptism the week of her birthday, but when we found out that Grandma and Grandpa Fackrell were visiting over Christmas break, we postponed it until then.  So glad we waited.  She had such a sweet day and some of our favorite friends from church, and Regan and Andrea from Columbus came and supported her.  As I was looking back on the pictures of the day I realized there wasn't one of just Ryan, the girls, and me.  Not sure how that happened, but we got some good pictures none the less.  I'm so happy for the decision that our Lane made to be baptized.  I know she'll have such an amazing life as she develops a relationship with her Father in Heaven.  

All Aboard The Polar Express!

On Saturday night we had our annual Ward Christmas Party.  This year the Primary was in charge, and we chose the theme of Polar Express.  The week that the planning started, Bishop released me from Primary Secretary to 2nd Counselor in the Young Women's, but the Primary ladies asked if I could still be on the party planning committee.  Lots of work went into this thing.  After two full days of decorating we finally got the cultural hall decorated and it turned out amazing.  There was a cookie decorating table, a spot to write letters to the missionaries from our ward, a hot chocolate station, and a cute backdrop to take pictures.  When everyone arrived there was a yummy dinner of Cafe Rio sweet pork salads/burritos and everything to go along with it.  Our girls each invited a friend.  Addyson invited her best friend Regan, and Lane invited her friend Sarah.  I think they all had a great time.  It was one of those events that you couldn't wait for because it would be so much fun, but also really happy when it was finally over!

Oh, Christmas Tree

I love, love, love the holidays.  It's such a meaningful time, and as much as its a crazy, hurried sometimes stressful time, it's the time of the year where I especially reflect on the Savior.  I've been thinking about Him a lot since Thanksgiving.  His birth, the Atonement, and that He lives.  It's an incredible comfort to me and I cherish my relationship with Him.

This past week we put up our Christmas tree.  The kids love it, and Ryan and I do, too.  This year I call it our candy cane tree because of the red and white lights.  I think we did good!  We are truly blessed here in our home.