Christmas 2012

It was another busy, fun Christmas for us! I think they just keep getting better, and will, with the kids understanding more and getting excited. We went up to Cam's parents on Sunday (the 23rd) and had our party/program with them. We stayed the night, and then went over to my parent's on Monday. We helped get dinner ready and had a great time as always. I say it all the time, but the cousins seriously get along so well! It is so fun to watch them play together and build relationships. We went home that night, as Santa was coming to our new house for the first time and wanted to be there in the morning to see what he brought. We woke the kids up (crazy, I know!) and brought them to the basement. Hudson and Kennady were so excited about what Santa had brought them, along with what was there for Parker. We all took turns opening gifts after that and everyone was very happy with their gifts. After a nice, quick breakfast together, we got ready and headed back to Smithfield to be with Cam's family. The drive through the canyon was beautiful! It was very snowy, but with blue skies. We ended the night at my family's home and stayed the night there. The holidays are always a very busy time, but I try to remind myself that spending time with our families is what it's about. I know at some point our parents won't be here to share memories with, so we need to enjoy the time we have now. 

Kenna as an angel during our nativity reenactment 

CHRISTMAS MORNING! 

Kenna got a doll house from Santa!

 Parker just chilled out and was a happy camper

Hudson got super heros!

 I loved having a new baby at Christmastime!

 Parker got a play mat, and he loves it! 

Hudson helping Kennady put on her Cinderella slippers. He did this all on his own, and it was like the scene out of a movie. Love these sweet kids! 

Excited about dress up!

Edee painted us this pretty picture

Cam surprised me with this Jambox, so we can rock out to music in the house. Awesome gift!

Our pretty drive on the way to Grandma and Grandpa Hoyt's

Aunt Chelsey and Parker

Enjoying a great day!

Baby's First Christmas!

I love my adorable family! I had a wonderful Christmas with them! 

Temple Square

Going to Temple Square every year to see the lights is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. We didn't pick a very good night to go though, as it was SO crowded! I think because of all the snow and it being so cold everyone picked the same night, which was pretty decent. We were paranoid about losing Kennady or Hudson. It was still a good time though, and I'm glad we got to meet up with Cam's family!

Preparing for Christmas

It was so fun to decorate the house for Christmas! I put the tree up the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the kids were so excited. It has definitely been a work in progress and I hope to be able to add more things that I want in the years to come. I did a few crafts that were way fun, but took a lot of time and money. (Hence why I don't look at Pinterest very much!) I was happy with how things turned out though, and love the warm, cozy feeling of our home. 

Cam and I were asked to portray Mary and Joseph at our ward Christmas party, with Parker playing Jesus. It was a really special morning for me. It feels so special to have a new baby at Christmastime, and this gave me an opportunity to really think about how Mary felt and about our Savior. It was the perfect way to feel the spirit of Christmas!

2 month stats

This little guy is such a good baby! He is starting to chunk up, and I love it! He is almost 12 pounds, which puts him in the 55th percentile for weight, and at 23 1/4 in, is in the 60th for his length. Parker is sleeping a lot better at night now, which is awesome for this mommy! He is now waking up just once early in the morning, around 4-6, and then goes back to sleep until 8 or 9. We got some medicine for his poor skin at his appointment, and it looks so much better after just one day! He is so smiley, and we love this happy boy! 

Parker's Blessing

Parker was blessed on November 4, 2012 by his dad. I feel so inadequate to be the mother of these special children! I was humbled as I watched my husband, surrounded by our wonderful family, give our son a beautiful blessing. I was so worried about how it would be with everyone here, but it wasn't bad at all. It was a gorgeous day outside, so we were able to put some tables up in the garage and usethat space as well. It was a perfect day!

Grandma and Papa Shirley

Grandma and Papa Hoyt

Halloween

We had a very fun Halloween this year! The kids were invited to a party at our neighbor's house that they went to the Sat. before so they got to dress up a few times. I was a little bummed that our ward doesn't do a trunk-or-treat, but we had a great time taking the kids around the neighborhood. It was such a nice night that we just put Parker in the stroller and walked around. (That doesn't happen very often around here on Halloween!) The kids were so excited and are still working on eating their candy!

My cute kids!

 Batman-He had to be so serious in every picture!

Belle-And she is really a beauty!

 Parker slept the night away!

A Baby Update

I know I say it all the time, but I have the best family! My brother and his wife came to our house and took these pictures of Parker for us. Are they just sweet or what?! He is 2 weeks old here, and I can't believe it that he is already a month old now! At his 2 week checkup he weighed 8.13- a whole pound over birth weight! The Drs always tell me I'm a good cow. Cam says I should take that as a compliment. Okay. :) It doesn't really surprise me that he's growing so fast since he's just following his brother and sister, but I really hate it! (He is also eating every 3 hours, day or night!) Other than being pretty tired, we are doing great. Parker is getting blessed this weekend, so I'm very excited about that, plus a little stressed. I'm trying to figure out how we are going to get the 40 members of our immediate family in my house, and my sweet babe has baby acne. I know it sounds lame, but I just want him to look perfect! In the end I know it will eventually go away and it won't matter. Parker is so lucky to have so many people here to share his special day and that love him as much as we do!