Christmas Time's a Comin'...

RyGar had a work party down south this past weekend.  We joined him Friday night and ate like kings then stayed an extra day to visit with "the real" Santa in Richfield and watch the light parade.

It was so fun to see all my boys atop Santa's lap.  They were so polite.  Ace Face grinned the entire time.  And turns out Booner Bear is a huge Santa fan as well.  He smiled and giggled and asked for a bike and was super thoughtful about what else he might share with the big man.  It was darling.

We waved goodbye to Santa and Mrs. Clause from the truck and then Boone sat back in his car seat and just smiled and exclaimed, "I YIKE Santa!" and "Santa Canny" which I interpreted to mean "Santa gives candy". :)

Shockingly there were a few new items added to the boys' lists.  I don't know if that is because they were feeling the pressure once they were in the presence of the man in the red suit or they were just announcing some big new ideas they had conjured up on a whim... either way... let the wondering begin. 

And that evening we alternated sitting in a warm car and freezing out on the curb as we watched the light parade roll by in front of us.  Grandma and Grandpa were there with us and Boone hollered, "KIMISS YIGHTS!" every few minutes just to make sure we were all seeing what he was seeing.

I love this time of year.  It's busy.  It's crazy.  It's a little stressful but it's magic.  And I love it.

Hoping you feel the magic wherever you are too.

XO

Of Boone-Diggety...

Little Man is approaching the two-year-mark.  Is that the craziest thing you've ever heard?

Don't I know it.  

Anyway the other day Ry was home during Booner's happy rising from nap time and we caught a few little gems on camera.  This boy... he is pure joy right now.  

Boone is thrilled to discover every little thing the world has to offer through his fresh toddler eyes.  He loves to run with the pack and is giddy when the boys treat him as an equal.  

He likes all of us to "OTCH" or "WATCH" whatever little trick it is he is performing and the dude has a lot of tricks.  He can somersault, kick a ball, catch a ball, and shake his booty.  

He is currently obsessed with Santa and carries some tiny Santa ornament wherever he goes.  

He loves to "RUN FAST DADDY" which involves a race from the bath tub to Dad for a giant bear hug in the nude.  Little cutie pie.  

He hollers to his brothers, "'MON GUYS" or "'MON ACEY!" when he wants them to go with him to play something amazing he has mapped out for them.  

He has zero stranger danger at this point and strikes up conversations and shares fruit snacks with just about anyone.  It makes it pretty fun to take him out to grocery stores and running errands because inevitably he helps me strike up a conversation with someone he has befriended.

He makes funny faces.  He seems to get humorous timing like an old comedian.  He has impeccable manners always saying, "Pease" and "TAIN-CHOO" like a little love.  He pats your back or shoulder when he leans in for a hug.  And bless his little heart - he still adores his "Ba-Ba and Banky".

We love our Booner more than he'll ever know.  He has been the best softener to our loud and boisterous reality and helps us all rediscover life's simple pleasures.

Just So Thankful...

We spent Thanksgiving at our spot.  Wayne Wonderland gets more wonderful the more I get to share it with my tiny humans.  And I guess I now know why my Dad drug me there nearly every weekend while growing up.

The boys had so much fun with all their cousins.  They played for HOURS together... laughing hysterically at each other in the basement and creating epic games (and messes).  It was so fun to listen to them.

Of course they added to their club house furnishings... building a table and hanging pheasant feathers and talons.  (gag)

There were rides on the little wheeler and the tiny motorcycle for hours on end.

There was a pheasant hunt wherein the boys acted as dogs and flushed out a couple of roosters for Dad to shoot and the boys to whoop and holler about.

There was a morning hike in Capitol Reef (the weather was insanely gorgeous - we are talking 70 degrees and sunny without a breeze to even tickle air).  

The boys wore short sleeves on our hike and just jackets in the morning before the sun heated up the atmosphere but man - it was blue skies and Heavenly.

There was a little gingerbread decorating.

And gingerbread eating...

And lots and lots of food.  And love.  

Plus Pumpkin shooting AND a turkey pinata.... because go big or go home, right?

It was just how a Thanksgiving should be.

We are truly grateful for all we have.  I have seen this saying several times in recent months and it hits home every time:

"I still remember praying for the things I have now".

Prayers answered.

Hearts full.