Home for the Holidays

We have had such a fun few weeks being surrounded by family and friends.

Cousin Camden

Cousin Ashlyn

Getting ready for our "festive" sweater party

Watching trains on uncle Jeremy's computer.

Wrestling with cousins Chase & Josh

Mimi & Ruby

Bringing in the New Year with the Prince's

Katie & Caroline

Bry, Cole, & Jeff

Lunch with Papa Loyola

Las Vegas

Cole and I were able to escape from the freezing Salt Lake temperatures for a few days and relax without the kids in Vegas. Although the temperatures were not that much warmer there - it actually snowed the day of our arrival - but regardless we still had a nice relaxing little getaway. Thanks to my Mom for watching the boys while we were away.

I could watch the Bellagio fountains all night.

We saw Mystere and loved it.

Jungle Jims

We had a blast at Jungle Jim's with Nana, Ileah, and cousins Ashlyn and Camden.

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. There is nothing like being home for the holidays. It was so nice being surrounded by family and friends.

Four VandenAkker generations

Santa

Mimi Nakker arranged to have Santa stop by a couple days before Christmas to visit and drop off some presents. It was fun to see all the kids reactions to him - some excited and others scared. Jaxon was a little uneasy around him and Grant didn't know what was going on.

Cousins Chase & Ruby

Grandpa Mumford

My sweet Grandpa Mumford passed away this morning. He was an amazing friend, example, and role model to me. I will miss him dearly, but will forever cherish all the amazing memories I have of him.

I feel so fortunate to have been able to live with him the summer before we moved to Boston. We moved in the day of my Grandma's funeral and at the time felt horrible moving all our boxes in that day, but now I believe it was a blessing that we were able to be there with him those few months. I was able to get to know him so much better and am so grateful for that time with him. It was also fun to see him bond with Jaxon. Jaxon loved spending time with him and especially enjoyed gardening, watching the Lawrence Welk show, and having him read bedtime stories.

I can only imagine the reunion this morning with my sweet Grandma. I'm so happy they are together again. Love you Grandpa!!!

Crawler

Grant started crawling today. Jaxon never crawled so this is completely new to us. Jaxon hasn't been too excited about him being able to come over and take his toys. I on the other hand am loving it for now. It is nice he can get what he wants instead of me picking him up and moving him all day long. I'm sure when he starts getting into everything I will feel differently.

An action shot

I love the way he lays himself out to grab whatever he is trying to reach

Dressed in his Christmas outfit

Cole ready for his Holidazzle section dinner.