around the house

Isn't Christmasing the best?  Around our house the boys have enjoyed reliving childhood boardgames, catapults and all:

Yes, we broke out the Christmas puzzles - it wouldn't be the holidays without them:

And of course we've been making a gingerbread house.  

And taking pictures.  Lots & lots of pictures. (Have I mentioned I self-appointmented myself to photo document this entire holiday?  Because I have.)

& (drum roll please...)

the finished product:

Also it was Bella's b-day today (who even keeps track of things like these?) - We affectionately call her our perpetual 3-year old due to her HUGE lack of self control.  Don't worry, we love her anyway.

Stay tuned for Balboa Christmas lights (if you can stand the visual overload)!  

so. coast

What would Christmas be without a trip to an overly crowded, crazy mall??  Especially when you go with wonderful people like these:

+ mom, of course, but someone had to take the picture...and don't you hate grabbing people to take your pictures?  Especially people in a big busy mall carrying 5 shopping bags a piece.

After a long day of unintended exercise around the shops we've all plopped down on the couch to watch Elf - is there anything more festive?

Woohoo for the holidays, spending time with family and (almost the best part) no homework :)

4 months

Welp, yesterday was month marker #4 and we celebrated by doing a lot of this:

and this:

but now we are in California & all is well and warm.

Merry traveling and Christmasing to you all!

traditions

four years at BYU.

four trips to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake.

I'm almost going to miss freezing my fingers/toes/nose off ever December when we're down in LA.

Almost...

There was even a choir singing Christmas songs in the assembly hall - how Christmasy right?  It was delightful.

After our walk around the square we celebrated being done with finals (WOOHOO!) with dinner at this darling restaurant.  Looking for a good Italian place in Salt Lake?  We found it. 

Good food & good company.  What more could you want?

Except maybe nutella gelato for dessert...?

Check & done.

xo

the handbook

Have you read this book?

It's kind of amazing.  Teaches the boys everything they need to know in less than 20 pages.  Also it was written by a kid in elementary school.

Pure genius.

Check out this interview with the author: