Becoming a Family of Four

I discovered something about my daughter a few weeks ago... She gets bored when she is by herself.  Since she was a baby she has had play mates around and so when she is home with momma she wants me to play with her every minute.  Not that I mind, but it makes it very difficult for me to get anything done. 

As the oldest of seven, I always had someone to play with.  There were times in my teens that I wished to be an only child, but as I have gotten older I have realized how lucky I am to have so many siblings that I get along with and enjoy being with.  This is why I am so excited that Olivia gets to be a big sister next month. Nathan Scott is scheduled to arrive January 10 and we can't wait to meet him.

Christmas Time

We had a wonderful Christmas! There is something magical about seeing Christmas through the eyes of an almost two year old.  Santa spoiled us this year and so did Grandmas and Grandpas.  Some pictures from Christmas morning...

 

Later that day... I am not sure why she thought she wanted to play under the table...

Making cookies for Santa...  she loves to roll things out.  Grandma H made her a cute little apron and gave her her own rolling pin for Christmas.

Temple Square Part 2

On Saturday BYU had a second basketball game at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City.  We decided we needed to get away for a couple of days so we rented a room at the Raddison for Friday and Saturday night and spent a wonderful relaxing weekend in Salt Lake.  Friday night we ate dinner and then took Olivia swimming in the pool.  It took her a couple of minutes to remember swimming (we haven't been since August), but she loved it and didn't want to go out.  Saturday we went swimming again,  went shopping, went to the basketball game in the afternoon,  and went to see the lights on Temple Square in the evening.  We came home Sunday feeling relaxed with a plan to do it again next year.

Polar Express

In Grandpa and Grandma Magleby's neighborhood there is a family that does the Polar Express for all of the neighborhood families each year.  The train carries up up to 12 people (more with lap riders like Liv) and runs on tracks the family has built into the sidewalks around their houses.  The first part of the trip is all about Santa (you pass lots of lights, Christmas trees, and snowmen) and then you arrive at the North Pole.  There you get to meet Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas.  After all the kids have a turn to sit on Santa's lap he tells a little story about the Candy Cane... how if you turn it upside down it looks like a J and that stands for Jesus.  The second part of the train ride is all about the Savior and his life.  It was such fun night and a wonderful reminder of what the season is all about. 

Most of the Magleby Crew.  This was as we had to stop to put the train back on the track. 

Liv was not to sure about Santa, but really like the candy cane that he gave her.

Me and Liv (with Chase and Camaron) on the train

Grandma even got to sit on Santa's lap.

Lights at Temple Square

BYU had a basketball game at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City last night and since  Chelsey and Mom were in the general neighborhood they joined us.  After the game, which BYU won handily, we walked over to Temple Square and looked at the Christmas lights.  It wasn't too cold and it was simple beautiful.  Here are some of the highlights:

(Sorry Mom and Chel- both pictures I took of you guys had your eyes closed).

O Christmas Tree

I am excited for Christmas this year.  I hate to say this, but for the last several years I have been a little grinchy when it has come to Christmas.  Yes, I have gone through the motions - put up the tree, make and wrap presents, decorate the house, make the fudge... but my heart has not been into it.  This year is different and I think it has a lot to do with this little girl:

This is not Olivia's first Christmas, but last year she was only 10 months old and was oblivious to the excitement.  As we pulled out the boxes this year and started unpacking all the pieces of Christmas- the light, nativities, the ornaments, the tree... she squealed with glee as we pulled out the tree and plugged in the lights- "Pretty mama-lights".  A great big smile broke out on her face when she realized that the angel in the Fisher Price nativity set plays music and there was nothing but pure joy on her face when she unwrapped her Elmo ornament.  It is so fun for me to watch her experience these things and I really think I will enjoy Christmas this year.