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Brielle turned 13 on Saturday!
She had a cheer competition that day, so she had been trying to decide how to party around it for while. She really wanted to have a party with her friends, so we planned on her inviting people over on Friday night, but none of her friends could come.
Christmas is so wonderful, and this year was no exception. I came and went (without any snow) too quickly, though.
We didn't have an Arbon family party like we usually do this year, because Sue wasn't coming up again and I guess no one else wanted to plan it. But we did get together for a nice dinner at Maddox. It's fun getting all of Tim's big family in one room.
Since we didn't have the Arbon party I decided to throw an Arbon party for just our little family and I'm so glad I did. We played a bunch of games with prizes and watched a movie together and it was perfect. I love when I get all my kids involved in something together that's fun for everyone. They're my favorite people to hang out with.
Christmas Eve was spent at church and then my Dad's house, as usual. Everyone agreed this is their favorite tradition. We had our Mexican food dinner and then the kids did the nativity. I sewed new costumes for everyone this year so it was extra fun for me to watch. Then Pop read The Night Before Christmas and we had our gift exchange. I didn't grow up with a lot of cousins involved, and just fills my heart to see my kids surrounded by so many people who love them and who they love around the holidays. All the time, really.
Kelson and Lexi stayed with us for Christmas and it was so fun having them here. Luke and Jane are at such a fun age. We don't get to see them often enough so I'm glad they stayed here. Everyone woke up to lots of fun presents on Christmas morning. We had crepes for breakfast and then spent the rest of they day with visitors. Christmas just fills my soul.
This the last year that the kids all get season passes to Nordic Valley for free, so we've been trying to take advantage. We've each taken them up a couple of times to ski while we hang out by the fire, trying to keep warm. But we can't let them have all the fun, so Tim and I got passes to Snowbasin this year. The girls also got the Ski Utah pass that lets them go to all the resorts in Utah three times. We mostly got them so that we can take them to Basin with us.
A couple of weeks ago we took Bri, Ava and Bus out of school to head up there and take advantage of the passes. Brielle is just absolutely flying down the mountain, she looks like a natural. Bus just wants to go fast and doesn't care that he's not really doing it right, cruising straight down and then snowplowing when he needs to turn or stop. Ava has it figured out, but she's a little more cautious, like her mom. Which was good for me, because even she kept leaving me in the dust.
I am a nervous skier. But I love it!
Last week Mason finally took a day off school (seriously, the anxiety this kid feels at even the thought of missing a day...he turned down a trip to South Africa because he would miss too much) and went to Snowbasin with Tim. He has really caught on they had a great time together, he came home so happy. That was quickly forgotten when he got home and had to do all his homework for the day, but we'll try to get him up there again.
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I love Valentine's Day. I know a lot of people say its just another way for companies to make money off of suckers, and "I" show my love all year long so what's the point?
The point is, showing people love and celebrating that love are not the same. So let's party.
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This week my baby Bri turned 12 years old.
She has been so excited for this day and spent the two days before her birthday very anxious that she was going to get sick (like the rest of us) and it would spoil the day. But she didn't! She was healthy and happy and "had the best day ever!"
First thing in the morning she opened all her presents, which were all clothes and shoes, and some beads from her siblings. The crepes for breakfast and off to school. I brought doughnuts for her class and sushi for her lunch in the morning while her grade was practicing their play.
After school she helped me finish up her devil's food cake with chocolate ganache and then it was time for her party. She had five friends come to have pizza and go to Urban Air for a couple of hours. They all had so much fun and Tim and I loved watching all the kids run around with big smiles.
Brielle is such a sensitive soul. She is definitely at a difficult age, emotionally, and it's driving her nuts. But she has grown and learned so much this year. She is still a big fan of her mom and I could sit and talk to her forever. She is a hard worker and keeps her mind on her goals. She is on the elite stunt team this year and it has been a huge new challenge, but she's taken it on with total determination and has seen a log of progress and success. And she loves it! When it's not making her so nervous that she can't sleep or think about anything else.
My girl has a smile that will light up any room, its infectious. A happy Bri is about the best thing in the world.
