This Christmas

By Christmastime this year, I was all photo'ed out {and I still am.} 

Sometimes the end of this year does this to me.

I always look forward to January when I can relax a little and recover from the holidays and our birthdays of the season.

So a Christmas synopsis will inevitably be short today.

And sometimes that's okay...

Christmas Eve found us secretly bringing lots of the boys' toys all wrapped up and leaving them on a doorstep of some sweet little boys who we thought might like them.

It was so magical to see their excitement as we all hid in the car and watched the door open...

We came home to a Christmas Eve "feast" complete with my gorgeous Portuguese tablecloth and Portuguese dishes.

The stockings were hung....

...and we had a Christmas Eve fireside with stories and testimonies to celebrate the evening.

After the nativity was completed,

the little ones opened their Christmas pajamas and we snuggled in together to watch a Christmas movie before bed.

Christmas morning was brilliant. The children slept in till about 7:15 and we spent the next hour opening presents.

We loved every minute.

After we got ready, we drove over to Nana and Papa's for Christmas brunch and presents. When we arrived, we were astounded by the amount of snow they received. We had none at our house. We only wished we had brought the kids' snow clothes!

 Easton and I agreed that our favorite part was watching an old nativity from when my sisters and I were little. It was hilarious and so sweet.

I love my family. I love the Savior. It was a very merry Christmas indeed.

7/26/14

He had been looking forward to this day for nearly a year. He had changed his mind about what he wanted for his birthday dinner and his presents more than a dozen times. And he had been counting down the months since Christmas and the days since May. And when the day finally came complete with red and black decorations and a chocolate frosted yellow cake, Easton was more than ready to be seven.

Actually, his birthday celebrations always start a bit early as it's a Greene family tradition to meet at Downata the Monday before Easton's birthday every year. This year it was forecasted to rain, but Easton had faith that if he prayed, Heavenly Father would stop the rain. And he did. Easton's faith always amazes me. After our swim, we gathered around for pink frosted cupcakes made by Nana (Easton's request) and giant snicker doodles (another of Nana's traditions). Gram and Pop brought Easton his presents of a real Easton baseball bat and balls. This was a monumental day indeed.

Now on to the day of his birthday:

For breakfast, since it was Saturday, we made rice pudding and Easton was able to use the special golden plate.

Next we went to Logan to eat lunch at Chuck-a-Rama. Nana and Papa were able to come with us too. We had such a wonderful time but somehow I managed to snap two pictures of Tate and none of the birthday boy (or our guests, Nana and Papa). (Not a proud moment!) After lunch we went to Kohl's with Nana and Papa so Easton could pick out his birthday presents. He chose a Shark sweatshirt, new shoes, and a Lego adventure set. It was a perfect afternoon!

When we returned home Easton opened his presents from us: new roller blades, knee/elbow pads, and an elastic bracelet kit. We spent the rest of the evening eating cake and teaching Easton the basics of roller blading.

Look at that twinkle in his eyes. How could anyone not love this awesome boy?

It was a special day--simple and sweet. I hope our birthday boy had a super day because he truly is our little Seven-year-old Superman!!!

A few days later we enjoyed a visit from Grandpa and Grandma and Payton to celebrate Easton as well. Poor Grandma had to make cupcakes at a friend's house since they are remodeling their kitchen! He opened a Lego helicopter and a Lego RV set. We spent the next few hours putting them together. Easton felt like his birthday lasted two weeks with all the celebrations. He felt so special and grateful for all of his wonderful family celebrating with him.

June Things.

A monthly recap is in order because we've been so busily filled with summer things that I haven't had a single free minute to record our memories.

The summer started with a Super Hero Training Meeting so we could start a new summer chore system. The boys have both been doing so well on their chores--Tate especially loves wearing his super hero gloves!

I mustered up my courage, and chopped off all my hair (or at least 11 inches!!) I felt quite a bit like Rapunzel, but was easily able to part with it knowing it was being donated, instead of being thrown away!!

On the first day of summer we made homemade popsicles and had a picnic lunch outside on our new lawn surrounded by our new fence. It was heaven. Perfectly serene.

On my second day of summer, girls camp began. I had a blast with some of my favorite people in the whole world!!! I love all my girls!!!!

(And this is what they labeled the Leader's Tent as....thank heavens I didn't have to sleep there!!)

The hike was one of my favorite parts. Hiking is probably on my top 10 list of most wonderful things to do....

This boy. This sand. They are inseparable.

Eating at our favorite local restaurant (actually only one of two restaurants in our town...) [But it really does have amazing food and is decorated so cute!!]

Baseball games...

The first prize Maylie chose from Mommy's Store as a reward for doing her chores, was a crown. Of course. This little princess is my favorite girl to be around in the whole wide world!!!

Last weekend, I had a wedding to photograph in Lehi (my very last one--yay!). Inbetween the events of the day, my parents and I went to the Outlets at Traverse Mountain! I am definitely returning! They were amazing!!! And even though it was a completely stressful day, I absolutely LOVED spending time with my parents. We drove down together and spent most of the whole day together. I can't remember the last time I have been alone with my parents. We laughed until we nearly cried and made so many fabulous memories. My parents have always been and will always be my dearest friends and I treasured this time more than I can express. I hope we can have another day together in the future!

And this is Easton. :)

This week Maylie chose sidewalk chalk for her prize. I am in love with this box of endless possibilities!

And lastly, Easton lost his tooth a few days ago. That makes #6!

Summer is in full swing. I have checked off so many things from my summer to-do list. All that's left is to relax, enjoy each moment, and go on at least 5 fun summer trips!!!! I hope this summer never ends.