HP Party

Amanda has been planning a Harry Potter party for ages. This dementor, Draco, Harry, and Hermione were ready to go.

Perry bravely attacked the basilisk in the chamber of secrets.

He may belong in Gryffindor. His brothers wouldn't even use that bathroom later.

The boys did some activities, then we watched part of the first movie while we ate.

Then it was bedtime and Amanda's friends were showing up, so it was time to go.

Dumbledore was an amazing hostess and party planner.

Christmas 2018

On Christmas Eve, Perry was helping John cook

while Scott and Jonah read. It was one of those pleasant moments when the whole house is peaceful.

Perry was waiting patiently for Christmas. We made tikka masala and naan for dinner and Amanda brought palak paneer. It was delicious.

Santa stopped by to say hello!

Sweet Jonah has been waiting weeks to give me this present. When my blender melted, he immediately ran to tell John his gift idea for me of a new blender. I couldn't last that long without one, so they wrapped an empty box and I've been using it while he's at school or outside and hiding it after. It was so thoughtful that I wanted to let him follow through on his idea, and he was so excited that it was worth the sneakery.

Amanda stayed the night, but was up so late she slept through a few present openings.

Scott's wishlist was two Lego sets and he was given both of them. Lucky boy!

Amanda gave Jonah this baby Groot that's magnetic so he can sit on your shoulder.

Anything Scott wrapped he added his name to. Getting credit where it's due. 

My uncle sent Perry a dustbuster because he loved vacuuming so much when we were visiting. It's his new favorite toy. 

John made sourdough bread to go with our dinner and I made cherry cream pie to have after. 

Jonah built his new Anakin Starfighter Lego, which was his wishlist item.

The boys spent most of the days doing Legos, reading, and vacuuming. The adults cooked and napped and ate. Everyone's favorite activities.

Ward Breakfast

Our ward did a pajama breakfast this year, which was the perfect opportunity to wear our matching family pjs.

After we ate, they had coloring and sticker activity sheets for the kids.

There were simple and beautiful decorations.

Perry liked the nativity in the middle.

They collected toys for kids for Christmas and the primary painted cards to go with them. Perry was so focused and precise and did a great job.

It was a well-planned activity and everyone had a great time.

Having been on the organizing side of these, I'm always so impressed when everything goes perfectly.

Intuitive Christmas Party

We went to John's annual family work party. The little boys were so sad they were too short for the bumper cars and Scott got stuck behind someone the entire time and couldn't move at all, so they were all crying when we left.

Charlie Brown cheered us up.

And "Noopy" of course.

We had dinner and a little ice cream and all was forgotten.

Then the boys did crafts. 

Planets and ornaments.

We met Santa and played a racing game.

There were so many fun activities we fit as many in as we could, and just like that it was time for bed.

November

Perry asked if he could have a lollipop from his Halloween bag and next thing I know he's got a whole bouquet of them.

He wanted eggs for lunch. He's really in a help himself to whatever he wants stage.

So I had no choice but to roll him up like a burrito.

Scott was reading after school and having some popcorn. It looked so nice I took his picture.

Then I noticed what the book was. A church manual for adults.

How one manages to get a pea on ones forehead while eating is a mystery only Jonah can solve.

We went for ice cream one night at our new favorite ice cream place at the Pruneyard. 

At cookie day, Perry tried a treat and didn't like it, so I told him I'd eat it and let him pick a different one. So the next week, he eats all but this tiny crumb of sugar cookie, then tries to hand it back saying he doesn't like it and needs a new one. 

I told Perry to pack some fun activities to do because I had to take him along with me when I volunteered at school. He loaded his backpack with applesauce.

Perry is obsessed with this States puzzle. Sometimes he can't get all the pieces to line up and asks for help, but refuses to let me touch it.

For the most part we have fun together. He's my little stinker.

Fell asleep with his little bum up in the air.

Studying up on his flashcards while we walk to school. He knows all the Mickey characters and colors, the essentials.

John and I went to a furniture store on a date night. It took a lot of will power to not take a nap right then and there.

My dishes and laundry buddy.

There was no school for Columbus day, so I told the boys once they were ready we'd go to the beach with friends. They even made their beds so nicely. It made me miss those summer mornings with our nice routine.

Shockingly, it was hot at the beach. The forecast was cold temperatures, but with the sun out it was perfect.

There were 9 kids age 7 down to 2 and they played together well. 

Scott stuck to the sand as always, but Jonah and Perry got in the water.

Then a trillion fish migrated down to us and these birds swarmed over and went crazy eating. It was nuts.

I told Perry to get his jacket to walk to school, but he only wanted a hat.

Scott picked a cute turkey cookie at Bonnie's this week.

Perry taking a nap in his brother's bed.

I told Scott the correct way to pronounce Illinois and Arkansas and he asked, "Is it Kansas or just Kansa?"

Walking home from school in the fall leaves with his hands in his pockets.

Perry wanted to get a ribeye and when I said no he asked for filet mignon instead. I don't know how he could tell they were the two most expensive meats available.

Jonah got a Christmas Chewbacca shirt from his friend at school and he's so excited to wear it.

Perry snuggling me and Chewie.

He loves the rain. He walked so slowly we were soaked when we got home.

Making himself some lunch.

I went to get the car appraised to sell and Perry passed out on the way over. It was so nice and peaceful sitting in the warm car in the rain, I hated to get him out. 

He ended up sleeping on my lap through the whole appointment, so it worked out. For him.