Santa Claus came to town!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Both our girls woke up before 7 am (a first for us) and saw what Santa had brought them- a table and chairs with new kitchen food and stockings full of surprises. We sent them upstairs to watch 'Tinkerbell' so we could wait until Colt woke up to open presents. He slept almost until 8 am and the girls could hardly wait. Everyone was spoiled!! Santa brought Colt a buggy car that he loves to get pushed around in. Jason got new Sorel boots and I got a beautiful picture of the Idaho Falls temple. Here are the kids with all their loot (and wild hair)!!

Hallee got a princess dress, cowboy boots, digital camera, movie, game & sweatshirt

Jadyn got a backpack, doll house stuff, princess dress, sweatshirt, movie, game

Colt got hat and gloves, garage car set, new shoes, sweatshirt, book, & balls

We spent the day at Grandma Dawn's and Grandpa Randy's and almost all of Jason's siblings were there. I think I counted 19 adults and 23 kids so it was a full house. We had a delicious turkey dinner, opened presents, played games, and visited all day. We even had new snow on Christmas morning. I don't think we could ask for more! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Sunday

A tradition I have started with our family is to buy the girls new dresses every year for Christmas Sunday. This year was a chore to find something I liked that was affordable. I ended up buying Christmas skirts for the girls and a matching sweater for Colt. We have 9 am church and we had received a lot of snow that morning so I was going to do pictures after church so we wouldn't be late. After church the girls took off their shoes and tights and bows when we got home so I didn't get pictures then either. So, I ended up dressing up all the kids on December 26th to get pictures in front of the tree and fireplace before all the decorations came down.

This Holiday Season

This year, Christmas is such a busy time for our family! Jason is commuting to Pocatello each week, I have been taking vinyl orders like crazy, trying to get just the right gift for everyone on our nice list and juggling our 3 kids! They are so excited for Christmas. We went to see Santa but the girls froze up and Colt was in shear terror. They didn't tell Santa what they wanted but this is what they tell me: Hallee wants the fur-real pony or barbies or a baby carriage and Jadyn wants 'lots of trampolines and swingsets and houses.' However, I think they will be happy with anything. Jason and I really want our house to sell for Christmas (not before but right after would be great).

Someone in our ward or neighborhood has picked our family for the 12 days of Christmas. It has been so fun for us- I feel like a kid again waiting for the doorbell to ring. How nice it is to be thought of at this time of year. Here are some pictures of our kids. Both the girls think it is hilarious to wear our stockings around on their feet. Colt has been really good with the Christmas tree so far. He only takes off the ornaments and he hasn't touched any of the presents. He is so fun and we can't wait to see what he will do on Christmas morning.

2 Peas in a Pod- or on a Bike!

While I was in Pocatello, my dad purchased a tandem bicycle for my mom and him to share. They decided to go out riding in late November and asked me to take some pictures while they 'went around the block'. This is them before they began in the driveway.
I stood there in the cold waiting for my mom and dad to come around the corner- but they never came. They went cruising rather than a quick little trip so this is the only picture I got. (Sorry- I was freezing!)

What a Week!!

We spent the last week (actually 10 days) with my parents in Pocatello. It was an adventure!! On the way to Pocatello, my fuel light came on between American Falls and Poky and I ran out of gas about 30 seconds later!! The gas gauge in the Tahoe has issues (I found that out the hard way) so my husband and dad had to come and 'rescue us.' Sad thing was I could see a gas station about 100 yards away!
That night, Colt was wheezing and was having a horrible time breathing. I got convinced to take him in and get him checked out but all the Urgent Cares were closed and we didn't have a pediatrician in town so we ended up in the emergency room (I do not recommend Pocatello's emergency room BTW). After about 4 hours, 2 breathing treatments, 1 x-ray, and a lot of frustration- Colt was diagnosed with Bronchiolitis. He was given a prescription and is now doing much better.
When we go to Pocatello, we usually bring Tag and let him stay with his 'dog cousins' Matty and Bogey. This time around didn't go so well. He ate 3 of their pillows!! Plus all the dogs were at each others throats. Sad to say but Tag will be staying at home alone when we go on extended stay visits. Sorry boy!
Not everything about the visit was bad though. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and day with my side of family. I got started on my Christmas shopping on Black Friday. Jason and I went to the Festival of Trees together (I am trying to get a picture of us from his work- I will post it if I do). And best of all- my parents were like built in babysitters for the whole week! Hallee, Jadyn and Colt love all their grandparents!!

Here are a few pictures of my kids on Grandma Cindy's piano. Colt especially loved it. He would play a couple notes and then stop to clap for himself. Hallee is wearing Grandma's glasses.

The New Car (or should I say SUV)

This past weekend our family bought a new car. After we sold the Accord, we had been sharing the truck and borrowing the Spence's Durango on occasion but we finally found something big enough for our little family (and a few friends can even squeeze in). It is very clean with low miles and we even like the color. Jason says we got a good deal- not a great deal- but a good deal so we are happy. Next time you see the Royces, we will be cruising in our new Tahoe! :0)

Family Pictures

A few weeks ago, Kelsey took our family pictures. Family pictures are always hard when you have little kids- but the location we chose also came with added distractions- a cat and a million ducks!! We could hardly get Hallee, Jadyn and Colt to look at the camera- let alone at the same time. But after some serious work by Kelsey we ended up with a few cute ones. Here they are in no particular order.

Big BIG News

For any of our friends and family who don't already know- Jason was hired on at Idaho Central Credit Union as a manager and we are moving back to Pocatello!! This new job is an answer to our prayers and we are so excited for the opportunity and potential for Jason but I am so sad to leave our new house, our friends and family, our ward, the shopping, the great weather..... Jason starts on Monday, November 10th, and he will commute to Pocatello and stay with my parents each week until our house sells (which is hopefully soon so if anyone knows of someone looking for a darn cute house in Nampa- send them my way). We are looking forward to see more of my family, to make new friends, to build a new house, and to have many new experiences back in my home town! :0)

Like 3 Bugs in a Rug

On Halloween I dressed all my kids up as the cutest bunch of little bugs!

Hallee- the most beautiful butterfly!

Jadyn- The little lady bug!

Colt- the not so itsy bitsy spider!

The girls did a trunk or treat on the 30th with their cousins Kylie, Kenadee, and Ambree. And then on Halloween we went down town Nampa trick or treating in the afternoon, had the Leavitt family over for homeade pizza and chicken wings, and then went to our old ward's trunk or treat. It was a busy day but we had a great time. Hallee and Jadyn are already trying to figure out their costumes for next year!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Anniversary

On November 2nd- Jason and I had our 6th anniversary!! We actually celebrated the night before with dinner at Brick 29 and then we rented 'Made of Honor.' Nothing to fancy but a night with your sweetheart is always fun (especially when you can ditch the kids for a while). I am so grateful that Jason married me. He is a WONDERFUL husband and father. These 6 years have flown by. We have graduated college, had 3 kids, 1 dog, built 2 houses, and now we are on our 3 job. Life can be crazy but I am so glad to share it with Jason and always have him by my side.

Lessons Learned

On Saturday after my 'crap fair' I ran to Albertsons to get the great deals of the week. When I was in the self check out line, Hallee asked me if she could have a little pink poodle. I told her we weren't buying toys and to put it back where she got it. You probably already know where this story is going- but here it goes. I loaded up the car with groceries, loaded up the kids, and drove home. When we arrived, the girls went inside while I was unloading. I walked in the house and saw a pink poodle and Hallee sprint for the stairs. I was shocked!!

(the culprit)

Hallee had ripped off the tags so we would have to keep it. Little did she know that would not be the case. I sent her to her room while I could finish unloading and cool down a little before we had a serious talk about stealing and being honest. Hallee cried and felt bad- but she said some really funny things: Mom, "How did you get that home?" Hallee, "I sneaked it in my coat. Nobody even saw me! (with a smile)" Mom, "We can't take things that aren't ours." Hallee, "But I did ask first." When Jason got home that night, he took her back to the store. Hallee apologized and gave the pink poodle back. Hopefully, this will be the first and last time we have to teach that lesson.

A BUST!!

This weekend we had our first craft bazaar for our new vinyl business. We sat there for 2 days and didn't sell one thing!! :( I still can't believe it. We had good products, good prices, but NO GOOD CUSTOMERS! It was ridiculous. One lady asked us what vinyl even was! (It was at a church in Eagle and we think only their congregation and old people attended.)

(a picture of a magnet board I made)

We are going to try again at another craft fair in Nampa (Nov. 7 & 8- mark your calendars) to sale everything we made and make all the hours and work worth it. But- if you have seen anything cute or know any great vinyl ideas we can make between now and then- let me know.

Crash

On Saturday morning (the day we were getting family pictures!!), Colt fell down the stairs. All the way from the top to the bottom. We don't know exactly what happened but Jason tried to catch him before he hit the bottom and saw him doing backflips down the stairs before landing on his back on the hardwood floor. It was so scary! At first we were looking for blood, then broken bones, then for signs of a concussion but all Colt just ended up with a few bumps on the head (luckily). This is a picture of the worst one.


Jason thinks that we should call Colt 'Crash' as a nickname since you can't shorten his own name and since he is always bonking or falling or something! I guess that is what you get with a little boy. Colt has not been afraid of climbing back up the stairs though. Now I am really just trying to teach him to find a safeway back down. :0)

The Pumpkin Patch

Since Hallee was a baby, we have went out to a pumpkin patch and let the kids pick pumpkins for Halloween. My only rule is that they have to be able to carry whatever pumpkin they pick (except for Colt of course). This year we went to Linder Farms. Here are some of the pics.

Jason holding Colt for about the first 30 minutes of our trip.

Me and the kids checking out the new petting zoo. The horse is eating my hair!!

The girls feeding the horse. This one prefers food.

Hallee and Jadyn on the hayride. Best buddies!

About now my camera ran out of batteries!! So- we missed hunting for the perfect pumpkin, we missed Jadyn in the jumping toys, and we missed Hallee on the cow ride. So later at home I took a picture of the kids with their pumpkins. We had a great time!

Getting Sooo Big

Colt is getting bigger everyday. He has started saying dada and he loves to make noise. He pounds on EVERYTHING and is finding his voice in the worst places (like church). Colt surprises me how fast he can get somewhere- especially up the stairs. This past week, I took him in to get a vaccination he missed and he weighed in at 21 lbs. 5 oz. He is heavy!! I don't know where he ranks on the charts but believe me when I say he will make your arms and back tired! Next thing I know he will be walking!! AAHH!

Only in Pocatello

Both days we woke up in Pocatello for Faith's baptism the ground was covered in snow! Sunday morning had about 4". Hallee and Jadyn were heartbroken that I hadn't packed their hats, gloves, snow pants and boots. They wanted to build a snowman and play in the snow. But when we got back to Nampa, we didn't even have an ounce of snow (it was actually 52 degrees). So- I thought I would post a picture of last winter so even though we can't play in our own snow we can still enjoy the memories until we get OUR first snow (I don't want it until Christmas Eve!).

What's New....

It has been a while since I updated my blog. Jason headed out to Tampa, Florida to earn some extra money. He worked for ServicePro (pest control) for only 2 weeks but he did awesome! We are so thankful for him and the hardwork and sacrifices he makes for our family! We love you Jason!

When Jason headed out to Florida we headed out to Pocatello. We stayed about a week with Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Kelly. It was nice to have some help and the girls (and Colt) just love their grandparents (and their cousins and aunts and uncles too). We had alot of fun seeing everyone and getting spoiled! :0)

Hallee, Colt and Jadyn with Grandma Cindy.

Did I Say 1 Haircut?

Before

After

Before

After

Hallee has been asking me for a haircut for weeks but I wanted to get her 4 year old pictures done before I chopped it off. Well, we got pictures last week and so she has really been wanting a short haircut to her shoulders (that's what she told me). I took about 3 inches off and she loves it! Hallee went straight to her room and put on a princess dress when we were done. Jadyn saw the whole thing and thought she would get in on the action too. I gave her a little trim. She was so excited but so wiggly the whole time. I'm hoping the cut is straight but it is a good thing her hair is curly!

Can't You Tell?!?

We just gave Colt his first haircut. The first picture is the before and the second picture is the after. If you can't tell, he really needed a haircut. :) Actually, none of my kids seem to get the 'lots of hair gene' but Colt had about 20 hairs that were 2 inches long growing down the center of his head. So, Jason took the clippers and gave Colt a 3 on top and a 2 around the sides and back. Jason said he also had a mullet in the back that we had to clean up. You can see all the hair we cut in the sink. It wasn't much but it was really fun giving our little boy his very first haircut. (Look how happy that handsome boy is!)