Christmas fun! (warning it's a long one!)

We spent Christmas in Utah and had a great time.



Lexi enjoying her treats from the Ellison Christmas Eve party

Lexi got this crown for her white elephant at the party. She knew exactly what to do with it.

They had an ugly sweater/Christmas attire contest that was hilarious.

Parker Christmas party. It was soooooo much fun!

Lexi was an angel in the nativity. I wanted to cry when I saw her.

She looked so cute and grown up.

Lexi loved playing with her cousin Grace.

Santa made an appearance at the party but I think Lexi would have preferred he didn't.

I got to have fun reuniting with some friends from High School. They are such cute fun girls. I wish we could see each other more often.

Lexi got to go out in the snow on the 4 wheeler.

We rode the Polar Express and got to meet Santa and his wife

Jared even MC'd a little and did a good job. He was a good sport.

Lexi loved the hot chocolate...cup and the cookies!

On our way to church all dressed up

We got to see Maleah's cute family

Christmas Day! Lexi got a balloon and loved it!

Opening gifts

Lesson learned: If you build your wife an entertainment center you just might get that TV you've been wanting. Thanks Mom and Dad! Cole loves it!

Thanks for everything. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Love,
Cole, Michelle, & Lexi

Christmas Gift Idea

My cousin has a side business where she does customized temple art. It is really beautiful and affordable. If any of you are stiill looking for a Christmas gift for someone they are a great idea. Her website is: http://www.mytempleart.com/

This is a picture of mine. I chose to inscribe it with "I love to see the temple" but it is really fun to do your last name and sealing date on them too.

It's done!

Before:

After:

Thanks Cole!!!

Lexi's Latest:

Things Lexi says: Hi, What's that?, Mama, Dada, Baba, ought oh

Things to remember: When you ask Lexi a question and her answer is yes she gives you a big hug. Anytime she hears the word "go" she comes to you. She loves to get out and about. If you ask her for a kiss she gives you a big hug. Sometimes when I hold her she pats my back. She loves horse rides and will come up to your back and try to climb on. She loves books. Her latest favorite is her Christmas rabbit. She shook her head telling us no for the first time recently. She loves to wave and knows to wave when she leaves or you leave. When she's proud of herself she claps or when a song is over she claps. She's also started singing when we sing.

Thanksgiving

Lexi and I got to spend almost two weeks in Utah over the holiday. We loved it! Lexi loved exploring Grandma's house and playing with her cousins. She even got to see both her Grandma's because Cole's mom was in town. She was a trooper while I ran endless errands taking advantage of the many stores Utah has that Flagstaff doesn't. I was able to get almost all my Christmas shopping done...and some of it even wrapped! Cole joined us for Thanksgiving and even surprised us by coming a day early. We were so thrilled to see him.
























Grandma babysat some of Lexi's cousins so she got to have a sleepover with them and loved it. It was fun to see her watch them and learn from them.


















Lexi got her first balloon while we were there and loved it. I love this picture of her doing some of her first steps.























We went to see the lights at Temple Square. I really enjoyed it and was surprised that it made me so emotional. I loved sharing it with Lexi and teaching her about her Savior. It was really special to me.

First Steps

Lexi started walking the day I got to Utah (Nov 17th). She took about 10 steps in the morning before our flight and then went crazy when we made it to Grandma's house. She just went from her squat position to standing and then took off. She was so proud of herself and would clap. Poor Cole missed it because he didn't come to Utah until the next week. By then Lexi had it down really well. The first video is of her on her second day of walking. The other video is from today. Sorry it's sideways. I am amazed at how fast she progressed. She also taught herself how to go down the stairs while we were in Utah.

Finally!

Look who finally decided to join the party last Friday. It looks like another is soon to follow. Now the fever and moodiness all makes sense. Actually she was really good under the circumstances.