During December

During December we..

Picked out a beautiful fresh Oregon Christmas tree. 

Which became such a part of our house, it feels a little bare without it now. 

Learned of Oliver's love for Papa's little truck. He cries when he has to get out. 

He just has to wait 16 years so he can drive it. 

Enjoyed of this sweet boy.

During December we...

Opened Christmas gifts from Grandma Jan. 

And read those gifts again and again.

During December we...

Did our homemade advent calendar.

Olives loved opening the paper bags and eating the treats. We did different activities like singing Christmas songs, reading Christmas stories, and dancing around the Christmas tree.

This was our walk to the park to collect pine cones for one of our advent calendar activities. It was a little rainy, but we didn't mind.

Collecting pine cones.

Here's Oliver's Christmas tree I made, also from the advent calendar fun.

During December we...

Visited Sea of Lights at the aquarium with our friends the Hignites. First, we enjoyed a delicious hamburger at Rogue. Then we headed to the aquarium. It was raining outside, but the boys had fun looking at the fish and lights.

Oliver and Parker finding the fish.

Such cute little men.

Looking at lights in the rain.

During December we...

Loved our handsome boy and his sweet little face.

Tap danced. It was supposed to be for the Lopez family talent show, but we never performed. It was, however, fun to learn off of YouTube videos, punch holes in the door while practicing, and have Oliver dance with us occasionally.

Ate too many candy canes.

Wore Christmas-y clothes to church. Although I didn't get a whole family photo, Chris wore red pants and I had a green dress (with yellow tights, I was told I looked like Elf. Best compliment ever). We were quite festive. We also got to participate in the Sacrament Meeting Program. The primary kiddos sang beautifully, and Chris sang Noche de Paz while I accompanied him.
Chris was amazing, of course..

During December we...

Or rather I baked. Orange rolls for Christmas morning. French bread, crescent rolls. Cakes and even a cheesecake (which was probably my favorite recipe success. creamy and delicious). I love baking. I think bread is really magical. And I don't mind eating it too. Luckily, we had lots of company to help us eat all the yummy things. 

Oliver turned into such a little boy. He seems old walking around with us. He has so many teeth now too. He understands many things and is getting better at following directions, mostly. We're crazy about this little man. 

Took many rides on Oliver's plane, from Grandma and Grandpa. 

He even decided to give his duck a ride.

Loved having Christmas decorations up. Oliver particularly liked these snowmen.

During December we...

Took good, long naps. And also learned how to do push-ups. 

He likes to do them in his crib sometimes.

During December we...

Sent out our first family Christmas cards. Here are some pictures from that endeavor.

Oliver's clapping in this one. Yay Oliver!

It was a good month.