December 2025

 The year 2025 came to an end. It was a really good year for our family. Here's how our month went down:

We went to the annual lights festival in the park. It was cold so we bundled up and did the walk anyway. We love this and have only done a few times over the years. We got a lot of good pictures to share:

We hosted a homeschool cookie decorating Christmas party. Had a blast and I should do again but will pry only do a hosted even once or twice a year, because that seems to be how I end up working it out:

Speaking of homeschool, it is going well. Here are some pictures of us doing our thing:

Our sweet girl at homeschool PE:

Before PE we went to a sports arena to play for the morning one day and hope to do again soon. Riley and Avery both loved:

And at home with me, playing with the Christmas decor:

We put together a fun cookie tray and had our household and grandparents do a "cookie walk" to earn cookies. What a fun memory for us.

My sister, mom and niece also came to the area so we met them for dinner one night. What a treat!

And then on to lots of Christmas related activities. Like getting into a stocking.

We went and decorated gingerbread houses and enjoyed the YMCA's winter wonderland theme:

                                                         

Our sweet boy turned 8 this year. And he was so excited. We really celebrate him most of this month and I hope as he recalls this time each year he feels nothing but love!

He wanted cupcake ice cream cone treats and so we delivered!

What a sweet kid he is. I am so thankful to be his mama. 

We also headed to Payton and Jayden's school concert:

Both kids did great and it was more of a play this year so Payton had a part as an elf! Was a great performance. 

We also did a homeschool concert with Riley playing guitar. His siblings were all included for a song or two. Jayden and Avery sang Frere Jacques. Payton played the drums for one song and I taught Jayden the piano for one song so that they could both accompany Riley. Riley also talked (for public speaking) about what he has been doing in school, most specifically for art. He picked two art projects to share and explain how he created them. Then we looked at an art gallery of all his art for the semester. After, we served a meal and family game night. I now understand how much work that is for music teachers but it was well worth it!

I snuck out for a movie with my boys:

We got the kids out to see Santa. They weren't coordinated and in Christmas themed clothes like they used to be when they were little. This was impromptu, lets just do it now kind of day:

We also went to the parade of lights. It's a parade at night time. It was also freezing out. We enjoyed. The stores downtown also do open houses for the night and each place hosted something different. We got balloon animals, made lego ornaments, painted faces, professional pictures taken, and drinks and cookies galore. 

The weather over Christmas break was phenomenal and we went to the park several times! First time in a long time that we had a Christmas with no snow.

We are testing the waters with a big girl bed for Avery. And it makes her look so big:

And just Christmas break/ Christmas day pictures. I love this sweet season in life. The two weeks off of school went super fast and were over in the blink of an eye. But I am so glad for these memories made.

We even had a fire pit over Christmas break. I don't think we have ever done that before with such nice weather (high 50s).

The elves came, played, and then left on Christmas morning. They had many shenanigans again this year and even broke a hot cocoa bomb that Payton had just gotten. 

One morning, I woke before all the kids on break and was able to do my bible study and work out before any other kids woke. A true Christmas miracle and I am sure it was the only day in 2025 that happened. I really soaked up the quiet and beautiful scene in the photo below:

My mom got me a flowering tea pot and we have used a lot:

She also got Payton a 3d pen and she has learned so much so fast. An ornament for the tree:

A little cup for my mother:

A selfie I found of my girls:

                                       

To finish up, we have pictures of around the tree. One of my favorite sights!

I'll never get another Christmas like this with each of my babies at this age. They are growing so fast and I can not stop time. God sure blessed me when he made them mine. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!