Syddall Family Christmas party.

 Friday, Dec 23

My cute in-laws decided to throw a Syddall Family Christmas party (perhaps another reason some of my girls mentioned possible extended family burnout this year...). I made my funeral sandwiches, and there was a ton of food brought and made by others, but one of my nephews wanted ribs, so my doting MIL pulled some out and popped them in the oven. She is soooo accommodating.

There was definitely plenty of food.

Grandma had planned a fun Nativity story:

(Cal and Emmett loved checking out baby Jesus)

It was a little dark to get very good pics... Bill gave his parents a gift for Christmas of helping them put in can lights for this room.

We also did a White Elephant gift exchange.

It was a fun night and so good to get together with more family to celebrate this beautiful season.

Goldsberry Family Christmas party.

 Tuesday, Dec 20

This has been a fun {mostly} annual tradition that started years ago with a holiday progressive dinner. I've hosted the past couple of years since we've lived in UT. I love it. I did, however, have one or more of my children say they have felt overloaded with extended family activities, and that perhaps we could cut back in the future. Hmmmm.... I can see their point, but I am also a sucker for tradition haha. I'm going to think on how to make it less pressure and stress for them, and perhaps have conversations with them prior to next year's holidays to check in on how they are feeling about things.

But on to the festivities (seriously... it's so fun!)

I think Brielle and Cal had a good time.

I did too!

Creative grands + cousin time.

 Saturday, Nov 12

Scarlett, in a burst of creativity, made some pretty awesome art pieces using computer paper, tape, and markers.

We have no idea where this masterpiece ended up - when she went to show her mom, we couldn't locate it ANYWHERE. I seriously have no idea how that happened. Good thing I captured it digitally.

Saturday, Nov 19

The Syddall Cousins are here!

They started strong with a few art projects,

and then Scarlett and Evie had lots dress-up fun (Scarlett was the "stylist").

Monday, Nov 21

The day started with some watercolors.

Then we met up with some of the cousins at Thanksgiving Point.

Our first stop was the Butterfly Biosphere.

Ice cream (and snack) break:

Then we cruised through the Dinosaur Museum.

Britt and Reese came over to chill for a bit after we got home.

Reesey was loving the basket.

Friday, Nov 25

Cousin Sleepover

An early morning Kewpie doll bath by Wonder Woman was first on the list of things to do.

Then a hot chocolate toast along with some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for breakfast.

Scarlett and Evie had some more dress-up fun.

Great Grandma Syddall had made the cutest Nativity kits for the kids to paint and put together. (Emmett and Brielle couldn't make it, so we scheduled another day for them to make theirs.)

These cute kids LOVE to paint and had such a good time working on their projects.

I was so grateful the mommas were there to assist ;-)

After finishing her Nativity, V decided that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus needed faces and some embellishment. I think it turned out so darling.

Friday, December 2

M and B came to paint their Nativities.

All the kids LOVED this fun project - THANK YOU Great Grandma!

I have loved having the kids all together. It's been so fun to watch them play, create, and enjoy each other. These little souls have my heart ♥