Happy Birthday Addison!

It is official. My baby is 2 years old. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Addison's birthday was on Thursday and I swear the day she turned 2 her tantrums doubled! She does not just throw normal tantrums, she has an attitude about everything. She has to pick out her clothes and her barrettes. If I pick it out she won't wear it. She even has to pick her pull up for goodness sake! It can be the exact same one that I tried to get her to put on, but she won't wear it unless she gets it out from her bin. I did get some consolation at her doctor's appointment on Saturday, when the doctor told me she is cutting her molars. Hopefully that is the cause of at least some of her grumpiness. And she is basically potty trained as long as she is wearing a pull up so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Addison is a joy to have in our family. Despite the stubbornness she has a very fun personality and I love watching her try to figure things out. On Friday we went to Chuck E Cheese for her birthday and her cousin's birthday. She had such a fun time. She had a blast playing all the games and going on the rides. The monster truck was a little scary for her, but she loved the merry go round and the car. At the end when she turned in her tickets she was so excited to get a necklace, a ring, and a sucker. It was a good night.

Saturday night we had a party with my family. Of course, Addison was very spoiled! She loved all of the presents. We gave her a little pop up princess tent and by the end of the night she was trying to drag all of her presents inside the tent. By the time she was done, there was no room for her and Gavin.

Sorry I haven't updated my blog for a while. With all the craziness of the last few months, blogging has been the last thing on my mind and it is freezing in the basement at night, which is usually when I have time to blog. Our family enjoyed a wonderful Christmas holiday. I had two weeks off from school which was a much needed break. The first week was spent getting everything done for Christmas but during the second week I was able to relax and spend time with the kids. Christmas Eve we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at my parents house. And then, of course there were presents. I give my kids the traditional jammies for Christmas Eve but then my mom gives them the "more boring" presents that she doesn't want to give them on Christmas. Somehow Christmas Eve has turned into a mini Christmas! Before going to bed we put out the oreo truffles and milk that Gavin and I made for Santa. Christmas morning Gavin woke up around his usual time, 8:00. He came into the hall said "hi mom" and just kind of stood there half asleep. I asked him if Santa had come which must have clicked a button in his brain because he ran into the living room and then came running back out yelling, "he did come, he did come." We had a wonderful morning opening presents, playing with them, and spending time with my family. Later in the day we headed over to the church to spend the rest of the day with Carl's family. We had a very yummy dinner and then the kids played in the bounce house. Afterwards, the kids got to dress up while Carbon told the story of Jesus' birth. Gavin got to be Joseph and Addison was the angel. Then we all had a good time singing Christmas carols and playing chimes (I think that's what they are called). We then opened presents and before the evening was over some of us got a chance to play volleyball. It was a wonderful day and I am so thankful for all of the family that we were able to share it with. Most of all, I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birth we are celebrating on Christmas. For his life, his example, his teachings, and most importantly for his atonement so that I have the opportunity to be forgiven of the mistakes I make throughout my life.