"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" The Holidays With A Child Is the Best! Count Down To Christmas!

Every year during Christmas time, Dallan and I make an effort to go see the lights at Temple Square. They are absolutely beautiful. Thousands and thousands of small lights, light up the entire Temple grounds. This was Melanie's first year seeing them! It was fun at first, but then she got a little fussy because it was really cold outside! I did my very best to keep her snug and warm, but her little face still froze. Ours did too...
Brrrrrrr!
Even though she was fussy towards the end, we were still able to have a great time walking around and checking out all of the shiny and sparkly scenery.



The Salt Lake Temple is always beautiful, but there is just something about it during Christmas time when it's surrounded by all the gorgeous lights that make it really special.

Of course we has to take some family pictures.

It was so cold outside, that the water from the reflecting pool was steaming.

Cute little hands....

After looking at the light on Temple Square, we headed over to the City Creek mall. They also have a bunch of lights displayed all over the place. Melanie enjoyed that much more because it was all in doors.

My and my honey bunny.

Dallan and I had the opportunity to attend the wedding of our good friends. Dallan was one of the groomsmen. These two special people got married at the Bountiful temple on a chill Saturday morning. It was an honor to attend their ceremony. 

Cleber and Jessica are Married! 

While Dallan was taking pictures with the bridal party, I was exploring the temple grounds and taking pictures of the pretty sights.

I even tried to get artsy with my picture taking. Hahaha!

It was a tad chilly...

Dallan met the groom, Cleber, on their mission. They have been friends ever since.
I had the special opportunity to meet their mission president and his wife. It was a precious experience to meet President and Sister Cooley. I'm grateful they took care of my missionary while he was gone for two years. No wonder Dallan speaks of them often. They legitimately are two of the sweetest people I have ever met! Even though I only visited with them for a few hours, I feel like I have known them for much longer. It was a pleasure to get to know them and I am so happy they got to meet Melanie as well. I'm sure it's neat for them to see their missionaries grow, marry, and have families of their own. I love these two as if we have been friends for a long time. They are great people.

One of our traditions is to drive around and look for Christmas lights in neighborhoods.
We found a bunch!

Melanie LOVED looking at them, even though in the picture it doesn't look like it...

There's nothing better than hot chocolate on a cold night and watching classic Christmas movies.

While Dallan was at work, I went to visit our grandma and grandpa Hope. Melanie stole her great-grandpa's chair and thought it was the funniest thing ever. Hahaha!
Look at that mischievous face!

Melanie stole some of my dessert! Sneaky kid!
Check out that little tongue and those whip-cream covered fingers!

It's been snowing a lot lately. The entire Salt Lake valley has been dusted with snow and has turned completely white!

Since the Squish has been mobile, she has gotten herself into a lot of interesting situations. Here's one example....
Stuck in drawers. She likes to pull them open and climb into them.
Oh and check out those leg warmers!!!! Aren't they the cutest!?

Ok, so you guys remember in an older post me mentioning that I was writing a book?
Well... Here is the proof! I did it! I really wrote a book and it's here!
I told ya.....
This is seriously legit and awesome if I do say so myself!

Here's my little Ms. Claus! I just love this little girl more than words can express.
This picture makes her looks like she is singing. Hahaha!
"Fa, La la la la, La la la la!"

We are all ready for Christmas at the Hope house! Just seven more days!
I CANNOT WAIT!
Don't worry, I will be taking pictures to capture the moments the entire time! Especially since it is Melanie's first Christmas!
"Tis' The Season!"