A few things to note:

1. I am a little kid. Perhaps my matronly 31-year-old body fooled you into thinking I'm an adult? HaHA! Jokes on YOU! (or, erm, me?) I predict I'll have as hard a time sleeping Christmas Eve as the kiddos. I'm excited to give them their presents. Excited for the magic. Excited to yank out the hidden gifts. And especially excited for the gift Nick-the-amazing is giving me, because I really, really, really want it. thankyouthankyouthankyou.
2. Me: Gage, can you go get me something?
   Gage: sure indeed
3. Me: Danica, come here; Danica: otay (walks away in the other direction)
4. Um, Gage said something else REALLY funny yesterday. I can't remember what it was, but imagine the funny. I'll fill this space with the real story when my brain restarts.
5. The 2nd batch of Christmas cards has not yet gone out. Never fear! They'll be addressed tonight.

Candy and Lights

We went to Temple Square last week. The weather was having a warm moment, and we didn't have anything else on that day, so it was a last-minute decision. Unfortunately, it was also a great night for youth groups to go. I have to say, they were respectful and not too crazy, so even though it was crowded it was enjoyable. And really, so beautiful. I like it even better this year than normal.



They had lots of nativity displays from around the world Apparently this one cause Reid pain.



Dani was D.O.N.E



Then today we decided to to graham cracker gingerbread houses. The boys loved it! I was just glad the frosting worked :)

& that's what we've been up to!

Can You Keep a Secret?

I took Gage to the store for some Mommy-Gager time on the pretext of getting Reid a Christmas present. Over and over before we left I instructed Gage that the present we picked out was a secret, that he couldn't tell Reid what we bought. Nick and I had bets on how long Gage would keep it a secret. Nick's guess was 20 minutes.

Gage lasted approximately 20 seconds. We walked in the front door, and as soon as he saw Reid he proclaimed, "Reid! We bought you a GUN." (it's a nerf-type deal). I reminded him it was a secret, and told him he shouldn't say anymore. A few minutes later, Gage started to explain about the gun. Nope, still part of the secret. Gage and I had a five minute argument about how telling about the gun was still telling him the secret.

So today, Reid comes running up to me, "Mommy, I know all about my gun with the yellow things that shoot!"

Yeah, so state secrets? Don't tell Gage. When there is something he wants to say, he doesn't feel right unless its said. He has to complete things. Oh well, now Reid has a really concrete dream to fill his nights until Christmas.

I'm going to be honest, I'm as excited about this year as they are. I remember that total joy from anticipating presents! and toys! and SANTA! I bet I'll have as hard a time sleeping Christmas Eve as they do. I mean, how fun is a four-year-old on Christmas morning??

I have a super cute video of Danica growling at me that won't upload for some reason. Instead, I'm swallowing my pride and posting this one from a few weeks ago. Keep in mind, I'd just gotten back from the gym. Just focus on Danica. She's such a smarty.

Danica Counting: