P- A -R - T...Y? Because I gotta!

Last Saturday was my family's annual Christmas party. As usual, there was lots of food (we had a mexican theme this year), lots of games, lots of noise and even more kids! We just keep growing. One thing missing though was my sweet Grandpa Lee. Although the party was fun and we all enjoyed each other's company, my Grandpa's absence was definitely felt by all. It's just not quite the same without him. I couldn't help but feel that somehow he was still there in spirit, watching over us.

Haylie and Mikaela had a great time. Haylie is so over the moon about Santa Claus. She thinks he's just about the greatest thing since sliced bread. Mikaela-not so much. She wasn't sure about him until he produced a present. Once she figured out that the gift was for her, she warmed up to him (see pic above).

Haylie got a little princess camera and Mikaela got a music player from Santa. They both liked their gifts so well that the minute Santa left, they were off to play with everything else that the other cousins got or dropped on the floor! I think Mikaela pilfered half a dozen other toys. I spent the majority of the night trying to figure out which toy belonged to which cousin. Silly girls!

Haylie got to be one of Santa's helpers, along with her cousins Ellyse, Emily and Jacob. They all looked so cute up there next to Santa. With those super rosy cheeks, Haylie looks like a little elf!

Now it's time to get ready for the big day! Merry Christmas!

Daddy Don't Shoot!

Haylie the Reindeer! Haylie made this little "head dress" in preschool today. She said the teacher taught them about reindeer and sleighs. They all got to make their own set of antlers and a "Rudolph nose" (her words). I thought she looked pretty darn cute and she was quite proud of her antlers. Now we just have to get her an orange jacket to wear around outside so daddy doesn't accidentally shoot her. After all, she is a ten-point with that set of antlers-and those aren't easy to find.

Quack Attack!

Sadly, the feathers are flying once again around our garage. Eric, great white hunter, has taken to the skies in an effort to control the bird population single-handedly for the great state of Utah. It's a serious job, and he's a serious hunter. You know how it goes...neither snow, nor sleet, nor rain, nor dark of night shall keep him from his self-appointed task. We can all rest a little easier knowing he's out there! He's got game, he's got skills (you know like computer skills, num chuck skills), he's got a gun!

Just kidding, Eric! All those other hunters could take a few lessons from you. Go get those ducks!

December+Birthdays+Anniversary+Christmas=What were we thinking?

My sisters-in-law Alenna (in back) & Jodi. Happy Birthday, girl!

My cute father-in-law, Ernie! Happy Birthday, Dad!

My sweet Dad with his girls, Mikaela and Haylie! Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Well, it's that time again. The end of the year. What does this mean to the Millers? BIRTHDAYS galore. Oh yeah, we've got a slug of 'em in December. Here's the breakdown:

Dec. 2nd-Papa Jim

Dec. 3rd-Jodi

Dec. 4th-Papa Ernie

Dec. 8th-Eric's and my anniversary (12th if you're keeping track-can I just say, "What the...? How did that happen?")

Dec. 12th-Nephew Carter

Dec. 16th-Niece Madison

And then there's that little thing called Christmas thrown in just because we don't already have enough packed in the month! Eric and I really planned well when we chose December to get married, huh? Oh well, it's still a great season to go and do things (especially for anniversaries).

We took my Dad to the Prairie Schooner in Ogden for his 58th this year. The girls loved eating in the "covered wagon" and as always, they were all over Grandpa Jim. He totally eats it up though.

We celebrated Ernie's and Jodi's birthdays on Sunday night with cake and ice cream at Eric's parent's house. Unfortunately, poor Eric had the flu so he had to miss out on the fun. The girls got to wish Granpa Ernie and Aunt Jodi a happy birthday and enjoyed spending time at the house with their grandparents and cousins. As always, it's a good time with Eric's family!

Next up: Anniversary! We're now in the tweens! Holy cow. Even after 12 years of marriage, I still think my husband is pretty darn amazing. Yes, he may be infatuated with all things hunting, sporting and outdoors, but he's also a very hard worker and a loving husband and father who adores his girls more than anything. I have been very blessed to be married to him and I am so grateful for all he does for us. Happy Anniversary, honey!