Temple Square

We finally were able to make it to Temple Square last night with some friends. We were bundled up for very cold weather and we actually were little too warm. Some of us were unzipping our coats and taking off our hats by the time we were done with our tour around the square. It was a beautiful night and lights were gorgeous as always. We also sat in the Old Tabernacle and listened to the short presentation of how well the acoustics are. They dropped a pin on the stage and we were able to hear it without a microphone. It was very impressive.

Winter Wonderland

The weather people had been telling us that we were to get a big snow storm on Christmas Eve, so it came a day later. This is what we woke up to the Day after Christmas. I thought these scenes were gorgeous. I love to look at fresh snow and how it covers the trees. It also has a peaceful feeling as well.

Our backyard toys are almost covered.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day we got up early to see what Santa brought to our house and boy did he deliver. The kids were so excited to find more than just underwear and socks under the tree. Thank you to all the Grandma's and Grandpa's that made our Christmas great! We appreciate all that you do for us. Santa even took a few bites of our candy nativity that was given to us by a friend. I guess Santa needed a little sugar to get through the night. We then ended the day with a Christmas dinner at our house. Matt fried the turkey and it was delicious! It was nice to gather around the table with family and enjoy good food. Then we woke up the day after Christmas with over a foot of snow. I can't believe another Christmas as come and gone. It takes me 3 months to plan and get everything done and then the Holiday is over in 2 days. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve we enjoyed yummy fondue at Craig's house and then opened our gifts that came through the mail during the past the few weeks. The kids were also excited to get their Christmas Pj's. Thanks Grandpa Rod and Debbie for the stroller.
For Matt Christmas was all about putting together toy after toy.

Poor Matt..Those transformers can be hard to figure out.

Ashlynn's Cinderella Pj's. I love that she even poses like a princess.

Thanks Grandpa Rod and Debbie!

Matt and Carter at the Fondue table.

I hope that all of you had a very Merry Christmas.

Ashlynn's Dance Program

Ashlynn had her preschool Christmas Dance Program this week. She was so fun to watch. She just hams it up when it comes to music and singing. I just love her enthusiasm! Her teacher Ms. Lynn handed out lip gloss to the girls and after the program we had treats! There is always room for a treat even if you just ate breakfast. Ashlynn has been such a joy to our little family and we enjoy seeing her grow into her personality.

Santa, Snakes and Crocodiles, Oh My!

What was I thinking...The kids biggest fears took place all in one night. We had dinner with Santa at the Zoo. I thought that this would be a good experience so that the kids wouldn't be so scared of Santa. Well, was I wrong. Both kids didn't want to even be in the same room with the guy. When Santa made his big appearance, Ashlynn darted under the table and there she stayed until Santa was out of sight. Carter sat quietly not making eye contact with him. When Santa came to our table, Carter just looked straight forward with a serious face. Santa asked Carter if he would come visit him later on his sleigh, Carter said "NO" and that was it. Santa said, "Are you okay with getting socks and underwear for Christmas." Later on the way to the car, Carter told me that he does like socks and underwear. Its obvious that he can't be convinced that Santa is an o.k. guy.
So, after the heart pounding experience of Santa, Ashlynn finally came out from the table. We thought we could enjoy our dinner, well, then comes a snake, a bearded dragon and a opossum. Carter was in a full panic and was looking for the quickest way out. This was only the beginning of what was laying ahead for us.
After dinner we bundled up and headed outside to look at the lights. We also went into the small animal building to warm up and look at the animals. Snakes, spiders and more snakes inside their cages. This is where Carter completely lost it. He was convinced that they were out to get him and that they were in his shoes and pants. He ripped off his boot and refused to put it back on. We have been in this building lots of times and never once has he been so scared. I guess we will not be doing this again, but we will always remember it. As for Santa, he does not go over very well in our house. Its socks and underwear for everyone.

3D Movie

We took the kids to see Santa vs The Snowman movie in 3D. It was a short movie that was really fun to watch. Ashlynn kept reaching in front of her to touch the images. Very cute movie.

Baseball Demo

Ashlynn's face explains her feelings toward the Bee.
Bumble the Bee

Carter and Ashlynn modeling the helmets.

Carter learning to throw the ball. The instructor plays for the Texas Rangers.

The kids listening very intently

The kids were invited to participate in a free baseball demo class for the last 2 weeks. A new facility based out of Las Vegas called "Frozen Ropes" opened up in North Salt Lake and they were looking for a few kids to demo the class for the little tykes. (And if your curious what Frozen Ropes means, it a perfect line drive)

They had their grand opening this Saturday and the kids showed off their skills that they have learned through the class. This place was amazing and truly heavenly for any baseball player. One of the many neat things was the baseball pitching simulator. It is a giant screen with a projector showing the image of a baseball pitcher throwing the ball and a ball would be thrown through the hole on the screen. It was unbelievable!

Anyway, Bumble the Bee came by for a visit and Ashlynn was not happy about that. She was scared and didn't want to be in the same room with him. She was on the field when the Bee came close to her and she ran to the nearest adult (who by the way plays for the Texas Rangers)to rescue her. Her picture is seen above.

The video below is Ashlynn hitting the ball and running the bases. She did very well. If you listen closely you can hear the bases honk when they are stepped on. It is to help the kids learn to touch all the bases. Matt and I were thinking they should use the honking bases in the Majors. What do you think?

Update...

A quick update at the Peterson house this past week...

To start off Matt had eye surgery last Friday. He has a incision above each eye where they took out some of his eyelid and then on his left eye they cut out some the tendon and reattached it to the bone in his eye. I know what your thinking..ouch! The picture below is the day after. His swelling is going down and he just has a nice rainbow of colors around his eyes. For those of you don't know he had the surgery to correct his droopy eye lids. He wanted the surgery to increase his vision and he can already can see better even with the swelling. Poor Matt...with his sad eyes.

The kids have been enjoying the snow in our backyard.

I took the kids to a Dinosaur puppet show at the library. It was such a cute story and the kids really enjoyed it. I guess they have it every year and it is quite popular that they offer it several different times for people to attend. After the show we enjoyed cookies, candy canes and drinks..mmm..



We also have been decorating for Christmas. The kids always love to help with our little tree. They especially like to play with the Christmas dolls that go under the tree.

I love the kids expressions in this picture.

What a wonderful time of the year. I feel very blessed that we can celebrate this wonderful holiday. Happy Holidays!

Photo Booth fun

Carter and his cousin Skyler had some fun in the mall photo booth. They were hilarious! Carter just can't spend enough time with Skyler. Although, Skyler probably sees it the other way. Carter really looks up to him. Ashlynn did not want to go inside the booth, she said it was too scary. She is never excited about pictures anyway. Carter on the other hand can come up with a different look in every photo you take of him. The Camera just loves him.