Many of Mike's paper snowflakes graced his department's office foyer.
Eliza was feeling lonely at school early this month, but a surprise visit from Coach Sarah and Lily brought some fun and cheer.
Mike kept experimenting with new techniques.
Eliza got silly with Hallie's camera and Coach Morgan!
Eliza also had the opportunity to earn a little cash by babysitting our neighbor's sweet little doggies. She was super responsible, and everyone had a good time. It gave her the experience of dog ownership without all the responsibility.
Speaking of pet ownership responsibilities, Fergus was a bit of a pill this month. Here he is showing off his cat belly. Later in the month, he has a well-visit, where he ended up getting immunization shots and eye drops. Then on the morning of Christmas Eve, he came home with some bloody bites and scratches. Fortunately, the vet was able to see him that day, so he got more shots and meds and seems to be recovering well. We love him, even when he gives us scares.
Some mornings you need a Fa La La La Latte.
Have we ever mentioned that the kids are super strong? Here is Eliza doing finger hold pull ups.
Mike decorated his office complete with lights, his stocking from when he was a boy, and wood elf Boris.
The kids' meet season began with a couple of events midway into the month on the same Saturday. In the morning, Eliza and her teammates competed up in Bountiful at the Judges' Cup. She did well, and we look forward to great things from her this season.
From there we raced back to Springville, where Landon and Hallie got dropped off at AirTime so he could prep for his meet while Mike and Eliza went to her horseback riding party. Here Eliza is with her coach, Makaila, and Santa Horse. After the party, we joined Hallie and Landon at his meet. We look forward to great things from him as well!
Lily is such a cutie pie! Here she is at the girls' holiday party at AirTime.
Eliza and Mike had a bit of daddy-daughter time, and Eliza introduced Mike to papercraft masks. We had fun. The kids have really embraced their dad's artistic hobbies, coming up with many creations of their own.
Mike took Hallie on a date to the Skyroom Restaurant on the university's campus. On Mondays this semester they have a Canadian-themed menu, complete with poutine (or something that tries to be poutine). The perogies were on point!
Sunpro had Santa over for a visit, so we went down to get pictures.
Fergus has discovered the heat vent (inconveniently) placed right under Hallie's sink in the master bathroom.
We have had some beautiful sunrises and sunsets to close out the year. Here is an example of a late autumn morning.
Mike had iron-on patches made of his arms. Kind of neat to see them on his backpack!
For the last three years, Mike and the department secretaries have gotten together for brunch, gifts, and paper snowflakes. Here is this year's crop.
To wind up the year, Mike and Hallie helped out in Landon's classroom. They made paper snowflakes and cards for their families, played games, and sang songs.
With the coming of winter, the deer have come to visit Grandma and Grandpa M.'s house. We managed to catch a few.
Mike took Landon to the university bookstore for some last minute gift shopping. The boy caught a ride with Santa and Cosmo.
All too soon, Christmas Eve arrived! The kids got each other new plush animals. So cute!
Santa arrived right on schedule.
Eliza woke up at somewhere around 2:00 a.m. (oh, help!) We managed to get her back to bed, but not before she got a preview of what Santa brought her.
We began Christmas morning with stockings in bed. Landon was soooo happy to be awake.
Annual stair shot in brand new PJs.
Hallie got Mike a gift of sugar skull-themed origami/kirigami. He had all sorts of fun cutting skulls and Christmas-themed kirigami
Landon was thrilled with his Lincoln Logs. This may be the last year for a while he takes in these simple joys. He also got new games for his Switch, and now that the den/man cave/guest room is more open, he spent a fair amount of his vacation honing his screen skills.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! On a flake!
The boy also got a new vest to add to his Nerf arsenal. When the cousins came up to visit Grandma and Grandpa M., the kids and Mike had a couple of great battles down in the basement.
Mike typically only cuts paper snowflakes during the Holidays. By the time the end of the month rolls around, he's explored all sorts of variations, including ones that hearken back to those found in nature.
Papa M. celebrated his birthday with the gang, getting waders and boots to go fly fishing.
Grandma and Grandpa Dorey sent gifts from Nova Scotia including homemade rocky road, Amos Pewter, Frenchies finds, and these matching knitted caps! Lady bugs for the win!
We closed out the new year playing Exploding Kittens and dining on veggies and molasses cookies. Before the kids got too goofy, we headed home.
Goodbye, 2019 and the 2010s! Greetings to a new year and a new decade!
