pre Christmas festivities

december passed by much too quickly. i'm sure much of the reason has to do with the fact that i spent much of the month trying to convince myself that Christmas was right around the corner. when it's 70+ degrees outside, it hardly feels like winter. but, we had a blast nonetheless.

the fam at the ward Christmas party. we love our ward and will greatly miss the dear friends we've made!

our handsome 2.5 yr old enjoying the party.

we're still smiling... a lot.

and cannon has grown ever fonder of his precious little thumb...

making 'gingerbread' houses. i LOVE ryder's face here. can you see the chocoloate drool running down hiw face? priceless.

i can't believe we actually got more than just a few pieces of candy on ryder's little house. for every piece he let me frost, he had about ten in his little hand heading toward his mouth. and, does anyone else think my eyes look tired here? where did those circles come from?

ryder and all of his little friends with their candy-clad trophies.

for Christmas, todd and i treated ourselves to a night out with dinner and a show.

i love this picture. for family night one week, we made the drive over to the oakland temple grounds to enjoy the Christmas lights and festivities. ryder's face doesn't necessarily show it here, but he had a blast running up and down the sidewalks with a smile stretched from ear to ear.