A little late but...

I don't get around to blogging as often as I should...
Thursday evening before the kids got out of school I was working on some primary stuff. I usually never go into our office after 7pm because Seth sleeps in there, but I really needed to print something, so I went in. To my horror, the ceiling was leaking water in several spots. I yelled for Ryan and we panicked for a minute or two and called the plumber. Now, 2.5 weeks later, we are almost done with all the restoration. It was such a pain to deal with the dryers and construction etc over Christmas. We replaced a big chunk of ceiling and the wall above the door, the pad under the carpet (not the carpet....bummer) thankfully Seth was fine as was all our stuff in the office, and they were able to repair the crack in our tub. Now all the workers are gone and just one last job for Ryan--replacing the drain. I can't wait to have our nice big shower back!!! We've definitely learned some lessons in patience and time management dealing with only the kids shower. :)
So that was Thursday. Friday, Olivia broke her arm, and Ryan graduated with his masters. Way too much excitement this year!
Anyhoo, amidst all the chaos we had a wonderful Christmas. Our dining room is still a maze to walk through since I haven't had a chance to put all the office stuff away yet. And we got to move out all the furniture and a Christmas tree and presents etc on Dec 23 for the carpet cleaners to come, but the kids were great sports and we had everything back in place (in the living room--dining room still a disaster) on Christmas eve.

The nativity by the Hoopers...Seth-Joseph, Isaac-lamb, Grant-Shepherd, Olivia-Mary, Mom-camera lady, Dad-narrator
Seth sat still holding his baby the whole time...just don't try to put a towel hat on his head. lol

All the gingerbread houses

Ryan and Grant's house...with chimney and gargoyle...lol

Isaac wanted to do his own this year.

Olivia would have liked to do her own, but with the broken arm, I had to help, but it was completely her design. Balcony and pool included. :)

Seeing the lights at the temple

For me, its just not Christmas 'til you go see the temple lights. They were beyond amazing, as always.

So, crazy but fun. Olivia is still waiting to try out her pretty pink roller blades. We loved having our "LAZY DAY" (this year it ended up being new year's day...only requirement is teeth brushed...heaven). We visited family, Ryan took the kids hiking a few times. I'm still sweeping up pixos and Legos. Good times. We are blessed. :)