Do you notice anything different about Demarie???

Do you notice anything different about Demarie? Doesn't she just look as cute as ever? In December we went in for our annual eye exams. Demarie has never had a formal eye exam before so we decided it was about time! Demarie was so worried about it. She claimed she could see and did not need glasses! I wasn't too surprised when the doctor announced that it was time! Demarie tried on every pair of kid glasses at the store and then picked these cute purple ones. She was so sad and disappointed that she needed glasses. She even told me, "I don't want to be different... like Rudolph!" However, when she did finally get her glasses and realized how much brighter and clearer the world is and how adorable she looked, she decided they were pretty cool. She even came home and said, "Mom, today I didn't have to sit on the floor with everyone else to copy the math problems off the board. I could see the board from my desk!" She has been so worried about being the "only one" with glasses, but I thought to myself, "Someday all your friends that were sitting on the floor by you are probably going to end up wearing glasses too!"

Cactus Gardens

Whenever we have visitors or the holiday season rolls around, visiting the Cactus Gardens has been on our list of places to go, but for some reason we always end up doing something else! So, we decided that THIS was the year to see what all the hype was about. And boy were we impressed! There were so many beautiful lights wrapped around different types of cacti. We had a great time. We even got to take a tour through the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and get a free piece of chocolate!

Our Big Find... and Broyden's New Bed!

So, I hesitate to write this next post for fear of what thoughts might ravage the mind of my readers, but I figure you can look at it two ways. On the one hand, the Harris' are out of their minds! Or on the other hand, the Harris' are so resourceful! Way to recycle! Anyways, here's the story. Late one Sunday night in December, we decided to load up the kids in the van and take a ride around the neighborhood to see all the beautiful Christmas lights. We were all in our pajamas. We were surprised at how many people had participated in the festivities this year. Well, in our neighborhood, garbage day just happens to be Monday morning, so late Sunday evening many people are putting out their garbage cans for the next day. So, we are driving slowly by a house and what do I see? A toddler bed on the side of the road next to a garbage can, just waiting to be picked up by the garbage man the next day! I pointed it out to Aaron and said how I had been thinking that we ought to get Broyden a toddler bed soon. We looked at each other for a minute, then quickly jumped out, opened the back of the van, and threw the bed in! It didn't quite fit so we had to drive with the trunk open for awhile, but we got the bed home safe and sound. It really isn't in too bad of shape! A little scratched up and the screws are loose (no jumping on the bed!), but it actually cleaned up pretty nicely. Broyden was so excited at first, but when it was actually time to sleep in his bed for the first night, he was scared to death! He wanted me to lay next to him on the floor and hold his hand. I didn't dare lay on the actual bed because it is a little wobbly, but he did finally fall asleep. I did not have a guard rail so he rolled off several times during the night. Finally, after the 5th or 6th time, he begged me to stay with him. I piled up some pillows, got a blanket, and spent the night on the floor next to him. I woke up a few times with him on my head but I was able to just push him back up on his bed. Now, he has a railing that keeps him safe and sound. He does get up a little too early and has the bad habit of coming in to our room in hopes of hopping into bed with us, but overall he does pretty good in his garbage toddler bed! (And yes, I know the blanket is a little "girlie". I'm working on getting something more masculine!)

Breakfast with Santa

My Cuties!
Every year in December, Demarie's school has a Breakfast with Santa. Since I am on the PTA (I'm over the Box Tops), I helped pass out milk and juice. The kids had a great time eating, coloring, and finally meeting Santa. Preslyn was SCARED to DEATH, but when she saw Broyden be so brave and sit on his lap to get a candy cane, she finally agreed to stand a few feet away from him. I think it is so funny to hear what your kids ask Santa Claus for Christmas. Here you think you know what they want, the lists are made, the elves are busy at work, and then they tell Santa about some random toy they want that you've never even heard them mention! Well, I hope Santa comes through!

Thanksgiving and the Nutcracker

Grandpa and Grandma Harper

The kids with Aunt Stephanie and Aunt Karyn backstage after the Nutcracker

Thanksgiving is a hard holiday for me. It is only a few weeks away from Christmas so for the past few years we have just stayed in Las Vegas and celebrated with our little family. We always enjoy our time together, but part of me misses the extended family get-togethers. This year, at the last minutes, we decided to load up in the van on Thanksgiving morning and made it to Logan right in time for Thanksgiving dinner with the Harris side. We ate breakfast and lunch in the car and only stopped for a quick potty break. Grandma and Grandpa Harper were there too so it was nice to visit with them. The food was delicious and, even though many of the siblings and their families were missing, we still had a great time. Aaron's sisters are really great ballet dancers and are in the Nutcracker every year. The kids really enjoyed getting to see their performance and seeing their costumes and make-up up close back stage after the show.

Thanksgiving Moon Feast!

Grandma Moon dishing up the pie
Aunt Milisa stealing some pie

Demarie with her cousin Alyssa

Aaron and Jake playing basketball

Aunt Susie doing the craft

Uncle Lance, Brody, Tean, and Uncle Rett playing games

Preslyn, cousin Brynna, and Broyden

During our trip to Utah, we had a big Thanksgiving dinner with the Moon side as well. We usually have to reserve the church building so we can have room for everyone, plus the guys like to play in-door soccer and basketball too. The food was delicious and Milin brought a really cute craft. The kids had a blast with their cousins. It was nice to have Grandma and Grandpa Moon home for the holiday.

Aaron still has his hops!

Aaron came home from basketball the other day and was pretty excited to see that he still has his hops! Not too shabby for a 32-year old white man!!!