Goodbye 2015

Each of these pictures represent so many stories of our little family in 2015.
It was a year that took my breath away with the heartache and brought me to
tears with so much joy. I'm a little sad to see it go. But so grateful for the person
it helped me to become and for every second spent with those I love the most.

December phone pics

What I paid for gas one day during the first part of December. Happy day for grocery points

that make gas inexpensive on occasion. I felt very accomplished all day, just for this reason alone.

This sky had me pulled over to the side of the road in admiration.

She couldn't quite hold the apple in her mouth, like her big brother, so she settled for a hug.

 A reminder to myself that snow is beautiful. But I still don't like it. Sorry Mom.

 

Our first Christmas card wall filled up pretty quickly and a second one was started. It was just
a few cards short of full when Christmas came around. This is my favorite tradition during
the holiday season. You people are the best and we love every single card we receive.

I actually just took this picture this morning. A little girl in her mom's glasses. The end.

Grandparents and time together

Jacob's parents had the opportunity to come home for a few days, before finishing the last six
months of their two-year mission, and we had the incredible privilege of being with them tonight
(and will see them a few more times before they head back to the Middle East). And I definitely
wanted to document this wonderful time with a picture taken by my darling sister-in-law, Taunya.

This is just 18 out of their 27 grandchildren (they had been with the others a few days previous).

What a wonderful legacy they are leaving. We are so very grateful for them.

Cousin time

Christmas Eve

Allen family nativity

Our anniversary

Thanks to our darling kids (oh man, they are so good), Jacob and I were able to get away for
our anniversary. And it was wonderful. I took very few pictures, because I really just wanted
to enjoy the time, but I did take these two. And I love them because they remind me of time
with Jacob, our wonderful kids and everything that means the most to me in this life.

I love *everything* about this picture

Light

Last night, Jacob took the kids to visit Temple Square and to go ice skating,
in order to give me some quiet time alone. Which I was so, so grateful for.
The kids had a wonderful time and it meant a lot to them to be with their dad. 

Jacob took this picture last night and it is truly one of my favorites ever. I just really love it.

And love him more. I'm so blessed to be married to Jacob Allen.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert

Some kind friends gave us tickets to the Christmas concert put on by the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir last night and it was absolutely amazing. Jacob and I loved
attending and it made Christmas feel that much more Christmasy to me. I loved it.

A trail ride

When Annie and I got to her lesson today, her instructor told her that
because it was a beautiful day, she should take her mom on a trail ride
instead. So that is exactly what we did. And I loved it so, so much.

And even though I haven't been on a horse in more than twenty years,

it was so much fun and made me remember why I used to love
horseback riding. Mostly, I just really loved being with my Annie girl.

Timber!

Snow fun

Snow fun. Homework fun. Same thing.
Being a grown up is lame.

Beauty

Tonight, we went to my parent's house to have a Christmas party with them. Whenever
they are living in their home for Christmas, they have individual parties with each of their
children's families who are living in the area. And then they hold one big Christmas party
for everyone. It is really wonderful and we look forward to it for weeks and weeks.

Well, tonight was our turn and when I arrived at their home and saw the way my mom decorated
for Christmas, I was blown away. I always think she can't outdo the previous year, but so far, every
year I've been wrong. It honestly is an incredible experience to walk around and see what she has
done. The only word I can think of, and it isn't enough for sure, came from Annie as we looked
at everything together. It is indeed elegant and is such a treat to see all of it in one place.

And combine that with the delicious food my dad makes, the fun time visiting and laughing,
playing games and then watching a video about the Savior's birth (my absolute favorite I have
ever seen)--it was just a really wonderful night. And all of those gorgeous decorations made
me forget to get people pictures, because I was too busy taking pictures of a different beauty.

Oh wait, I did get a picture of this little person. Who was absolutely mesmerized
by a darling German nativity scene that would spin around when the candles
surrounding the scene were lit. It had us all pretty fascinated actually.

Thanks so much Mom and Dad! We love being with you and
love seeing your amazing talents up close and in person.