In December...

-Our elf "Doodle" came back for the whole month of December to keep an eye on the girls behavior and leave lots of fun treats, gifts, and reminders.
-We went on lots of night time bike rides to look at Christmas lights. It's my new favorite tradition!
-We bought lots of presents.
-Sent out Christmas cards
-Chris and I celebrated 11 years of marriage! Wow-ee!
-Elodie had a little Christmas program at school.
-Addysen got to go with her preschool to a nursing home and sing Christmas carols.
-She also had a Christmas program. Her preschool preformed the nativity scene and sang Christmas songs.
-We counted down the days until Christmas with our scripture advent and our Christmas Book a night advent.
-We made lots of treats for friends and family.
-We went to the Mesa Temple to look at the Christmas lights. Afterwards we made a trip to Krispie Kreme.
-Chris was out of town for 2 weeks.
-We went and saw Santa at Bass Pro Shop.
-We put together our gingerbread house.
-Loved getting the mail every day for Christmas cards.
-Chris and I stayed up until 2am getting the house ready for Christmas day.
-We didn't start opening presents until 8:30am and didn't finish until well after noon. It was wonderful!
-Chris' parents came over for breakfast on Christmas morning.
-We had our close friends, the Hamblins, over for Christmas dinner.
-Christopher found out he passed his PE (Professional Engineering) Exam. It's a really big deal and there are a lot of people who don't pass on the first try. We are very proud of him.
-Chris and I saw 2 movies and had lots of date nights.
-We celebrated New Years with Mace and Melissa and let the kids pop fireworks.
-I got a girls day date with Melissa. We went shopping and to lunch in the middle of the week with no kids! It was amazing!
-Elodie and Addysen got a date of their own with Grama Yarn. She took them to a movie, the dollar store, and Dairy Queen!
-Evyn Kate learned all kinds of Christmas songs including Jingle Bells and In a Little Stable. Super cute to listen to her sing. She can also sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Can say buckle and bubbles and pretty much responds correctly to every question we ask her.
-I hosted preschool one week.
-Christopher went to a Phoenix Suns Basketball game with his dad.
-We had date night at home every Friday night. I look forward to those so much!

In November....

-I had a birthday. Big 32. Christopher and the girls got me a bike cruiser which I love!
-We had family pictures done.
-Elodie rode her bike to and from school every day. We love living so close!
-Sadly, I took down all my Halloween decorations.
-We put up our Thankful tree the first Monday in November.
-I had 10 photoshoots. My last one was on the 24th.
-Evyn Kate found the moon and loves to go outside at night and look at it.
-Evyn also figured out the word "NO"
-Addysen practiced riding her bike with no training wheels.
-We had so many fun family bike rides!
- I bought more Christmas presents.
-I volunteered in Elodie's classroom.
-We planted a tree in our front yard.
-Chris and I played words with friends 1000 times.
-Addysen learned to ride her bike without training wheels! Big day indeed!
-Saw the last Twilight movie with Book Club. Mixed emotions about it ending...I loved it!
-We hosted Thanksgiving at our house. Chris' parents came over and we enjoyed spending time with them.
-No Black Friday Shopping for us.
-Chris spent a few days out of town.
-We put our Christmas Tree up.
-Chris put all the lights up on the outside of our house.
-The Civic hit 200,000 miles. The car we bought 6 months before we were married, used as our main vehicle until Evyn was born, and now Chris uses as a commuter car.
-We are so ready for Christmas!

In October....

-I put all my Halloween decorations out on October 1st.
-We watched General Conference.
-I had 12 photoshoots!
-Elodie and Addysen had fall break.
-I made a Halloween Wreath.
-Evyn became obsessed with coloring. We had to make the rule that she could only color in her high chair after she took a crayon to one of my walls.
-EK learned to say Minnie and Elmo. She can sign cracker, dance, walk, cookie, grapes.
-I made a wedding cake.
-Evyn found the moon and loves to point it out every time she is outside!
-Elodie had a Halloween friend party. We hosted along with her best friend and her mom. It was a lot of fun!
-So much fun that Addysen got to have a little friend halloween party too.
-Christopher took the Professional Engineering Exam. We won't know if he passed for 8 weeks.
-I got to go to Elodie's class Halloween Party.
-We went to our Ward Halloween Party.
-And had a fun Halloween Night. Chris' parents came over and we all enjoyed being out in the cooler weather.
-I started buying Christmas presents.
-Elodie started an Art class. Every Monday. She loves it!
-The Chick Fil A by our house was doing a free breakfast every weekday morning in the month of October. We may have gone everyday....and met friends a few times too.

In September...

-We survived the Big Dirty Family Reunion.
 -Elodie turned 8.
 -My mom came for a 2 week visit.
 -Elodie lost another tooth. She pulled it out all by herself while sitting at the table doing homework. The Tooth Fairy was so impressed she brought Elodie a new lego friends set. She was thrilled!
-I got a haircut.
-Big Brother ended.
-Survivor started.
-Elodie was student of the month at school.
-I started scheduling photoshoots for the holidays.
-Elodie was baptized
-Elodie got her ears pierced.
-*Are we spotting a trend here? It was a big month for Elodie!
-Christopher's Ball Season ended.
-EK turned 18 months.
-Addysen is loving preschool.
-Elodie had spirit week at school. Crazy hair day was a hit!

In August...

-We had a back to school dinner.
-Bought TONS of school supplies!
-Elodie started 3rd Grade.
-Addysen started preschool.
-Evyn Kate became a full blown walker!
-We started re-doing the girls bathroom.
-Christopher starting playing softball every Tuesday night.
-I went to book club.
-We started planning Elodie's 8th birthday party.
-And preparing for her Baptism.
-I had 2 photoshoots.
-I went to Enrichment.
-We went to the Big Dirty.
-I took Elodie's Baptism pictures and sent out invitations.
-Chris and I had date night 3 times a week when Big Brother came on. IE: put the girls to bed and popped popcorn, got circle k drinks, and vegged infront of the tv.
-We went to dinner with friends.
-The girls finished their tumbling class.
-Christopher ran 79 miles.
-I went to Costco 3 times.
-I made a wedding cake.
-Ginger had a birthday. She turned 10 on the 16th.

In July...

-Chris and Elodie started and almost finished the 2nd Harry Potter Book. 2 more chapters to go.
-Chris and I spoke in church.
-I made the girls 4th of July outfits.
-We had a fun 4th of July!
-Addysen and Evyn both had doctor's appointments. Addysen got her kindergarten boosters (4) and EK got 3 shots. Stats: Addysen- 34 pounds 40 1/4 inches tall. Evyn Kate- 18 pounds 18 and 3/4 inches tall.
 -We made the most of Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A and all enjoyed a free meal...or 2.
-I made throw pillows for our couch.
-Chris and I both got new callings. Chris is in the nursery (he was so thrilled to finally get an only Sunday calling) and I am over the 9 year olds for activity days.
-Addysen gave a talk in Sharing Time.
-We made it to the library once a week.
-We met up with Elodie's kindergarten teacher for lunch. A very fun visit.
-Christopher spent 2 weeks in Morenci, Az. for work. He was gone one week, came home for the weekend, and then right back up there.
-EK learned to say her friend Lyla's name.
-EK started taking multiple steps. She will be walking in no time...preferably before nursery!
-We found the perfect Baptism Dress for Elodie.
-We went swimming atleast twice a week.
-No Book Club this month but we did all meet up at the Cheesecake Factory. Our friend Tiffany moved last year and was back in town for the week.
-I had my first activity days activity.
-Big Brother started!
-Elodie and Addysen started a tumbling class once a week.
-My mom booked her ticket to come out to Arizona for Elodie's Baptism in September.

In June

-We painted Addysen's room.
 -We bought a new couch. Well over due.
 -We got our pool key.
 -We painted Elodie's room.
 -Became addicted to Circle K ice.
 -the girls wrapped up their summer reading program at the library and Barnes and Noble. Check and Check off our Summer 2012 List.
-Christopher went to Tuscon for an Engineering training meeting. He stayed in a resort hotel and his view from his room was of a couple of different pools. He ordered room service and watched the NBA finals. Poor guy. We wanted to go with him but he wasn't sure how much free time he would have so we stayed home. He sent me a picture of the view from his room:

I was so bummed we didn't just go. The girls would have loved it. He ended up having more free time than he thought (of course) and I immediately started planning a trip to Sea World and hounding Chris every 5 seconds to take us.
-We went to Snowflake to celebrate Grandma Brewer's 95th Birthday.
-Evyn started pulling up on everything....
- Evyn started cruising along the furniture...
-She is getting good at walking while we hold her hands... She stood up on her own....I'm sure in the next few weeks she will be walking. Even though she is 15 months, she looks so tiny to be walking!
-Chris and Elodie finished the first Harry Potter book and we watched the movie together. She is so excited to start book 2.
- Chris and I got a date night.
-We took the girls to see Brave and left Evyn with Melissa. We invited Grama and Papa Yarn to join us and we all enjoyed the movie!
-We went swimming atleast 3 times a week.
-We painted our family room/dining room/kitchen and added a board and batten wall behind out tv.
-I hosted Book Club


 I can't believe June is over....

In May

-Elodie was student of the week at school. -We watched the season finale of Survivor and missed the season finale of The Amazing Race. -I got new running shoes. -School ended. -Chris and I went on a few dates. -The Bachelorette started. -American Idol ended. And yes, we love reality tv and tivo. -I had a nice Mother's Day. -After a SLEW of highs and lows, we finally closed on our house! -I read a handful of new books. -We went to the Farmer's Market a few times. -Made freezer jam. -Helped throw a surprise party for a great friend. -Went to Book Club. -Evyn Kate kept growing. More teeth and getting super fast crawling. -Addysen decided she wanted to live with Graycie. -We mapped out our summer to do list.

In April.

-We moved back to Arizona! A very smooth, uneventful drive.

-Started looking for a house to buy.

- Elodie learned to blow a bubble with gum.

-Found a house 3 days after we started looking. Made an offer. Offer was accepted. We are set to move in at the end of May. It went a lot faster than we expected! Except the moving in part...that is dragging out a bit.

-We started going to the ward where our new house will be. The girls have already made a few friends and we really like the ward.

-Spent Easter with great friends. The day after we moved home. A perfect homecoming present!

-Evyn Kate FINALLY decided to start crawling!

-We decided to put Elodie at the school in our neighborhood. It made the most sense long term. Even though it's still hard for me to let go of her old school. She is transitioning well and excited to be in school with all the kids in our ward.

-Evyn learned how to blow kisses.

-Addysen asked for a playdate with Graycie every day.

-My Father In Law hit our Pilot.

-I went to Book Club.

-Chris joined a gym and runs every morning.

-Addysen got croop. Crossing our fingers no one else gets it.

-I renewed our Costco Membership. A happy reunion indeed!

In March

-Elodie learned to whistle.

-We bought packing tape, built boxes, and started packing.

-We found out that Chris got the transfer we were hoping for. WE ARE MOVING BACK TO ARIZONA!

-Addysen turned 4

-Christopher turned 34

-Evyn Kate turned 1

-Elodie's school hosted a book fair. Those things suck me in so easily!

-We finally pulled the plug and got a Ninja blender. We love it and it was well worth the money!

-Christopher ran 34 miles to celebrate his birthday week.

-I took Evyn Kate to the doctor because she still isn't crawling. She is perfectly normal. Just completely uninterested. She spends all day on the floor, can scoot backwards, and can go around in a circle.

-Elodie learned to go on the monkey bars. She is thrilled.

-We spent a week in Arizona. Lovely.

-Still reading nightly from The Book Of Mormon.

-I made my Easter banner.

-While in Arizona we saw the Hunger Games with friends.

-Elodie made the A Honor Roll again.

-Evyn Kate has 4 top teeth coming in. She will be a little vampire like Addysen for a little while.

-Evyn Kate learned to give kisses. Wet, slobbery, open mouthed kisses. The best!

-Addysen and Grayce had a birthday party.

In February...

-Evyn Kate got her 2nd tooth and spent a good portion of the month with a snotty nose.

-I finally took down all of my Christmas cards.

-We went through a ton of our boxes, reorganized, and got rid of a bunch of stuff. We do this about twice a year and it's amazing how much we get rid of. I think it helps that we have most of our things still in boxes from our move and the house we are renting isn't very big. We have to stay on top of it!

-The house we are renting went up for sale. In the 10 years we have been married I have never felt more in limbo than I do right now. Lots of days I want to stomp my feet and throw a fit about it...but then I remember I'm the mom and I'm not suppose to do those things.

-Elodie joined the Choir at school. She has practices twice a week at 7:30am. She is really enjoying it and I hope she continues to.

-We had a quiet Super Bowl Sunday.

-Breaking Dawn came out on DVD. We rented it and Chris got it for me for Valentine's Day.

-We started planning a cruise to the Bahamas for September with our great friends, Mace and Melissa.

-We tried to sign Addysen up for soccer but all the games are on Sunday. We were all bummed for her as she LOVES to run!

-We tried to sign Elodie up for kickball but again, all the games are on Sunday. It's very annoying.

-We finalized plans to spend Spring Break in Arizona. So excited!

-All of the 2nd grade classes at Elodie's school did an "Outer Space" themed performance. The most memorable part was Elodie finding out that it wasn't "MOON MAGNESS" that she was singing about. She should have been singing "MOON MADNESS"

-Elodie lost her 2nd top tooth.

-Elodie took a bunch of test and was accepted into the gifted program at her school.

-We bought our tickets for Hunger Games. We are going with a group of our greatest friends in Arizona.

-I decorated for St. Patricks Day and made my St. Patricks Day Banner.

-Evyn Kate started taking whole milk. We have had no issues with it. She is only nursing once in the morning.

-I bought the girls Easter dresses.

-Christopher ran every night.

-I started practicing the piano again. I really just am practicing the hymns and songs out of the primary book. But still. It's coming back. Slowly but surely.

-Addysen can now buckle her entire carseat by herself. This is awesome for me!

-We successfully made it through 1st Nephi in the Book Of Mormon. We have done really well with reading every night, with the exception of Fridays, and though we are behind we are hoping to still make our goal of finishing by the end of the year.

-American Idol. Survivor, and The Amazing Race started back up.

-On the last day in February we found out that the house we are living in has an offer on it and is set to close on the 6th of April. {GULP}

In January

-Evyn Kate had a visit to the Pediatrician for her 9 month check up. She weighs 15 pounds even and is under weight. This is my shocked face....

-Addysen pulled my point and shoot camera out of my purse and dropped it. It's broken and will cost $100 to be fixed. Sigh. Just another reason to keep anything you want to keep nice out of reach of 3 year olds.

-We went to the library every Wednesday.

-Chris and I started watching "How I met your mother" on Netflix and love it!

- The girls wanted to go bike riding every single afternoon.

-I pulled all my Valentine decorations out on January 9th.

-I helped organize a teacher's luncheon at Elodie's school. One of those things I didn't know about when I signed up to be the home room mom.

-Elodie had 3 days off from school for the County Fair. It's a big deal here.

-Elodie got 3 Book It coupons from Pizza Hut.

-Elodie and Addysen insisted we make a cake to celebrate Evyn's first tooth. We sang Happy First Tooth to Evyn too. It was another big deal.

-The Bachelor started. Woot! Woot! Mondays are so great!

-We watched LSU and the Saints get beat. Bummer.

-Our family caught the puzzle bug and put together 3 puzzles. Two 500 piece and one 750 piece. It was a lot of fun to do it as a family! A little crowded at times but fun!

-I made 9 skirts.

-I cancelled our Costco Membership. Sad day. I just have to keep reminding myself that it's not permanent. That helps.

-We started reading the Book of Mormon as a family. We have read the children's version about 3 times and since Elodie will be baptized this year we feel it's time. We told the girls when we finished it we would take a trip to Sea World. Addysen immediately asked "THIS WEEKEND!?!?" It's going to be a long haul!

-Christopher listened to The Hunger Games. He finished it in a couple of days. I got sucked back into the series and enjoyed listening to it with him before bed.

-Evyn Kate finally figured out how to hold her sippy cup.