The Updike's

We most definitely have a monkey on our hands! Lily now loves to climb on anything and everything. My sister and I walked into the room and saw this: Even though Little Gavin was stepped on . . . I think he was fascinated by this little monkey standing on his swing. More monkey business . . . I am sure that the door to the oven on this kitchen set was not intended as a step stool!

My little brother, Sam, just got married. Because Shawnee's dad is a mission president in the Marshall Islands, in order for him to attend his daughter's wedding, it had to be in Hawaii. (Rough, right?) They were married in the Kona Temple. Congratulations Sam and Shawnee! Welcome to the Crossley Clan, Shawnee!

Lily absolutely loves balloons! She will squeal every time she sees one in the store. Lily's first time climbing the stairs. Since we don't have stairs, we had no idea she could even do it. Once she started, she couldn't stop. She loves stairs. (Now we have to teach her to crawl back down). First stairs . . . and then step ladders. We have a monkey on our hands! Playing dress up is so much fun! Lily's first true snow day. She has had snow before - but this day she LOVED it. Lily loves walking around with her toy walker. Who knows - she may be walking on her own soon. She just started trying to stand on her own. Lily loves yogurt! She is such a funny girl - her new favorite facial expression is opening her mouth really wide. Silly Lily!

Dancing Queens!

The Crossley family has a tradition where we get together the Sunday before Christmas and have a "Family Home Evening," which helps us remember the true meaning of Christmas . . . The Savior. This year my cousin, 11-year-old Jake, volunteered to take charge. He did such an awesome job! He was so prepared!! He even called and emailed out assignments beforehand. As we were driving back home I commented to my mom and Garrett about how much I loved our sweet family. I always look forward to any opportunity to spend time with them. Thanks so much Jake for the wonderful evening of fun! Jake the Great! Christmas in Texas !! I echo the same sentiments of love for Garrett's side of the family. We sure had a great time in Texas! We enjoyed great conversations, food, games, wii, and yes, Uncle Greg's lottery tickets. (A stocking stuffer that makes for a fun Christmas morning). We most definitely cherish the time spent with family that live so far away. We love you a...

Yes . . . Lily sat on Santa's lap and didn't even cry! Smart Girl!!! She knows how to win brownie points with the man who brings her Christmas Gifts! Our own "Cindy Lou Who" from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" Lights at Temple Square with family!

A couple of weeks ago, we had the wonderful opportunity to have my parents come and visit for the weekend. We had a blast with them and are so grateful they were able to come. And Lily loved it too! We are grateful for every chance Lily has to get to know her grandparents better.