The Updike's

Obviously, we have been really bad at updating the blog... So here is a recap of the December and Christmas festivities. Who knew that gloves could be so fun? This is the first time that Lily wore her gloves, and she loved showing them off! Checking out all of the Christmas goodies while Dad and Mom put up decorations. Garrett is the King of the tree . . . what a trooper! He was so willing to help me put up the Christmas tree a week before Thanksgiving because I was so excited for Christmas. Surprise! Santa (Grandpa Crossley) came to visit all of the grand kids for the annual Crossley Family Home Evening before Christmas! Lily's first snowman! You may not be able to tell, but she is very concerned with putting hair on her snowman! Little Miss Independent! Lily was so determined to shovel herself. She cried in frustration when she couldn't lift up the shovel on her own. Lily loves to sing "Jingle Bells" over and over again. If we try to help her she says "...

Garrett, Lily and I were so lucky that we were able to enjoy "2" Thanksgiving dinners. One with his family (which I failed to get pictures at . . . ) and one with my family! (Thanks Jed for the great pictures!) Both gatherings were absolutely wonderful! Lily watching her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse before we head to Grandpa and Grandma Crossley's. Isn't Thanksgiving day all about lounging and eating all day? ~ The Crossly family waiting anxiously for the wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner to start. One of the most famous Crossley "after dinner traditions" is the annual basketball throw down. Over the years it has generated concussions, pulled groins and there may have even been a knee surgery... Definitely serious business and very competitive. This year, the boys had to clear the court of the snow -- as you might guess, this game is played rain or shine, sun or snow. Though you may see some shorts and t-shirts, it was bitterly cold... the guys were just trying t...

Last week, we were so lucky to spend the week in Oklahoma visiting Garrett's family. Everyone in the family was able to come, so we had a lot of fun. It was especially great for Lily get to spend time with her cousins and grandparents. But before we get to that, take a look at this... Obviously, this is a stuffed Gorilla . . . but to Lily it is "Geppeddo, the Kitty Cat." My parents have a black cat named "Geppeddo," and for whatever reason Lily thought this gorilla was that same black cat. It was rather amusing! She absolutely loved it! She carried it around and even slept with it every night. While at Grandpa and Grandma Updike's, Lily slept in the same room as Garrett and me. One morning we woke up to Lily saying, "Geppeddo - so funny!!!" It really was so cute! And when Grandpa turns on the computer videos, the kiddos can't get enough "Grandpa Time" ! Grandma Updike spoiled all of her grandkids with matching Christmas outf...

Yep, the Updike name will live on... and you might hear it a lot on the SportsCenter Top 10.

It has been so much fun to have a little toddler in our home . . . especially during the holidays. I don't know who was more excited - Lily or her parents. (Okay, let's be honest, we were more excited!) To kick off the Halloween festivities, we planned a family home evening of pumpkin carving. Lily wasn't really into touching the pumpkin goop but she was sure curious about what was going on with her pumpkin. Lighting the pumpkins with dad The "Dadda," "Momma," and "Lily" Pumpkins Having fun at Gardner Village with friends Lily was so excited about her monkey costume. She examined her whole costume in the bathroom mirror. It was kind of cute, I took her "paws" off thinking it would drive her nuts not to have her hands free . . . the minute I did that she cried in frustration because she wanted them on. Our ward put on a Halloween carnival. Needless to say, Lily had the time of her life! Especially with the cupcake walk and the ...