It's the Little Things

Okay, this blogging binge is just about over.  Yes, we like all the fun events we get to plan and experience, but it's also the little, everyday surprises and occurrences that keep smiles on our faces and give us beautiful memories to treasure.

It's the quiet snuggles,

 enjoying a book that is so big (or you're so little) that it completely covers your legs,

or it's creating a robot out of a diaper box with Dad.

Here's to not taking ourselves too seriously, and enjoying what is to come in 2017!

Lillian - 3 months

Lillian's personality continues to blossom as she smiles and coos more and more.  She loves getting attention from her sisters--and luckily, there is never a shortage of that, either!  If Lillian can't see the action going on around her, she'll squawk until someone accommodates her wishes.  She's getting stronger and will hold up her head for long periods of time and even supports herself on her legs if you hold her in a standing position on your lap.  I believe she has become the record holder in the family for most blowouts...I'm hopeful she'll slow down in that department!

We love our little Lillian!

Eliana's First Hair Cut

Eliana's hair was getting a little scraggly, so I finally decided to trim it up a bit.  One morning after bath time, Lillian was asleep and Eliana was in a calm mood--so I pounced and was able to cut her a little bob!

New Year's Eve

We were blessed immensely in 2016 with Lillian's arrival into our family, Geoff thoroughly enjoying his employment, Eliana celebrating some fun milestones like saying her first word and walking, I love being home with our daughters, and Hylie continuing to grow and mature as the oldest sister and ambitious preschooler.

Hylie, Eliana, and Lillian all called it a night before midnight, and Geoff and I managed to keep our eyes open to wish each other a wonderful 2017.  Here's to crawling, potty training, kindergarten, and all the other adventures that await this coming year!

Lillian Eve Woodhouse - Blessing Day

What a wonderful experience we had being surrounded by family for Lillian's blessing.  Geoff pronounced a beautiful blessing upon her while we were gathered in Grandma and Grandpa's home.  I'm grateful for the priesthood power that sustains us through difficult times, blesses us with strength, and guides us through leaders and fathers.

Eliana's Stranger Danger Tactics

Any time Eliana was near someone she wasn't super familiar with, she would bury her head and just freeze until she felt the coast was clear.  She did this all throughout the visit and kept us all giggling!

Santa Came!

We were in Pennsylvania on Christmas morning and Santa was nice enough to swing over to Aliquippa to drop off a few surprises for the girls.

Trip to Grandma and Grandpa's

We enjoyed a full week of fun at Grandma and Grandpa's.  And for two days the entire Nelson gang was all under one roof!  It was so wonderful to be with everyone, play games, catch up, and just laugh the time away.

 Hylie was excited to show Janna her dancing snowman.  Janna got a kick out of it as well!

 Eliana catching up with Bridger

We spent one day at the Children's Museum and kind of took over the place! 

Aunt Morgan chillin' with Eliana and Graycee

Eli was such a gentleman and gave Eliana a lift on one of Grandpa's bikes.  Eliana wasn't keen on holding on to Eli, so Geoff held her hand while she was enjoying the ride... 

 ...and her fingers!  She never stopped sucking on her fingers the entire time!

 The girls were definitely spoiled by their Grandma and Grandpa!

 I don't know if Eliana is fascinated with zippers or if she is trying to make a new fashion trend, but whenever she was in her pajama's, you would usually find her with her little belly button hanging out.  Ha ha!

I love this picture.  I love this family.  I love this life.

Decorating the Tree

We love pulling out our little tree and all the ornaments we've collected over the years.

Every year I'm always in awe at the ornaments Grandma and Grandpa Nelson make for each of their children and spouses, their grandchildren and spouses, as well as each great-grandchild!  That's hundreds of ornaments, thousands of hours, and endless love.