We decided to repeat last year and hold a cousin sleepover on New Years Eve in honor of Nadia's birthday.
The day before the big party, we got a picture sent by text of my brother and his family with the Salt Lake temple in the background. Apparently they decided to take a 24 hour road trip down to visit us all for New Years Eve. The kids were ecstatic to have so many cousins to play with. Rowan was especially thrilled to play Nintendo 3DS with Spencer. They wasted no time once Spencer walked in the door.
We had a plethora of kid friendly appetizers to chow on all night. Mac and cheese was the favorite.
Nadia had very specific requests for her cake. We had a frozen Frozen cake from DQ. The Frozen Lego figurines came from a lego set that was also a birthday present.
Sweetest girl ever! Nadia is growing up to be such a great big sister. She is my best babysitter so far and loves to take care of her little sisters. When Elsa tolerates it, the world is a happy place. Nadia's always giving me loving cards and notes. She loves wildlife, reading, playing Legos, creating and playing games, swimming, doing anything with Rowan, and baking. She is my joy.
It wasn't noisy here at all. Really.
Steve cutting the super frozen cake with his manly muscles. That lumberjack scruff on his face sure came in handy with the task.
Elsa clearly was not up for cooperating during the group photo.
The Frozen gift package was a big hit! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Luke!!
My brother asked me for some ideas as to what Nadia would like for her birthday. In true Beck fashion, he got her everything I mentioned. She was truly spoiled this year.
I love that she asked for a lab set this year. She's definitely not your average little girl.
Someone was happy to find $50 in their birthday card. Thank you Grandpa Doug and Marilyn!!
These guys migrated over the house, but their games were never far away.
Chocolate fondue was a big hit. Pound cake and strawberries were devoured in seconds.
The girls had an art session together.
And did makeup...
While the boys, well, you know... Poor Peyton kind of got left out on that score. He ended up going to bed early.
We took dance breaks once in a while...
Love you sweet girl. We shut it down a little after midnight. It was a good time had by all.
Sage is definitely a fourth child. I ordered her blessing gown days before she was blessed. Rowan on the other hand had his ordered months in advance. His pants were handmade by Grandma Luke. It's quite the contrast. They still turn out just as cute though.
The reality of trying to photograph 4 kids sets in. Elsa refused to get closer to Rowan, otherwise we would of had a slam dunk.
Grandma and Grandpa Luke were kind enough to come down from Washington to participate in Sage's blessing. We love their visits whenever we can get them. Here is Sage with her cousin Luke.
Both babies are finding their hands fascinating in this picture.
Enjoying some post-blessing treats. Steve made a delicious lemon blueberry walnut bread with the walnuts from our trees.
The girls were more interested in playing.
Getting some smiles.
We're so thankful for all the family that was able to come and be with us for Sage's special day. I don't know how we existed without her. She ties us altogether with her sweetness.
Steve said in his blessing that she has been an answer to our prayers. Never was there a truer statement than that.
We had Chandra come visit us for Thanksgiving this year. One of the many perks of living closer to family. We had a delicious meal, but the turkey ended up being delayed because we had forgotten how long to cook it on the barbeque. Next year we'll do better. So it started with the vegetarian courses. Still, it was a delicious meal made better by good company.
Steve's pride and joy. We were so happy to find that our rotisserie attachment for our old grill we got rid of when we moved, fit the perfectly usable grill that our neighbor left on the curb. Steve and I tried to sneak it quietly into our backyard since we noticed it on General Conference Sunday. Needless to say, it did not go quietly in the night. Barbeques are heavy and rolling them on the road is noisy. We probably earned a few stares, but it was worth it for a free grill. For some reason he has the knobs off in this picture, so it looks worse than it is.
I didn't get very good pictures of everyone. I'll blame sleep deprivation since Sage is not even 2 months old yet.
A common scene when Chandra comes to visit, especially if she has her phone with her. I think they were watching kitty videos, but I could be wrong.
The long awaited drumstick is finally done!!
Running off the meal in anticipation for dessert. Also some lovely singing by Steve and Chandra.
