December

December was a crazy, busy, wonderful month for the Stone family.  It all started on the 6th of December.  I was getting ready for work, when Jennifer came in asking for the heating pad.  I asked her if she was in labor, but she just said her back hurt a lot.  About a half an hour later, she came in saying that they were going to the hospital.  This was about 9:00 or so in the morning.  I went to work thinking they would be all day.  I kept checking my phone, and asking for updates, but there wasn't much.  At about 1:30 I got a text that said, "He's here".  What??  Well, fortunately for her, my daughter doesn't labor like her mother does, she had a super quick labor and delivery, and was blessed with her perfect little son.  William Oliver Ainge, 6 lbs. 9 oz., and 19 1/2 inches long, and just as cute as a grandma could want.  What a wonderful way to start the holiday season! 

After the Ainges came home, we were all busy adjusting and getting ready for Christmas.  Between the baking, shopping, trying to get a stocking done, and decorating, it was a hectic couple of weeks.  

On Saturday the 22nd, Matthew and I went to a wrestling tournament in Farmington.  It was an all day tournament against some very tough teams.  We went with our local team, and competed against all star teams from other states.  It was a long, hard day, but Matthew wrestled his heart out and gave it his all.  By the end of the day he was exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally.  He won one match, but never gave up.  I was proud of him.

Monday was Christmas Eve, and we hit high gear.  I wouldn't have gotten it all done without my kids pitching in to help, they were awesome.  I didn't have to wrap any gifts, they did it all for me, and they helped with the cooking and cleaning.  We were able to pull it all together and have a great night.  The only fail, was that I didn't get William's stocking done, but I really don't think he'll remember.

Grandpa loves being a Great-Grandpa!

Food, food, and more food!!

My cute niece, Mackenzie and her husband, Jeremy

After dinner comes game time!! 

I'm not sure what Michael did to Jordyn, but I love this picture!

The tree

Everyone is watching the baby, but I think Ammon's a little jealous!

Funny faces!

Jordyn adding her new ornament

Ammon just being cute! 

Santa baby!

And yes, we had a very white Christmas!

The day after Christmas, we went to see Rise of the Guardians at the local movie theater.  It was a very cute movie, and we all enjoyed it.  After the movie, Michael went to work, and we all went to our favorite pizza place for BBQ chicken pizza and the best cheese sticks in the world!!

The next day was Ammon's birthday, and Michael had the day off of work.  We bought Salt Lake City Connect passes, and went up for the day.  The passes let us in to various attractions in Salt Lake for one price.  It was a good deal, and a fun way to spend the day.

First up was the Clark Planetarium.  The exhibits themselves were kind of cool.  But not too exciting.

Jordyn stirring clouds.  Actually, she was casting a spell I think.

Big Telescopes

And of course, everyone loves the electrical ball.

Next we took Trax and had lunch at the Lion House.  It was ok, nothing spectacular, but it was included in our passes, and we all found something to eat.  Even William, who had his first bottle.

Next up was the Leonardo.  It is like a children's museum for big kids!  They had some very cool things to do, and I highly recommend it.  Everything was hands on and family friendly.  The only bad thing was that we didn't get to see it all.

Green screen, with green sheets for the floating head effect.

Stop animation sets to make your own movie, way cool! 

The latest in wearing your baby fashion!

Back on trax!  It was COLD!!

Our last stop was back at the planetarium.  We watched a second movie, which was supposed to be better than the first, but it was a complete snooze-fest.  At least we all got some zzz's.  

Walking on the moon,

and Mars.

We had a great time, and a really fun day.  

The next day was another wrestling tournament.  This was was at South Summit, so it involved another early morning, and long day.  Matthew won 3 matches and lost 2, and the team took home a first place trophy.  It was a good day.

 Next on the docket was New Year's Eve.  We went to the traditional "Loser's Party" at the Jackson's house.  It's an annual event, and we just can't miss it.  We are lucky to have such great friends, and we love spending time with them.  We had our spoons tournament, and Kenna won this year.

Dennis "cheerfully" passing the spoons trophy to Kenna

Blake and Kenna Anderson

Jim and Karron Jackson 

Dennis and me

 Jordyn the party animal!!

We ended the holidays by taking Ammon to Tucanos for his birthday dinner.  Yum!!  Now the decorations are down, the company has gone home, Jenn and Adam have moved out, and the kids are back in school.  Happy New Year!!  May the 2013 be even better than the last!!