Tessa - December 2012

Whew, to go back to the beginning of December feels like forever ago!   Luckily all my worrying about leaving you guys for my bison hunt was for nothing, and we came home after 3 nights away with the bison cape and head in tow.  Dad had it all laid out in the garage so you guys could see it.  You weren't as freaked out by it as I would have been at your age.  I think you were just glad we made it home in time to make sure you didn't miss your Kindermusik class on Tuesday.

We got a good snowstorm or 2 this month, and dad decided we had better run up on the Kaibab and check out the snow they got up at Jacob.  We got out of the truck and threw a few snowballs.  You and Logan are relentless, and it seems like everyone gangs up on me!  You were a good sport and had a great time playing in the snow.  Now if only we could toughen you up enough to get you to go ice fishing with us!

Grandma Hillier got you this Christmas tree shirt, and you were so excited to wear it that right after you put it on you stood by our tree and asked me to take your picture.  Don't mind your too-short pants, you've decided that all the jeans I bought you hurt, and I hadn't gotten you any new comfy pants yet.

We spent the Saturday before Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa H. and Uncle Joe and Aunt Lisa.  We had lots of yummy food and had a good time seeing what was in your stockings.  You got some new Hello Kitty pajamas and a princess Barbie and a sleeping bag that you were excited about.  The next day after church we went to Panguitch for the Pollock Christmas party where you visited with Santa and got a present.  This year you asked Santa for "flying petshops," which was code for the Littlest Petshop Fairies.  (Santa didn't end up getting them for you, but you got one on New Year's.)

Christmas Eve day I finally got around to making sugar cookies for you guys to decorate.  You impressed me with how well you frosted the cookie and how careful you were sprinkling the sprinkles on top.

Christmas Eve night we had our family movie night.  I had to put this picture in because this is pretty typical Tessa, too busy looking at the TV to pay much attention to anyone else.  You and Logan cuddled up in your new sleeping bags, and you had a "sleepover" in Logan's room that night.

Since we video'd Christmas morning I didn't end up getting any pictures, but you got a lot of My Little Ponies from Santa and some fun workbooks and other fun stuff in your stocking.  After we finished opening presents at our house we headed to the Veater Christmas breakfast where you scarfed down 4 of Uncle Wally's sourdough pancakes.  We were impressed!  Later that day you opened your stuff from grandma and Grandpa Veater including a Barbie and a new outfit, and your gift from Bosten.  All in all you were pretty darn spoiled missy.

That morning we were able to get Logan up before you.  He ran out to look at the tree and then ran back to his room where you were still asleep and yelled for you to wake up and come see what Santa had left.  It's so much fun to see you both get so excited to see what you got and show each other and show us.  I LOVE this part of being a parent.  We try not to spoil you too much at Christmas because you kids already have so much, and the nice thing is you guys seem thrilled with whatever is under the tree anyway.  I hope we can teach you to be grateful for what you get and what you have as you grow up...

One last thing I put in my phone to remember for you letter.... One afternoon after dropping Logan off at school we were heading to the grocery store and you were making random animal sounds.  All of a sudden you loudly said "Art-de-ROOOO!!"  It sounded like a cross between a coyote howl and a rooster crow, but when I asked you what on earth animal made that sound you matter-of-factly replied, "a giraffe!"  I know it was one of those things where you had to be there to hear you say it, but I flat out cracked up, and as soon as I pulled into the parking lot at Honey's I got out my phone to write it down so I wouldn't forget.  I love your sense of humor and imagination - they are unlike anyone I've ever met, and I hope that never changes.

Love you sister,
Mom