I'd rather be a mother than anyone on earth

Bringing up a child or two of unpretentious birth. . . .

I'd rather tuck a little child all safe and sound in bed

Than twine a chain of diamonds about my [carefree] head.

I'd rather wash a smudgy face with round, bright, baby eyes

Than paint a pageantry of fame or walk among the wise.

-Meredith Gray, from The Beauty of Motherhood

Princess at the White House

These pictures are meant especially for grandma's. There are a lot of pictures of Kate just standing around being herself. Some would find this boring and overdone, but only a grandma can truly appreciate it. You've been warned!

We went to the White House Christmas tour last night. It was especially nice because they had all the decorations up and also, if any of you have ever been through the White House you know cameras aren't allowed, however at Christmas they are. It was really fun. As you will see it was very beautiful and much more exciting than just the regular tours.


Kate was the only young child there. She was "the bell of the ball" if you will. She had on her Christmas dress (because we had to dress up) and everyone loved her. She kind of becomes a ham when people watch her and she acts it up. Other times she is very shy. She was a little of both last night. People kept calling her "Princess" because of her dress, which in that setting looked kind of like a ball gown. Her dress was gold and it matched the decor so she looked extra special.

She is incredibly hard to take pictures of because she won't hold still. However, when Uncle A.J. tried to take pictures of her she would just stand still and smile at him. One time she started blowing kisses for him. It was really cute. Unfortunately he got way better pictures than me.

Chris loves taking pictures too!

Being shy.

This is the big Christmas tree for the White House. Gorgeous!

This is her on the front step of the White House as we were leaving. If any of you have ever been to Disneyland and taken pictures with the any of the Princesses there you'd notice that they hold there hands a special way. When I saw this picture I noticed Kate is doing the same thing. I think she is practicing.

We also got to take a unexpected tour of the West Wing. This is when we were going inside. We've never been on this side of the White House. We got the see the Situation Room which I didn't know really existed. We saw the Oval Office and some other really neat things in the West Wing.

This is in by the Rose Garden where that famous picture of JFK is taken. Under the colonnade.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Candy!

Kate and I made chocolate dipped pretzels for our ward Christmas party. Why we were making them she snuck one off the paper. Oh boy! She loves chocolate. She would take a bite and then go "mmmmm". It would crack me up. I think loving chocolate runs in her blood.




We saw Santa Claus at our ward Christmas party. Kate didn't really like him. Hopefully he'll still visit her this year.