Saturday, December 31, 2011

December Leftovers

Anna's "Christmas Attire" for the ward Christmas party. She picked it out herself. (I guess we're a little short on red and green clothes.)

Not very happy about what's for dinner.

Sweet, sweet boy.

Practicing ballet moves.

Dear Santa, I want a American (Doll) and a Home Alone movie. To: the north pole From: Anna

Trouble makers. Ironically, that cupboard has a child lock on it.

And more trouble in the kitchen.

Maybe the last time all four were in the tub. It was tight and Anna now prefers showers.

So heartwarming.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas 2011

This is the only picture I took Christmas Eve. But rest assured it was full. We had appetizers for dinner, read the Christmas story, watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas, made cookies for Santa, watched Midnight Mass (Jeff and I, anyway) and excitedly tried to go to sleep (Anna & Isaac). The twin went to bed early after a rough night at the hotel and missed out on the festivities.

After the kids were in bed for a few minutes Anna ran out of her room yelling, "Mom, mom! I think I just heard reindeer clatter!" Ha! So cute.

The kids came down in the morning to see that, yes, the big guy did remember them.
Santa brought a train table and a big present for each person.

What could it be?

 YES!!!! Just what I asked for!

Meet Audrey Ann, Anna's "Sort-of American Girl Doll." 

 And Santa brought Isaac...a robot!



The boys were mostly interested in destroying the train stuff. Hmmmm...Santa may not have thought that one through very well.

After opening Santa's gifts we ate a quick breakfast: giant cinnamon rolls and milk. Jeff was the only member of the bishopric in town so by 8:15 he was out the door to open the building and greet members. (He also spoke in sacrament meeting.)


 The kids and I got ready for church and I tried to get a few pictures in front of the tree before we left.


 Best picture of the day.





When we got home is was time to open and play!

Isaac and his Spiderman backpack and mask.


Anna's lot.

Isaac's pile.


Ben and Sam got trucks and sock animals.
 





Christmas Day was beautiful. We took advantage and took a walk around the neighborhood before dinner.
Anna and Audrey-Ann got matching outfits.


We have been incredibly blessed this year. We have a warm home, good health, wonderfully supportive family, amazing friends and so much more. But most importantly we have the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful we celebrate His birth each year.


Friday, December 23, 2011

December 23rd



This year we spent our annual Christmas Eve Eve just down the road on The Waterfront. Jeff scored a free room and they put us in the Presidential Suite. It was really nice to have some room to spread out.

The kids were so excited to go swimmingm but we convinced them to go get dinner first.



 I managed to get Sam and Ben to hold still at the same time for a quick picture.


 But then they were off!

Bad picture, but I love Anna's excitement waiting for the elevator on our way to the pool

This was the little boys' first time in a pool. And boy, did it ever freak them out. They hated it.

They were perfectly happy, however, to sit on my lap wrapped in a towel and watch.

It looks like Sam is pushing me away in this picture, but he's actually holding on so tight. He was not about to let me get him anywhere near the water.


After swimming the kids opened up presents. New pajamas!

We love this tradition. It is such a fun way to kick off the Christmas celebrations.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

December Is A Time for Ho Ho Ho

Anna had a Kindergarten Christmas concert. It was so nice to hear the kids sing both fun songs and songs about the birth of Christ. I was surprised considering this elementary doesn't recognize Halloween, but happy.


The class recited T'was the Night Before Christmas. Anna's line was: "and away they all flew like the the down of a thistle."


She did so great.


Anna's favorite songs she learned were "December is a Time for Ho Ho Ho" and "Snow Day."