Christmas Morning

Hailey really wanted to Littlest Pet Shop rescue center and Hungry Hungry Hippos. Santa came through and even threw in some surprises.(don't you love her poses?!)

The boys weren't left out. Santa spoiled them too. New Wii and DS games, a gun target, bionicles, and new beyblades.

Emery's spoils

Emery was beyond thrilled. We went shopping with her a while ago and she saw this rocking horse and went crazy, Santa must have taken note.

This was her reaction when she saw it.

Totally in love. She did really like her new baby and the shopping cart my parents got her too.

So much fun. We ended up with seven guns and had a big war. I think we all ended up with welts from those little rubber darts, but they are such a blast.

Corey surprised me with this fun video camera and a tripod. Now I just have to figure out to edit the videos

My mom and dad got these for the kids. They love them except they just wear them backwards like a robe.

Fun books and games from family

My brother and sister-in-law got us this fun plate along with personalized ornaments and a game which they built.

So much fun stuff and what a fun day. Now where to put it all?

I better hurry and find a place though because Hailey has already started shopping for next year.

Why does this only get harder

Another futile attempt to get some pictures of my kids. I dressed them all up last Sunday, but we were running late so I couldn't take pictures. I spent all that time getting their Christmas outfits and getting them all ready, I had to have pictures. So I dressed them up again this Sunday and made sure we had at least a few minutes to take pictures.

First shot

I put Emery on a stool hoping to keep her place a little longer, but she still only gave like 2 seconds. Brendan is pulling some face, and Kayden,well, he just doesn't get the concept of acting natural.

Another try

This is the best of them all, but I am not sure what Brendan was doing still.

Try , try, again

Emery trying to escape, Kayden still looking very unnatural

One more

Not too bad except they are all leaning to the left.

At least we tried.

Friday favorites ( a little late)

Twas the night before Christmas....

An attempt to get a shot of all the kids in their Christmas P.J.'s

This is the only shot with all of them

She couldn't even be coaxed to come back

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

From our home to yours...

I can't believe we are already just days away. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

My Favorites on Friday

My favorite time of year, when everyone else is freezing, but it's still warm enough for us to do this...

She loves that slide, but can't get to the top on her own, so she just yells at me everytime she hits the bottom. I can't resist her though because she just is so happy to be lifted up and be able to repeat the whole thing over and over again. Somehow she always gets her way.

Breakfast, caroling and Santa x 2

Saturday was a busy day for us. We started the morning with our ward Christmas Breakfast. There was a lot of good food and good friends, but my kids were really there for one reason. They knew Santa was coming, and that he would be handing out candy canes. However, this Santa had some wardrobe malfunctions and left my kids wondering why Santa's facial hair was different colors. I had to do some explaining about how Santa is very busy this time of year and sometimes has to use helpers. They didn't care as long as their message gets delivered. I assured them it would. Emery looks unconvinced.

After our breakfast, we headed to Utah to spend the rest of the day with the Barlow's. It's tradition to have a Christmas Family Home Evening together. A tradition that somehow for one reason or another we have missed for a couple of years, but we determined to get it in this year. Stories and songs are shared, making sure we all get into the Christmas spirit.

Kayden, Brendan, and Hailey sang "Frosty the Snowman" for us. Brendan even performed a spontaneous dance number, catching us all by surprise.

Once we are done showcasing our talents, we bundle up and load up for caroling (I say we, but someone had to protect Emery from the freezing temperatures and volunteer to ride in the warm truck; it was hard for me to make that sacrifice). We ride all through town singing and delivering the homemade doughnuts that are always made earlier that day.

When everyone is completely frozen and hoarse, we head back for our own doughnuts and hot chocolate. This year we were all in for a big surprise though, just as we warming up we had an unexpected visitor. All the kids were so excited. They did mention how this Santa was much taller, but he gave out treat bags so they are pretty convinced he was the real deal. 

He may have even convinced these two. 

My favorites on Friday

It's very rare that I can't get a good one of this little girl



more decking the halls

My mom gave this little table for my entry way a couple of birthdays ago. It was unfinished and sat that way forever. I finally got myself in gear and got it painted a couple of months ago. I love the way it looks and it has been fun to have a new place to decorate for Christmas.

 

You gotta love Target for their dollar bin ornaments and the dollar store for the glittery tree.

The reindeer were also compliments of my mom, I created the picture with Picasa and just spray painted and old frame white.

Emery always provides Christmas music for me as I work on all my projects. She is great inspiration.



My Favorites On Friday

3 days post-op

obvioulsy not too affected

we were supposed to leave the bandage on for a week

 we made it 3 days

 someone can't be trusted during naptime