Christmas Day

Christmas Day was lots of fun, obviously. Who would say otherwise, right?! My parents & brother stayed the night. The kids just loved it! And so did Judd & I. It was 5 adults to 4 kids. A wonderful ratio for putting together new toys, reading instructions, playing games & all that fun stuff. We told the kids not to bug us until 7 am. So at 7 we went downstairs. I decided not to wake up Luke, which was a wise idea. He didn't wake up until 9, boy he would have been grumpy! Judd's parents came over in the morning to see what the kids got. Other than that we were just lazy, it was great. We did snacks/appetizers for lunch & dinner was a very yummy prime rib dinner.

Zhu zhu pets were a big hit & loved by all the kids

Matthew has been wanting a "shaver" like Judd's for a long time. He must have shaved 10 times Christmas Day. I finally told him no more when I noticed his cheeks, red & irritated from the shaving cream.

Luke finally awake & in awe at all the new toys

My mom & Jordan. Jordan bought us girls (me, my sisters & mom) earrings. He brought them home from his mission. The girls got black coral (very rare) & mom got some special stone that I can't even pronounce let alone spell. They're all so pretty!

Another shaving picture

Haley & her new giraffe Chelsea

Savannah & Sweet Cheeks

I love the look on his face as he studies his new shaving kit

We sure know how to make a mess!

Christmas Eve Night

Christmas Eve night was spent at Judd's parents house. It's always lots of fun. We sing, exchange gifts, Santa comes, we eat, get new PJ's, not all in that order. Again, lots of fun! It was especially fun because they invited my parents & brother to come up too

The girls singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"

Judd's mom reading the Nativity story

Luke "loving" Lucy

Me, Mary & Lauren opening our Cricuts

This is what I made for my parents & inlaws

Santa & Jordan

Santa & My Mom

Santa loves Judd

And my Dad

Luke does NOT love Santa

Breakfast & Babies

On Christmas Eve we go to breakfast with my side of the family. This year we went to Cameo Cafe. The food was really good & they had a nice room for us to have our own craziness in, as not to disturb other people & their breakfast. I realize that I only took pictures of kiddos today. Adults were invited, actually required but I just didn't take any pics of them. Oh & check out the next two posts too. I had to play catch up!

Matthew (grumpy) & Harrison (happy)

Luke (hungry)

Cohen & Adalyn (sleepy)

Oh such cuteness!

Danielle was trying to wake her up, it didn't work

Party Hardy!

Haley has been begging for a Christmas party with her friends since the beginning of December. And I gave in. On the 23rd we had 11 girls (including my 2) for a party. I love that our ward has this many & more girls all around the same age. I hope as the years go by they can continue to love, appreciate & respect each other. I have to say it was lots of fun! We did a floor puzzle, made beaded candy canes, decorated & ate cookies, played charades, had a gift exchange & somehow ended up playing limbo. A big thank you to Jill who helped me organize the chaos & plan the party

Gingerbread Feast

Matthew's preschool did a Gingerbread Feast on the 17th. The kids sang, visited with Santa & ate. So much fun!

Watching 25 4 year olds sing is sooooo entertaining. There is always the loud child who doesn't really know the words but belts it out, the one who picks their nose & the one who knows all the words but sings to soft to be heard - love it!

What was my child you ask? He was the one who stood looking nervous biting his fingernails

Santa brought a book & candy cane for each kid

His "jacket" he decorated & wore while standing & listening to everyone else sing

Twins!!

Last night my sister, Danielle, gave birth to twins! It is a moment we have been anticipating for a few weeks now. I can't wait to see & hold them & neither can my kids. Nothing beats slobbery cousin kisses. My Mom took these pictures last night. When I finally get to see them I'll take more, of course

Adalyn was born @ 8:58 pm

6 lbs. 3 oz.

Cohen Christian was born @ 9:13 pm

7 lbs.

O Christmas Tree

I'm sad to report I have no pictures of us decorating the tree & it was weeks ago anyway. But I do have pictures of Luke admiring it. FYI there are no ornaments within his reach so all he has are the lights to touch

He's the only child so far that has done this. He put his blanket down, layed on it & then kicked the tree. I shouldn't say "kicked" because it was more of brushing his feet over the limbs of the tree. Just so his toes could feel what his fingers already had, I guess?!

Gingerbread houses

For Thanksgiving we went to Judd's parents house. I set my camera down & couldn't find it until we went to do the gingerbread houses after dinner. Yes, gingerbread houses is our after Thanksgiving dinner tradition. Each family gets a house to "make their own". I think it's great & the kids love it!

The clan

Haley & Hyrum

Savannah & Iris

Ta da! They did great!

Suprise, suprise. Look who's trying to eat it!

Loving Frosty

We have had this Snowman for a few years now & it seems that whoever, that year, is this age/size always pays special attention to this snowman. I caught Luke yesterday showing him lots of love...

Hmmm that is not what my nose looks like

Eskimo kisses?

Shoveling up anything good lately?

Gosh I just love you!

Mmmm, I love candy canes