More Christmas fun!

On Christmas morning the kids got up a lot later than I thought, not until 7:30!  I finally had to wake them up.  I was anxious to get going because I had a big breakfast to make.  Our tradition is that the kids get to see their Santa gifts when they wake up and then open their gifts under the tree after breakfast, that way it kind of drags out the gifts a little longer. 

Sawyer was very happy that Santa brought him everything Toy Story!  He loves figurines  and got a huge set from Toy story.  He also got a Toy Story Geo Trax train. 

Santa brought Libby her very own stroller to help her learn to walk, with a baby doll that she loves!

Carter got a huge Lego castle set and was very excited to start putting it together.  It only took him a couple of days.  Luckily its still up! 

Santa brought Maddie her very own Keyboard and a Lego set as well as a DS game.  She can’t wait to start piano lessons once dance is over.

After we had a wonderful breakfast with my family, we opened our gifts together. 

Libby could tell something exciting was going on.  She loved playing with all the wrapping paper and ribbon.

Later that day we went to Chris’ sister, Kirsten’s home and had a yummy ham dinner with the Nielsen’s.  Its always a great time with some good laughs when the Nielsen’s get together. 

Here is Libby with her cousin Halli, they share the same birthday!

While we were all visiting after dinner the boys thought it would be funny to dress up in Zoe’s dress ups.  Silly Boys!

The kids all put on a show for us and danced, sang and told jokes.  Kelli, Kirsten and I even got up and did an old DHS cheer for everyone.  It was a great time! 

Disneyland with Grandma Faye

On December 6 Sawyer, Libby and I took Grandma Faye to Disneyland. We went to Goofy's kitchen to start off our day and had a fabulous time. Chris was able to meet us for breakfast and then we headed off to the park. We went on a few rides and had a great time. We hope we can do it again soon! Thanks Grandma!

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

On Christmas Eve day a bunch of us went up to the Palm Springs Tram with the kids. It was really fun! I had gone on it before when I was in 5th grade on a field trip. They have new trams since then and they rotate as you go up so you get to see the entire 360 degree view of the mountain and the valley. It is a little bit scary, as it climbs up 8500 feet to the top of the mountain. At the top of the mountain it was about 30 degrees and there was tons of snow. Who would think that you can go to Palm Springs to play in the snow? The kids were very excited to play in the snow but soon discovered that snow is cold and hard to walk in. Maddie complained a lot and decided she'd had enough after 10 minutes. Carter on the other hand had a lot of fun. Sawyer was very frustrated trying to walk in it and kept falling down. I'll admit it was pretty cute! We had a great time and enjoyed a beautiful view and a white Christmas!

Christmas in the Desert

For the first time ever, we celebrated Christmas away from home. We went to Palm Desert with my parents, Heather and Cisco, and Chris and Amanda. Wes and Kristy also came out on Christmas eve. We had a great time and although it was a little different being away from home it was fun. We spent the first half of our week preparing for Christmas and the last half recuperating from Christmas! I will admit it was sure nice to just relax on Christmas day. I took a nap and it was so nice! We had fun going to the pool, going to the movies, playing games and spending time with one another! We went on the Aerial Tram and played in the snow, Here are some highlights from our trip.

We folded down the back seat and the van was jam crammed!

Maddie with Grammy

The kids had fun decorating Grampy as a Christmas Tree.

We loved being a the beautiful pool

Our Christmas Tree (check out that gorgeous view in the background)

All the cousins in their traditional Christmas Eve Jammies!


Santa has arrived!

Carter with his Stocking

Sawyer got this adorable scooter from Santa

Santa couldn't resist bringing Maddie a baby doll this year!


Sawyer is an old pro at opening gifts now!



On Christmas day we had dinner at the JW Marriott hotel at a restaurant called Mikado. It one of those Japanese restaurants where they cook the food in front of you. Great entertainment for the kids!



Carter and Daddy



Sawyer stuffing his face with Fried Rice!

Christmas with the Nielsens

This year we went out of town to Palm Desert the week of Christmas. So we spent the 21st of December celebrating with the Nielsens. We went to breakfast at Corner bakery and then headed over to Grandma Faye's to open gifts. It was fun to be with cousins and get to open gifts early! Chris got a really cool gift from his mom. It's called a Kindle and it is a digital book reader. It is pretty neat and we've had some fun playing with it.

After we went to see Grandpa Ed and Tanya to open more gifts. The kids enjoyed having an early Christmas!

Christmas Lights on Thoroughbred lane

Every year this one street in our city goes all out with Christmas lights. It is quite a tradition and draws thousands of people each year. We usually try to go a few weeks before Christmas, park the car and walk down the street with hundreds of other people. If you drive it, it would take at least an hour just to get to the street (on a weekend). We go a back way and just park. They even have police directing traffic it is so busy! The kids had a great time and enjoyed all the beautiful Christmas decorations. It really gets you into the Christmas Spirit.

Ward Christmas Party

Christmastime is definitely underway. Last weekend our ward had it's annual Christmas party. My parents joined us for the fun and we had a great time. The kids made Candy trains

and got to visit Santa. Maddie and Carter both told Santa they wanted a Wii. Sawyer was intrigued by Santa but when I put him up there he started to cry... maybe next year.


The young women were asked to do some type of fun number for the party so on Tuesday night (during Mutual) we came up with a cute little routine and they talked me into joining them. I was the only leader and at first I hesitated but after a little pressure the girls got me to do it with them. I though what the heck, since I am going to get released the next day (see next post), I might as well have one last night of fun with them! I had so much fun and really embarrassed, I don't think I'll forget it for a long time!

It's Begining to Look a lot Like Christmas....

The tree is up and the house is all decked out. I just love Christmastime! My xm radio in the car is stuck on the Holly station that plays all Christmas music, all day long!