Second Annual Wii Tournament

Last Thanksgiving my Mom started a new wii tournament tradition for when we are all together. There are always tasty and fun prizes for the adult and kid competitions.

Most serious: Dad

Most talented: Jake (playing a game on his ipad and holding it while bowling)

Most distracted: Abe (he had to help feed the kids lunch halfway through our game)

Winner: Molly

Close contender: Anne

I really wanted the best bites cook book but knew I couldn't and wouldn't win. So I asked Abe if he beat me to get the book when it was his turn to choose. He graciously did so! Abe then told me that Crew really wanted the yogurt covered raisins and to get those; I complied. Too bad Abe didn't get the soda he wanted . . . and what a great guy I have! I am excitedly drooling over what recipes to make first!

First up were the kids. They each bowled twice and then got a prize.

 Later the kids were exhausted. This is how I found them while watching one of the lamest kid movies ever made!
I love that Dallin and Crew picked up where they left off last time. They get along well, communicate, and consider each other buddies.  Too bad we don't live closer to play together more often!

Christmas Morning

Crew and Sawyer missed the memo to wake up early. I got up, changed, went and chatted with everyone as their kids ate, and texted Abe (who was still in bed) that we should wake the kids up. Crew gave a small fight when Abe woke him up, but then was soon ready to eat some breakfast. Sawyer quickly jumped into the mix.
Since we were sleeping downstairs we whisked the kids upstairs for a few bites of oatmeal. The kids then assembled at the top of the stairs to prepare for the moment they were told,  "GO!"

 

"dum!"

a watch

motor grader

Crew made me a gift in ABC school. He was so excited for me to open it!

I love this gift! It is a thumb print reindeer with his name on the opposite side. Sadly the snowman ball he made was broken. 

Abe snapped this picture of Sawyer opening trains. I love how you can just see how excited he is!

Abe got me exactly what I asked for: heavy metal measuring spoons and cups with the measurement stamped in.

We had a fabulous Christmas! Abe got new church attire (minus the tactical vest), the boys got everything they asked for, I got a new phone, pearl bracelets, and some beauty products, and we have a morning full of excitement of fun!

Christmas Eve: Santa Clause Is Coming To Town

I seriously can't believe we finally made it to Christmas Eve! I've had issues sleeping through the night due to my excitement for Christmas to come! I even asked if we could celebrate Christmas the morning after we got to Idaho. The day was very relaxed and full of games, lounging, and thinking of Christ. There was also a continuous countdown going on, in my mind, to 7 pm.

 We ate dinner on time so we could clean up and read about the birth of Christ. April prepared for the kids and brought nativity stickers to follow along.

Alaura (9 months)

Molly and Liam (or Lee-lam)

After the nativity we met in the smallest room to let loose with a major amount of noise and energy!

Then Anne came home!!

And Santa came!! "I know him!" This is actually the Santa that I grew up with. 

Look in the mirror! Jake knows him too!

 Crew and Dallin got the bells while we sang!

 Santa brought Christmas gifts for everyone. (Pajamas)

Sawyer hid far, far away from Santa. 

I think Santa stopped at a few houses tonight, but Dallin kept on saying, "I have to ask you something. . . " Followed by some random comment. He didn't want Santa to go!

Christmas pajamas!