Tis The Season: Gifts For Mom

Or rather gifts to make the family treats. I asked for a mini cupcake maker after watching a teacher at daycare make cupcakes for the class. I marveled how easy and good they were. Who knew by asking for one that would start a present trend for a Doughnut Maker, Cupcake Maker, Pie Maker, Mini Cupcake Maker, and a crockpot. Either they were hungry when they went shopping or thinking about yummy treats.

Doughnut Maker + Vanilla Doughnuts = Yummy

Except Reganne she said they tasted like mac & cheese.

Chocolate Doughnuts + Frosting = Really Yummy

Again Reganne swore they tasted like mac & cheese but with chocolate frosting.

Mini Cupcake Maker + Jiffy Chocolate Muffin Mix = Delicious & Quick Breakfast

These machines work great and even I couldn't mess them up. They are easy enough for breakfast with enough left over for a snack after school.

The pie & cupcake maker were returned to the store to much work and not enough space in the kitchen.

Tis The Season: Christmas Day

The big day finally arrived!!! After waiting patiently as possible we had to wake everyone up at 6:45 with just enough time to see what Santa brought and get ready for church. The kids all decided that they wanted to see & play with the stuff Santa brought and go to church. Afterwards open presents and eat breakfast.

Wow!!! He did visit us and no socks or underwear in sight.

Reganne and Barbie Puppy Waterpark

Rylee and Zhu Zhu Pet Tracks

Ryder with new popcorn bucket and Leapster.

Time for church in new outfits.

Time to open presents.

We got what we wanted so bad...iTouches.

Ryder's new Christmas Blanket and Criss Cross Crash Race Track

The fun really began getting everything setup and running. I am not sure the Technology Fairy should have visited us this well. 2 iTouches, 1 Kindle Fire, and 1 Leapster Explorer. I could have had this much fun setting these up if I stayed at work. Oh well!!! The next trick I need to learn is getting them away from them to go to sleep. I guess it is Christmas and let them enjoy.

Tis The Season: Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was finally here and full of activity. There was shopping to do for those presents we had forgotten in all the rush. Last minute or rather all the wrapping of presents for under the tree. Lunch out at Artic Circle with the promise of ice cream (Oops, Dad forgot that promise) Time to get ready for dinner with the Wheelers.

Is it time to eat yet?

What... I am mature enough to sit with the adults.

A yummy dinner of ham, twice baked potatoes, salad, rolls.

Dessert...Brownie Bits

Thanks Wheelers for the presents and it's not Christmas yet.

Wow what a race track. Check out the cars do loops. Ryder was in heaven with the race track. The girls got a Mario Wii Game.

Time to go home, shower, and go to bed so Santa can visit. Keep your fingers crossed that we don't receive socks and underwear.

Tis The Season: Christmas Eve Eve

Change of plans this year moved our visit to the St George Temple to Friday. Ryder was so excited to see baby Jesus. The temple grounds where humming with excitement with the visitors center packed with families. We looked around at the Nativity Sets from around the world. Watched a movie about the Salt Lake Temple. Ryder dragged us back outside to see the baby, the hay, and the shepherds. As the audio started he stood in one spot and looked neither right or left, but straight ahead.

Watching..

And watching...

We must climb the slippery granite steps to the temple doors.

It was cold time to go home.

Tis The Season: 2011 Cookie Party

Christmas vacation began and with it was our annual cookie party for all the friends at school, daycare, and church. This year Rylee wanted at least 30 invitations to hand out. Reganne not to be outdone requested the same amount. Ryder begged for a few. I wasn't ready for more than a couple of four year olds. I tried new things this year by letting the kids mix their own frosting into colors they wanted. Well it worked somewhat.

Yuck I have frosting on my hands what a mess.

Where can I hide my cookies so nobody steals them?

Reganne & Friends

The fuf chair to jump in.

The boys

Air hockey, basketball, pool...Which do we play first?

The girls

Operations, Candyland, and Shoots and Ladders.

Everyone was tired with smiles on their faces. The party was over for another year. My favorite part is watching the kids interact with each other and have fun.

100 cookies + 30 Kids = Priceless Memories!!

Tis The Season: Dickens Festival

The Dickens' Festival held every year the first week of December is a must for our family. It is a running tradition for 9 years. This is the only time you get to visit with the real Santa Claus / Father Christmas. He never ages and always remembers us from year to year. This year was not different however, the line was a little longer and money was burning a hole in the girls purses. I let the girls wander around while Ryder & I waited in line.

Reganne & her new flute

Reganne eagerly ran back to me with the flute clutched tightly in her hands asking if she could please buy it. First reaction was get that back to the booth so they don't think you stole it. Second reaction was if that is what you want to spend your money on go pay for it. A few minutes later she appear with the flute and a big smile. Did you pay for it? Of course, Mom!! I looked at Rylee and she confirmed it. The music began to flow and flow and flow.

Reganne, Father Christmas, Ryder, and Rylee

Our turn finally arrived and they eagerly ran up for their turn to visit and put their orders in. Reganne..Barbie Puppy Water Park, Ryder... Leapter Explorer (Lobster), Rylee..Zhu Zhu tracks.

Now the wait begins...

Tis The Season: New Christmas Memory

Meet our new addition to the Singing & Dancing Set... Santa's Harley Reindeer. He sings and dances to Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer. Maybe not dancing while driving but wiggling on the seat.

He took up residence between the Singing Tree and Dancing Santa. Any visitors that have stopped by the house are treated to a serenade by our trio.

Tis The Season: Christmas Memory

The Christmas Season starts with Dave bringing home new decorations. This year started with a Singing Christmas Tree. Dave's Mom or Grandma Waters loved all the silly decorations the sillier the better. We bought her this exact tree one of the first ones we celebrated together. She would always laugh and let them sing over and over again. The best part was watching her face light up like a childs and we all knew she loved them.

As Dave plugged it in and started the music for the kids. That joy & excitement appeared on three faces. Dave then told them about Grandma Waters loving this little tree. They were in love and gave it a special place along side Dancing Santa.

What's Wrong with Your Face?

During one of my many shopping trips this past couple weeks I came across Blue Popcorn. The girls love to make popcorn after school for their snack. After working with them and the microwave they have succeeding in making their own snack. I put the popcorn out for them to make and went back to work waiting for the phone call. They called me when they got home and they hung up. A couple of minutes passed and my phone rang again. Rylee was on the other end Mom, something's wrong with the popcorn. It must be bad. Why, I asked. It's blue, she replied. I started to laugh and quickly told her it was ok to eat.

What's wrong with your face?

Are you turning into a Smurf?

Who knew the blue butter would rub off when you ate it. Or rather licked the inside of the bag. It did come off in the shower. However, there is now evidence when she licks it clean.

Who's That?

It's Tow Mater!!! Did we miss a turn somewhere and found Radiator Springs instead of Orem. No we found Mater near a Christmas tree lot on Orem Center Street. We did a double take and flipped around to get a better look and of course a picture.


Or Two..

Or Three!!

Ryder was in Heaven being that close to Tow Mater. Time to get on the road again.

Tis The Season: Ward Christmas Breakfast

Saturday morning and time for our ward party. However, with a time change I wasn't too sure of wearing pajamas. We did anyways and had a fun time. I love this party since they make egg casseroles, fruit, and ham. For the kids doughnuts. All the chairs were full and bellies soon filled up and the running around began.

Kids with their doughnuts.

Hurry and smile...

Primary kids singing Picture a Christmas.

The kids waiting for Santa to appear and then the cultural hall went nuts. While the kids talked to Santa the Elders quickly cleaned up. The kids saved a doughnut for Dad since he was at work and missed the party.

Tis The Season: Jammin Pajama with Santa Party

The Washington Rec Center knows how to party. This years Christmas Party or rather Jammin Pajama with Santa Party was a success. There were movies, stories, and treats for everyone. A special visitor Mr Grinch or Grouch couldn't miss out on the fun. The kids asked wether Santa would wear his pajamas? Does he have pajamas?

Reganne and Mr Grinch

Are you real?

Waiting patiently for Santa. NOT!!!

Santa does wear pajamas.

Please bring us Christmas Surprises.

We ate our treat of muffins and hot chocolate it was time to go home and go to bed since everyone was dressed just right.

Tis The Season: One More Quick Trip

We had to make a quick trip to Salt Lake on December 10th to attend the temple with our nephew Nathan Waters. He is preparing for his mission to Mexico Leon Mission. He leaves in February. This meant an early morning departure from St George. Which of course meant breakfast on the road. We made a quick stop at IHOP in American Fork. If you want to try amazing pancakes try the holiday ones. Dave had White Chocolate Mint and I had Pumpkin Praline with Carmel drizzle. WOW!!! To entertain the kids they have a guy that makes balloon animals for tips.

Dolphin, Monkey in a tree, and a horse

Grandpa Waters' Christmas Tree

Reganne, Grandpa Waters, Dave, and Rylee

After the temple session, helping Grandpa Chris with his lights, a quick lunch, and a visit to Grandpa Waters' for Christmas. We caught him at dinner time. The kids were a little timid but warmed up and gave his kisses and hugs when we left.

Another weekend in the books and the flight home was uneventful.

Tis The Season: Biggs Family Christmas Party

December started off with a bang. Parties to attend, presents to buy, and activities to enjoy. The annual Biggs Family Christmas Party was on December 3rd with a lunch at Grandma JeanAnn & Grandpa Chris' house. Everyone brought delicious food to share and enjoy.

Bailey, Kris Ann, Kassidy, and Karsyn Biggs

Red Solo Cup... This is one of Ryder's favorite songs on the radio. What party would be complete without these cups

Randy & Owen Biggs

Why did Santa leave his garbage on the door step? Oh, it's presents for us.

Present for Holland Biggs

It's Mario, Oh it's really Uncle Darryl.

Everyone had a great time visiting with each other and the kids loved playing together. Grandma's basement is perfect for a game of hide n seek.

This was the perfect way to start the holiday season. We really missed those who were not able to make it Aunt Emily & Uncle Ryan and kids, Uncle Bryan & Aunt Becca and Quincy, Aunt Lisa and kids.

Thanksgiving 2011: Decorating

Friday was full of shopping, eating, and decorating. Dave braved the crowds and left at 6:00 am to do the shopping for the deals that were to good to miss. He scored and came home a few hours later with a smile and grin of success.

Then came the decorating...

Dave always does our main tree and this year was no different. The kids helped him with the setup and clean up. It looked wonderful.

Ryder had to wait until Saturday for me to start with the rest of the house. He wanted to get out the Baby Jesus.

Finally, Mom was ready to start. He found the nativity sets and eagerly brought each piece to me for display and commentary.

Mom, that is not right they need to talk to the Baby Jesus. Why are there two of them? They should be able to talk to each other. Mom, the sheeps need to up there. Why does he sleep in a scratchy bed? Why doesn't he have any pants? He was moving to fast that his pants kept falling down. Finally, they were setup to his satisfaction.

The Upside Down Tree.

Decorated by Rylee & Reganne. They did an awesome job all by themselves.

I quickly finished up the odds and ends, plus cleaned everything up and stored away the everyday decorations. Time for a rest.

One pooped little boy.

All the decorating really wore him out. I tried to wake him up for a shower, but no luck he slept straight through until 7:30 Sunday Morning. He promptly ran through the house checking all the decorations. Lucky for us they passed inspection.

This is only the start of the best time of year.