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.