December 20, 2013

Mismatched Socks

The white elephant gift:
Our Mismatched Socks that we passed on



Mismatched Socks
A Heartwarming Christmas Story Waiting to be Written
Ideas to get you started:
Sock Monkeys
Ear Muffs
Quilt
Puppets
A New Santa Suit
A Nativity
Stockings for Starving Students

December 19, 2013

Temple Square Lights and Other Holiday Fun

On Sunday night we didn't have any family obligations.  One of my visiting teachers dropped off a meal, which was prefect since I hadn't planned anything.  We enjoyed the meal and headed out the door to see the lights downtown.  As we got there we started to realize what a crazy idea that was.  We drove around for a long time to try and find some parking.  After parking far, far away (on Judea's plain ...just kidding, it wasn't THAT far).  We unpacked the children and headed in for some Christmas lights. 
#6 Boy loved finding ice to stomp on.

The kids were just as excited about the huge water fountain on the Conference Center as they were about the lights

Yes, we made a bathroom stop and the kids wanted photos...and #2 Boy had to photo boom.  Love his stance!

The true reason for the season!

We love to see the temple and feel so blessed to be sealed together forever!

Mom and kids in front of one of our favorite trees

See it doesn't look crowded ;-)

Jesus' birth

Yes, back to the waterfall, and instead of photo bombing, #3 Girl photo ditches...or tries to!

#6 Boy

The kids also enjoyed the steps... not sure we needed to do it in the cold winter!
Reviewing my post, I really didn't take many pictures of lights.  Anyway, on Monday night we also headed north, for the extended Christmas Dinner.  They changed it up this year and had it at the Pizza Pie Cafe.  I always think of it as the great Christmas Card Exchange.  Since everyone hands out their cards during this time.  We do love getting together with everyone.
On Tuesday, we went to a Christmas party that was put on by where #6 Boy does his speech.  We weren't there very long but the kids had fun making snowflakes, decorating cookies, and seeing Santa.
#6 Boy decorating his cookie

So, MOST of the kids enjoyed meeting Santa.
We have also been busy with other Christmas fun...
#2 Boy's Christmas tree from school


We have also been doing some Christmas wrapping and using excel to make sure we get it all straight

I have also been peeping out the peep hole looking for Christmas packages.  The kids love when the arrive but want to open and see what they are (except #4 Boy who insists that we wait until Christmas!)

December 12, 2013

Christmas Cheer

This past week has been filled with Christmas cheer.  I realize how draining growing a baby is, and how much more energy I have this Christmas season then last.  It has been nice to do a little 'extra' this year.  Though I realize for many my 'extra' is your normal.  Here is some of the Christmas fun we have enjoyed already...and next week, is full of more!  How exciting!
New Decorations

Our lights

I also added Candy Cane Ribbon to the posts.  Love it!
Our first traditional Christmas Puzzle (we bought two this year)

Some are most interested in doing it.  The others have fun playing.

One down, now to start the next!
Baking Cookies with the boys

I just can't help but love the back of their heads!

#6 Boy decorating a cookie

Sister invited the kids over to decorate sugar cookies.  They loved it!

#7 Boy and cousin hung out together.  They are going to be good buddies.

#2 Boy decorating cookies

#1 Girl decorating a cookie

I have also made some fudge (more to come!) with the boys.  They loved helping.

Our neighbors brought this over to share with the kids.  They are dying to start nibbling.

I went to shovel the walks and #4 Boy wanted to help.  What a great helper!

Boys playing in the snow

#6 Boy

#5 Boy told me "I want to wear the girl hat!"
#6 Boy wanted to show me the snow on his gloves

I love this photo of #5 Boy tromping through the snow.

#6 Boy doing a face plant into the snow

#5 Boy doing a snow angel

#5 Boy's snow angel

I love #4 Boy's laughter in this photo

#7 Boy slept the whole time we romped around in the snow.
For our FHE activity we went to see the lights

This home had a fun light show with music
It was pretty large and also focused on Christ as bit

The kids were fascinated!

#4 Boy likes to show people that his Snowmen are hugging

and that he is next to baby Jesus

I also love the added figure admiring the baby Jesus here.
#4 Boy doing origami

Together we made a Christmas tree
#4 Boy making a ribbon for the tree

and then we decorated it!