Christmas 2010

We had a fabulous Christmas again this year. Christmas Eve was spent at Kirk's brothers house. We ate like royalty and the kids had a great time playing and got just what they wanted. We had lunch there instead of dinner in hopes that we would miss most of the traffic. It worked on the way there, but the way home was a bear. Worth it, though. Always nice to be with family.











Christmas morning was a lot of fun. Santa was generous and the kids were really happy with what they got. It's kind of nice because the older they get the less boxes and things there are to toss because either stuff is more expensive, so they get less, or because they want smaller things like electronic games.







We hosted Christmas Day with my family. This would be the last day my sister would be here with us. So sad. But it was a great day and the food was very good! I can say that because I only made a couple of side dishes. I ordered the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes from Albertsons. So much easier! The kids were excited with what they got...and somewhat surprised. I have to say that Avery's Easy Bake Oven from her Aunt Sandi was probably the biggest hit. She's wanted one for ages and I've always told her no, so she didn't dream that she'd ever get one. What a fun surprise that was!






We love this time of year! We love to decorate our house inside and out. We love to just soak up all the cheer there is to be had at this time. It's so nice to be united with the rest of the world to celebrate our savior. It's so nice to listen to the radio and hear songs praising His birth. And although, it's over and I'm ready for my house to be back to normal and for the kids to go back to school (so ready for that! ha!), we made more memories and shared good times with loved ones and now we can prepare for next year!

Christmas at Disneyland

The day before Christmas Eve was the first break in the week long rain storm and we decided to venture out and go to Disneyland with Dave and Sandi. So did a LOT of other people, but with Devin's special pass we were able to hit all the rides we wanted to. It was a very fun day together enjoying the magic that only Disneyland can provide. This was a fun day back after having a break for 9 months. Devin was able to enjoy rides he didn't last year. Rides like Autopia, Toy Story Mania and Soaring Over California. It made it so much more enjoyable. Way to go, Devin!

Devin discovering he now likes Autopia

Main Street magical snowfall

Right before this picture was taken Avery had been tearing up because she wasn't ready to leave. I looked over and Justin had his arm around her comforting her. Then she saw the camera and smiled. Such a sweet brother!

It's always fun when Aunt Sandi comes!

Sandi and Dave came for a visit this year and they stayed with us for a few of the days they were here. It's always so much fun when they come! Our kids absolutely love it and count the days until they get here. It's almost like Santa is coming for a visit. Can't say as I blame them. They always play with them and entertain them while they are here. This year Aunt Sandi brought a gingerbread house to decorate with them. It didn't go as planned and eventually they just decorated and ate some of the pieces, but it was still a lot of fun.

Then there was all the playing of Wii games and tournaments going on in there. What a couple of great uncle and aunts they are! Our kids are very lucky! There would have been walks and other things going on, but this year we had rain upon rain upon rain that didn't let up for an entire week, so we were stuck inside the whole time. It didn't matter though. They were just happy to have their fun aunt and uncle here. Me too!

Christmas Get-together 2010

The weekend before Christmas was our annual family get-together and this year 2 of Sandi's kids were able to make it! It was so nice to have them there! Steven brought his girlfriend, Tahnee, with him and Devin took an instant liking to her. He wouldn't leave the poor girl alone. We all had fun playing cards and visiting. It's always a highlight of the Christmas season!

Uncle Dave, Devin, Avery, Aunt Sandi and Justin

Tahnee, Steven and Devin

Steven, Sandi, Matt

Card game!

Jill and Devin

Avery and Lexi

Pre-Christmas break

The last day of school before Christmas break the kids had pajama day and each had some fun stuffed planned and I was able to go and participate in each of their classes. I love being a stay-at-home-mom!

For Devin's special day he participated in the kindergarten's annual Polar Express Parade. Kirk decorated his train to look like a Class A Motorhome, which the kids are all really into since we got our trailer earlier this year. It was a rainy day, so they paraded around the inside of the building for most of it. He later told me loved it and had a lot of fun. He also was able to enjoy hot chocolate and got to lay on the carpet and watch the movie, The Polar Express with his classmates.

Avery's class did many crafts. She made a picture frame for the picture her teacher took of her the day before wearing a santa hat, a paper wreath, an ornament and some other really cute things. They had pizza and drinks for their lunch and had a class gift exchange. The below picture is of her with the principle, Mrs. Maxwell. She has a daughter that is one of Avery's friends and so she was helping in the class that morning too just being a mom. They also watched Santa Paws.

Justin did a gift exchange with their secret santa's, made crafts and had a Christmas feast that included ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, veggies and rolls. Yum! They also watched Toy Story 3.

Prior to all this fun was holiday school spirit week. One of the days was crazy holiday hair, which Devin opted out of, but this is what Justin and Avery looked like. Crazy!

Beware! There may be a little bragging

So, soccer was over and I got a phone call claiming Avery had been chosen to be an All-Star. I was skeptical because in the rush of information I heard something about free clinic and then you can sign up to play club soccer. Club? That costs money. So, when I asked the coach about it she said it's legit and to go and just take advantage of the free clinics. Upon going to these clinics we were told that the club scouted the games and picked out the kids they felt had the most potential. Well, that sounds good, right? I know they still want our money and all, but it still makes you feel good that your daughter was chosen. So, for 4 weeks she gets the opportunity to go get some free lessons on how to play a better game. No club for us, but we'll take the free training! Go Avery!

Awards abound

Yesterday was the kids awards ceremony where the school recognizes the students in grades 1 - 5 for different achievements. This year Avery was recognized for her "Wonderful Work Habits" and Justin for being "Perfectly Punctual and Ever Present" and he also made honor roll again (which they only recognize in grades 3 - 5). Way to go, guys! Mom and Dad are super proud of you!

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving here at our house this year. My parents (and their dog, Teddy) and Kirk's mom came over and we had a nice day. Kirk's mom paid for the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy from Albertson's and we were all very happy with it! Thanks, Ann! I added to it with rolls, sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole and my mom and dad brought cole slaw and pies. Thank you for that! Ordering seemed to help with making it much more low key and I really liked that and just may do it again for Christmas dinner. We are very thankful for all that we have - for our wonderful country, our beautiful and loving family, our health, Kirk's work in this tough economy, our friends and all that we enjoy that make our every day lives that much more manageable and enjoyable. But most of all we are thankful for our savior and his example of the way we need to be living and his sacrifice for us. I hope that as we enter this Christmas season we will be sure to remember why we celebrate this time of year and can be thankful for even the smallest of our blessings.