Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. 

Sadly, the holiday went by so quickly, but we still loved and savored the time together.

On Christmas Eve, we delivered treats and caroled to our neighbors.

Michael's parents came over for the evening to celebrate with us. 

They kindly drove around with our treats, Sam and Max, while Michael, Kathryn and I walked.

It was too cold for Sam, and Max had thrown up twice that morning.

After we delivered treats, we came back to our house for dinner and dessert.

We attempted to read/act out the nativity, which didn't go so well.

 The kids opened new pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa.

Then they set out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer before being tucked into bed.

They were very excited for the next morning. 

 We had a very nice Christmas morning. 

We took our time opening presents and gave hugs and thank yous with each gift.

Being grateful is something we are really working on with our children.

  Sam's new bibs from Santa Clause.

 Kathryn's new barbie from Santa; Tee-pee for all the children from Santa.

  Maxwell's presents from Santa, and the favorite gift was his head light.

 

After all the presents were opened, we ate puff pancakes and watched Cinderella together.

Then we got ready and went to Michael's parents for Christmas dinner.

We enjoyed to rest of the day eating and playing games. It was a wonderful day.

Preparing for Christmas

Decorating for Christmas.

Kathryn and Maxwell really loved helping this year.

And surprisingly, all the decorations stayed in place. They were very good about it.

One morning, I found Maxwell studying the nativity.

 Kathryn made these ornaments for the little tree.

 Sitting on Santa's lap at our ward Christmas party.

 We go to this neighborhood every year to look at the Christmas lights.

The traditional Christmas carousel at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We are alive

Just wanted to pop in and say that we are still alive over here.

And like every January, I am feeling the pressure to finish up our blog from the previous year.

We print off our blog into a book every year, so the game is on for me!

In other news, Samuel had an appointment with the pediatric pulmonologist today.

His lungs are awesome!  And he weighs 15 pounds.

Let me put that in perspective...Sam is 5 1/2 months old and he weighs 15 pounds.

Max weighed 18 pounds at ONE year old.

Samuel is a chunky, happy little baby that you would never guess had problems at the start.

I love these three little monkeys.

Thanksgiving: Part 2

As I said in Thanksgiving: Part 1, we ended up hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our house.

It was kind of a last minute thing, but it just made more sense to do it at our place.

We enjoyed having everyone over and dinner was wonderful, as always. I think all the kids had fun too!

All the cousins together. Some were more cooperative than others. 

This is one of about fifty where Max is actually looking at the camera. The little ones had a hard time.

Actually, that's not true. Sam was awesome! He didn't fight the pictures at all.
We love our family! Thanks for the fun Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

 

(Picture borrowed from Shel. Thanks!!!)

Thanksgiving: Part 1

We are lucky enough to live within a half hour of Michael's parents.

With that said, we are also lucky enough to party when siblings stop by for a weekend visit.

And play when they come for the holidays. We love being close to the action:)

Michael's entire family was together for Thanksgiving this year.

That is two parents, six siblings and six spouses and twenty-one grandchildren.

Two families stayed with us, and we ended up hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our home.

The week flew by and we had a blast with everyone.

One of Michael's brother and his family came the weekend before. 

We stole a couple of the kids to come spend the night. It was Annie's birthday, so we made waffles.

It's becoming a birthday tradition at our house. 

 Cousins watching a movie together.  They could never get quite comfortable enough. 

Sam with his pants on his head. And his own personal rainbow loom bracelet courtesy of Ben.  

An all adult dinner (missing one couple) at Johnny Carino's, followed by a date to The Hunger Games. 

Such a fun night! Thanks CJ, Carson and Mom and Dad for making it possible.

Cousin sleepover. We only had to go in and warn the two little girls a few times.

 

 

 Annual Christmas in the Night Sky the day after Thanksgiving. 

Max and Sam were both asleep, so Michael and Kat were the only ones who braved the cold.

The fireworks were beautiful and we had a perfect view.

Being Thankful

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is almost here.

The days, weeks and months all seem to pass quicker and quicker with each new year.

Slow down time! You are going way too fast for my comfort. 

Here are a few moments from our Thanksgiving holiday before we jump into Christmas.

1. Give Thanks banner I made a few years ago.

2.Maxwell brought this darling thankful turkey home from nursery one Sunday.  His nursery leaders are awesome. They go above and beyond every week.

3. Our thankful tree. We've made one the last few years. It is a fun little tradition. Max was thankful for juice and Kathryn wrote a few things down including mummy dogs, school, family, dad, Max, mom and Sam.

4. Kathryn made these hats at preschool one day. Love them!