Merry Christmas 2007

We sure have been enjoying the Christmas Holiday. The boys finished up with school on Tuesday the 18th. On Wednesday, (after sleeping in) we decided to go do a secret Santa good deed. We have a neighbor who had tons of leaves and sticks in their front yard so we thought we would clean them up. The boys worked very hard and after two hours or more the yard looked great. After totally filling the truck with bags of leaves and sticks, the thought came to me of now what were we going to do with this stuff??

Thursday, Dustin played basketball at the ASU Convocation Center in the NEA Tournament. His team didn't win but it was fun seeing him play in the big arena. On Friday, we went to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The boys thought it was hilarious - I wouldn't say hilarious but it was cute. I think they liked the "Refillable" popcorn tub and giant soda that we got the best.

After the movie, Dustin met us (he had had basketball practice) at Colton's Steak House for a fun dinner. On Sunday after church, we went and delivered goodies to our neighbors. I told the boys they could sing a Christmas Carol too but they decided to hand out the goodies and run. Monday morning, Christmas Eve, we went out to eat breakfast at Cracker Barrel. This is a new tradition that we started with our friends, the Calvins and Hatfields, two years ago. Last year, Christmas Eve was on Sunday so we didn't get to do it. I think the boys were more excited to play checkers then they were to eat.


The rest of Christmas Eve day we spent getting ready for Nana, Papa and Uncle Bill to arrive. That evening we went to Barry's family's house for dinner and presents. Barry's brother was in charge of the grilling - lots of steaks!




After dinner, before we tore into our presents I helped the little kids put on the Christmas story. Barry read from the Bible while the kids acted out the parts. It was very cute and a good reminder of what Christmas is all about.

Then it was PRESENT time!

A guest appearance by Hannah Montana (aka Shay)


Christmas morning finally arrived. The boys waited patiently on the steps for Dustin to wake up. Sixteen year olds are not quite as excited about Santa coming as the younger ones were.

We had a good breakfast and then finally everyone was awake and we went into the living room to open presents. We were happy to have Nana, Papa and Uncle Bill visiting us for Christmas.

After all of the presents were opened, everyone scattered to different areas of the house to play, play, play.

Tanner got a "Forest Retreat" Set.

Corey got a new PlayStation II basketball game and also Guitar Hero which everyone has been trying out.

Kannon and Papa played several games of Super Hero Yahtzee.

Tanner and Kannon each got Valley View Blazer jerseys so they went outside for a basketball game to try them out.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We loved spending time with many friends and family. We missed those family and friends that live off but we enjoyed presents, cards, and phone cards from them. We are grateful for all of the blessings we have and especially grateful for our knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. We hope to keep the Spirit of Christmas with us throughout the year.

Christmas Parties

With the holiday season, comes parties! Our Ward Party was last Friday. We had a pot-luck dinner with a visit from Santa. Then the Primary put on the Christmas Story. Corey was a King, Tanner a Shepherd and Kannon an Angel. They all did a nice job.

Tanner had his school party on Friday morning. They made reindeer food,

ate lots of goodies, sang songs and

played musical chairs.(I hate that game - half of the kids cried when they got out)

Tanner is enjoying 1st grade this year. His teacher is very nice and thinks that Tanner is such a sweet boy.

Kannon had his Preschool Party today. We played "Pin the Star on the Tree", Hot-Jingle Bell, made a painted ornament, and of course ate goodies.

Corey got to go to the movie for his party. They also got to get popcorn and soda which is his favorite thing. He said he had a great time. We are definitely enjoying the holiday time!

Buttons

We got to have a visitor in our home over the last week. Some friends from church went to Utah for a visit and needed someone to "kitten-sit" their cat. Tanner was more then happy to volunteer. Tanner was very good about cleaning out the litter box and feeding Buttons each day. I had forgotten how frisky kittens are. The kids had a ball chasing and running around the house with the kitten on their heels. She loved to hide under the couch and jump out onto whoever walked by. We enjoyed our little visitor.

Getting Ready for Christmas

We are excited for the Holiday Season to be here. We have been busy around our house getting things ready for Christmas. Kannon was in charge of helping Barry with the outside lights. He was very proud of how nice it turned out.

We finally found a day that we could all make the trip to the Christmas Tree Farm in Goobertown to get our tree. This has turned out to be one of our favorite Christmas Traditions. We rushed up on a Wednesday after Dustin finished with ball practice. It was raining and cold but we all just put on our boots and headed off. Kannon found his tree right away. We decided we wanted something a little bigger though.

I think this was the one we chose.

Then it was time for "Hot Cocoa" while we waited for them to get the tree cut down and ready to go.

Once we got the tree home, Barry, Kannon and Tanner put it up and got the lights on while the rest of us were at Young Women and Young Men. Then I was in charge of the decorating. We sure love having a real tree even though it can be a little trouble.

Another tradition we have is watching "Mr. Kruger's Christmas" each year in December for family home evening. We usually then make Christmas cookies but this year we made a Gingerbread House. It was fun but very hard for the boys to not eat all of the candy. I told them on Christmas Day we would eat whatever was still edible. :)



I sure love the Christmas Season because of all of the fun family time that we have.