Nonstop Christmas Fun

Morgan's preschool had a Christmas Program the last morning of school before vacation. Morgan was the only 4yr student who was given a line and then he decided to share with a girl in class that he REALLY likes named, Sarah. They opened the show and I was so excited to see him do his line. We had been practicing every night before bed and he was super excited. They said, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." Sound familiar?!

My mom sent these crazy "ear muffins," as Morgan calls them. They were a big hit.

Our tiny tree on Christmas Eve before Santa arrived. I think we will need a bigger tree next year!

On Christmas Eve, Becky and the kids came over to help us celebrate. Cody and I got ambitious and planned a not so kid friendly dinner of cheese fondue and crepes. The adults enjoyed the food but not all the craziness of preparing such a meal with multiple little peolple that you have to keep busy while it cooks and away from the hot cheese pot. Ugh, one day these meals will be fun. After dinner, we read the Christmas story while the kids placed the corresponding characters in our Little People Nativity. Once I get all my videos on Youtube I'll share them.

The last thing we did was take the kids outside to throw some food out for the reindeer. Can you tell how cold it is by my family's dress? Yep, we're good parents.

Morgan's new photo face. He's so helpful trying to get Pepper to look at the camera.

Christmas pajamas.

Christmas morning we all got up early thanks to Morgan. We kept the kids upstairs while Cody went down to get the camera ready. Luckily, Hazel slept through the whole thing so we were able to concentrate on the other two. We had planned to just open a few presents before 9 am sacrament meeting but ended up finishing the whole tree and making it to church on time. Yep, we're that good! Once again videos will be forthcoming.

Morgan showing off his new lightsaber that lights up and makes noises and his Star Wars robe/blanket.

Pepper was very glad Santa brought her a doll house and Gramma Goodier gave her this awesome Rapunzel doll.

Our Christmas church clothes.

Hazel was very cute as well but snuggled so well that we just left her there.

Hazel in her adorable Christmas outfit. I guess we can't be happy all the time:)

After we got home from church, we hurried up and finished packing while the kids played with their new toys. Then we got in the car and headed over to Cody's cousin, Robin's home for Christmas dinner. Khan and his family was there as well. Khan got all the cousins new nerf guns and tons of extra bullets. While the rest of us got ready for dinner the kids had a massive gun battle in the basement. They had a blast. I am so grateful that we have family close that we can enjoy these moments together. We spent the night there and then got up and drove to my sister, Kim's house in Huntsvilled, Alabama for a few days.

I was not so good about taking pictures. Hopefully, my sister's will send me some more soon. But here is Jill snuggling Kate on the couch.

My mom doing her favorite activity no matter whether she's on vacation or not. Seriously, my mom LOVES doing laundry. I do to so I can't mock too much.

Cody and Mike helped the kids put together some gingerbread trains. All eleven of my parents' grandkids were together and boy o boy did they have a good time. It is so fun being able to get together with our families. I'm glad we're all within driving distance of each other.

Jacob and Joshua working on their trains.

Pepper playing with my new ipad. I had no idea Cody was going to get me one and was quite shocked to open it. I have a video of it that I will share because it is pretty funny. The kids are really loving my new toy. So am I! Thank you, Cody!

On Wednesday night, Mike got us all tickets to go to a minor league hockey game, the Huntsville Havoc. All of us went, except Pepper whom we left home with a babysitter. I love that Pepper could have cared less that all of her cousins were leaving her to go somewhere. She was so excited to play with the babysitter and go to bed. Such a cutie!

The boys hanging out at the game. All the girls were in the row behind us. Nathan works for the team doing all the stuff between periods or during time outs. He throws t-shirts and other fun stuff like human bowling. He kept trying to throw shirts to us and finally my mom caught one. It was lots of fun.

Hazel enjoyed her first game and hanging out with Auntie Kim.

I also did a last minute decision to cut my hair. This is not the best picture, I swear it looks better than this. I'm going to donate the hair again. It was time for a change. We headed back to Robin's house on Thursday morning. We were a little worried how Hazel would do on her first big trip but she was her usual awesome self. She slept most of the time, would wake up to eat when we stopped for lunch or gas and then go back to sleep. She rocks!

Shortly after we got to Robin's house, we left the kids with her kids and some friends and headed to a local bar for 25 cent wing night. We had to laugh at ourselves that we had, "a baby...in a bar." She luckily slept through most of it and then was happy to hang out with this nice lady who wasn't eating and wanted to hold her. We had a blast hanging out with the adults and man o man those wings were GOOD!!!

Another shot of one of my kids enjoying my Christmast present. Pepper is also having a blast with Aaron.

Andie's big grin.

Ali taking it easy.

This picture made me laugh. Morgan and Aaron both playing games on their different devices while sitting next to each other. Boys and their toys!

Thanks to everyone who spent the holidays with us and shared their homes. We had such a fantasic week, even with Cody and I getting a nasty cold. Happy Holidays to all!