Christmas Eve 2013

Starting on Monday, December 23rd, both Cody and the kids were home from work and school. We all had a full two weeks together and we were over the moon! We spent Monday running errands and doing last minute sort of things so that on Christmas Eve we had the whole day to relax and enjoy ourselves. 

Just hanging out with our thawing Christmas ham and playing Legos.

Like last year, we got together on Christmas Eve to go with Adam, Lesli Smith and kids to a local church children's nativity service. We went to a different church this time that was much smaller and closer to home. The kids enjoyed watching the kids put the nativity scene together and we all enjoyed singing the hymns. I really like going to a church service and celebrating the birth of Christ the night before the morning we celebrate by exchanging gifts. And I think it's great for the kids to experience different church services. Afterwards, we went back to the Smith home and had dinner. Of course, I somehow managed to once again not get a single picture of any of these new traditions. Ugh, oh well, I can always try again next year!

After dinner, we hurried home to spread out food for the reindeer, open the kids Christmas pajamas and new books, have a quick bath and get into bed. 

Making sure the reindeer have something to eat during their stop.

Enjoying their final advent chocolate.

Finally get to open another present!

'Kind of' listening to the nativity story from the Book of Luke.

Making sure Santa had a snack as well.

Pepper insisted that the new baby have a stocking as well. I thought that was the cutest thing. I'm so glad the kids are excited for this new baby. Pepper kisses my stomach all the time and likes to talk to the baby.

The head elf hard at work.

Stuffed stockings.

Setting the stage.

I love seeing the living room all set for the next morning. Cody and I like to sit on the couch and just enjoy the peace and quiet and talk about how excited the kids are going to be. Happy, happy moments!

Annual Medina Fairgrounds Christmas Lights with Lloyds

The only night that worked to go see the Christmas lights with the Lloyds was Sunday the 21st. So, after an early dinner, we headed to Medina to meet the Lloyds outside the fairgrounds and all pile into our van. We had seats for everyone but no one wanted to sit in them because they were too excited to look out the windows. As usual, we had a great time and look forward to keeping this tradition alive for many years, and children, to come.

Ava, Morgan and Pepper hanging out the window and oohing and aahing over the lights.
Jen and I had Hazel and baby Grant on our laps jumping up and down the whole time.

The Peter Pan display is always a favorite.

Monsters, Inc.

Nightmare Before Christmas

We love the holidays!

17 Weeks

Since I was all decked out in my fancy Christmas dress to sing in the choir for the special Christmas program, I decided that would be a good time to take a baby bump shot. I was also anxious to get out of said outfit and heels so I had Cody take it right after church; he is not the most willing photographer.

No matter how many times I try to tell Cody not to take a shot from below me he still tries. Ugh!

I made him hold the camera up high...much better!

So, there I am looking pretty pregnant at 17 weeks. At least the dress still worked!

Christmas Sunday Clothes

Saturday evening, December 21st the kids were finally allowed to open one present. Their new Christmas Sunday clothes. Not the most exciting present, for Morgan at least, but they were just happy to open ANY present!

Still trying to figure out our new camera that Hazel forced us to buy by losing the old one.
These kids never stand still!

I love our new(ish) tree!

Cody getting artistic.

The girls dresses came with matching baby doll dresses. An added bonus that they were pretty happy about.

All I wanted was a nice picture of the kids in their new outfits. Obviously too much to ask...from Hazel at least!

So many great things about this picture. Pepper looks beautiful and SO old and her tall! Morgan is a stud! And Hazel's face is my absolute favorite!!! It kills me every time I see it and I have to chuckle to myself.

The only place Hazel is allowed her ''kinky" outside of bed is during sacrament meeting. Since I usually have to do Sundays alone because Cody is off doing high council whatnot, I have not found the energy to crack down on this. Soon, very soon!

So close.

Fine, Hazel, you win!

Thanks, Gramma Goodier for the beautiful outfits. The girls loved their dresses and Morgan even said his was comfortable and left his vest and tie alone. High praise!