Friday, December 24, 2010

Twas the night before the night before

When I was a kid, we had a tradition of sleeping under the Christmas tree the night before Christmas Eve.  And I was so excited to start this with my kids this year!  Last year Cody was still too young and Corbin didn't really want to do it by himself, but now it's begun!  We had a great night of cuddling and reading Christmas stories and eating Egg Nog ice cream sandwiches (that may be a new part of the tradition).  And I was quite surprised that once we settled down, the boys didn't really have any trouble going to sleep (or maybe that's because it was already an hour past bedtime).  I love these little angels!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

All I want for Christmas


I woke up one morning to find that quite a bit of wrapping paper had been unfurled . . . so before Daddy got home, we hurried and wrapped up a present for him.  He liked it.  :)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Bittersweet Snow Day

7am - Start shoveling massive amounts of snow because I am supposed to take five gallons of hot chocolate to Corbin's class for the Polar Express party (and I actually have to go to my in laws to get the jug first).

7:10 am - I realize there is no way I am going to make it to my in laws because they always have more snow than us and their road never gets plowed, and I don't even know if I can make it out of my street.

7:20 am - 2 cars have gotten stuck in my cul de sac so far.  No one is getting out.  School buses have been cancelled (for junior high).

7:40 am - Still shoveling.  Colton has joined me in his soggy diaper pajama pants, but at least he has boots and a coat.  Mom in law calls and says school is cancelled. Woohoo!  I don't have to try to get out!  Boohoo - Corbin's last day before break is cancelled - no party, no hot chocolate, no gift given to teacher...

7:45 am - 3/4 of the way done with the driveway and ready for a break.


8 am - Eat breakfast.  Get dressed for real.  Feed kids.  Get them dressed.

9 am - Bundle up and head out for ROUND 1 of fun building forts and having snowball fights!


10 am - Still snowing

12:30 pm - Venturing into the backyard for ROUND 2 of fun building a fort under the tramp.

1:45 pm - Ready to come inside!  Look at those red cheeks!


2:15 - Round 3... Cody doesn't mind playing outside all by himself.  He even found a little snack.



Despite missing the party, it turned out to be a fun day of snow and hot chocolate.  And luckily by by 5pm, the roads were drive-able and since cabin fever had set in, we braved the weather and went out for pizza and a movie.  What a fun day!  It was a great start to our Christmas break!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

"Gingerbread" houses

Graham crackers, leftover Halloween Candy (+ a little extra) and some creativity makes for a fun evening.

I think they turned out fantastic and three happy kids say they had a great time - and that's what counts!



Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Fire Station Christmas

The Murray City Fire Dept Christmas pajama party is an annual holiday tradition we have come to love! 
There's lots of food and friends and a visit from Santa with individual presents for each child!  This year they also had face painting and Christmas crafts to keep the kids occupied while waiting for the big man.  It was great!
Ready for Santa!



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Bringing in the Season with the Rockettes

Corbin and I had a great date night right after Thanksgiving weekend . . .
Radio City Christmas Spectacular right here in Salt Lake! It definitely got us in the Christmas spirit and we LOVED it! So many talented dancers and singers and it was very family friendly. We had a great time! Thanks Grandma Jill for the tickets!
(This was one of our favorite numbers with a real bus driving right on stage!)