Christmas Day

We thought we'd share some of our photo highlights from Christmas this year. We had a great time and were so happy to share it with family . We spent Christmas Eve at my parents house, eating, doing a gift exchange, a little program and singing the 12 pains of Christmas. Here are the kids all ready to start the party! It was a bit of a treacherous drive there...snow everywhere! But, it made for a beautiful white Christmas. Whenever we asked Grant what he wanted Santa to bring him, he always said "a fire truck." He was so happy to find that grandma and grandpa had one for him! It was really cute...but it was difficult the next morning because he wouldn't open any of his presents, he only wanted his fire truck. We had to hide it for a little bit to get his attention averted to the other gifts.
After our Christmas party, we came home and put a plate of cookies out for Santa. I thought this would be an appropriate tradition to start with Grant...he would be a good age to show his appreciation to Mr Claus for all of his effort. Well, maybe Grant was not ready because in the morning, he was very, very upset that the cookies were gone. Grant said, "HE ATE ALL MY COOKIES!" We tried to explain that he laid them there to share and say thank you, but that didn't fly. Hopefully next year, he will not be so upset!

The highlight for Grant was his official waste management garbage truck...yes, his occupational aspirations consist of trash disposal. This truck lifts up the dumpster, and even comes with a ball of garbage...the sound is strikingly similar to a life size garbage truck. All day Grant said he was a garbage man and he drove his little fire engine and garbage truck all over. Good job Santa!

Dave's brother Brian came over for our quiche and orange roll coffee cake. We were so happy to spend Christmas morning with him. We lounged around all day and then went to play games with my brother and sisters.

Katelee was just thrilled to get new binkies....and climb through the table chairs while we opened our stuff. She received some adorable clothes. Here she is sporting the hat that goes to her new coat from her Aunt Anna.


We had a great time and are so grateful for the gifts we receive everyday...like love and support from our friends and family! Hope you have all enjoyed your festivities as well!

Happy Holidays

It's that holiday feeling floating around and we are high on Christmas spirit at our house. Everyday Grant wants to whisper in my ear, "Santa Claus comes tonight." I am pretty sure he got that from the song, but he still is anxiously awaiting the big man's arrival. We are enjoying the spirit of love and giving and extra sense of friendliness amidst strangers. We hope you are all savoring the feelings and events and thought we would share a few of our pictures from our freezing venture to see the lights at Temple Square. Dave's dad was in town so we froze his Florida blood and made him walk around with us. With the thought of hot chocolate motivating his stroll, he endured it...and loved it!
Our mismatched glove bandit and mini-eskimo:

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas tree battle...

This has not been our best week. We have been battling a stomach bug for the past few days, but I am happy to report that while the sickness left some battle wounds, we have (almost) overcome it! So now, I can share the fun pictures that we took on Saturday.


We started our weekend festivities with a breakfast with Santa (notice that Grant is in his pajamas.) Grant told Santa that he wanted a fire truck, so we will see if he remembers to bring him that! Katelee was not too fond of Santa, can you blame her?!

After breakfast, I had a baptism to attend and it was agreed that we would decorate our Christmas tree after. Now, Dave and I have had live trees the past Christmases, and while I may be called a Scrooge, or even dare I say, the Grinch...I have been begging for an artificial tree, but to no avail! This year I actually convinced Dave that an artificial tree is a necessity for our family. Some of you may remember the Charlie Brown Christmas tree incident a few years ago, or the lack of a saw that we have, or the near nervous breakdown I have every year stringing up the lights...it has never been a jolly time for our family. I talked to a lady at the baptism who picked up her live tree to have wasps fly out at her and spiders everywhere. I could only picture a flying squirrel next. Needless to say, a serious deliberation took place at our house...and we have an artificial tree!!! Dave said not to plan on it every year, but lets see what happens 2008! While he had a difficult time realizing his days of live Christmas trees may have passed, he has admitted our tree is really pretty! It was pre-lit, so we had a great time decorating!
The kids loved it too as you can tell!

Katelee was doing a jedi impression when we got her up from her nap!

Do you get a box to play in with a live tree?!!! I think not! So, if any of you wish to comment on the artificial vs. live tree dilemma at your house, I am very interested to know what you think!