Holiday memories

A sure way to keep four boys occupied for at least thirty minutes: a gingerbread house given to us by the Perrys-THANK YOU!!!!!!!

I have been trying to avoid doing a Christmas post, because it's just so cliche', but hey! It only comes once a year, so stick with me and I will just highlight the favorites of each child (this is mainly for the family who could not join us this year, we missed you!!!) Dinner turned out great on Christmas Eve! Here is our "feast" I had a lot of food! You can also see the cute snowflake plates I picked up at the dollar store earlier this month, we've been using them every day!

After dinner Logan was sure to set out the cookies he made and a glass of milk for Santa. The rest of the night was spent wrapping and sorting after the boys headed off to bed. Every year we try to avoid this, but as traditions go, we did it again. I think we got to bed by 1:30.....anyway, Christmas morning is my FAVORITE because of the excitement in the air. My rule is no kids upstairs until 8:00, so we listened to the boys talking and playing downstairs right up to eight. Stockings are first, and then wrapped gifts. We had so many gifts and feel so blessed, here are each of the kids:

Logan was so excited to get a camera!




Here's Kolby with his remote control tarantula.

Preston really wanted gumballs to fill the gum machine we got last year-he was so happy!


Dallin got this cute tool box/step stool.


The first thing Tayla went for was an orange!!! She didn't care about any of the presents, just oranges! Notice her very cute new pants and sweater I found at Target! She is so fun to shop for!!!!!!!!

After gifts we had a very relaxed day with games and movies and a ham dinner. We also called far away family. I was not expecting gifts this year because I told Kirk the ring was my present, but Kirk spoiled me rotten! I got a KrumKake baker (the little cone cookies) and can't wait to make them for New Years, a nice big skillet to make pancakes and fried chicken in (my old one my Mom gave me is really worn out, and it cooks unevenly), a family Hymnbook-this gift made me cry because I really wanted it, but it didn't seem practical, so when I opened it I was touched that Kirk knew how much having this book would mean to me! He also gave me some kitchen gadgets and really cozy warm jammies.

It was odd not having any family to visit this year, but we have fun just the seven of us! We put together this puzzle (750 pieces!) Even Dallin helped.

And Tayla got this adorable dress from Santa, and one for her doll to wear too! She is such a princess! (and she screamed when I tried to take her orange away, so it is in the picture too!)

Tonight for New Year's Eve we are just chillin' with movies, snacks (I am making krumkake with my new baker!!!) and a yummy fried chicken dinner (I have to try out my new skillet too!!) Bedtime might be moved to 9:00, but we'll see. I am an official grown up now because I really like going to bed and not staying up until midnight (except on Christmas Eve!) It used to be so fun to bring in the New Year and have friends over and celebrate together, but now I just like going to bed! Happy New Year everyone!!!! Beth

PS A very huge thank you to my friend Piper who GAVE me a camera to hold me over until I get a new one. Without her this post would have been impossible....or at least very boring!