Christmas 2011

This year we did things a little different but it was nice to start new family traditions. We ended up going to my mom and dad's house for Christmas Eve dinner. We played games, socialized and enjoyed good food. One of the highlights for me this year was the children re-enacted the nativity with puppets and we all got to join in song at some parts. It really brought the Spirit of Christmas to my heart. 

Here the kids are trying to get marshmallows through a hole in a wreath. Turns out it was much harder than everyone thought it would be.

Aren't these all such cute girls!

Boy are these Grandkids lucky to have such amazing Grandparents!

The puppet Nativity

And of course what's the fun of Christmas without opening presents!

As our own tradition the girls get jammies to open Christmas Eve night. They always look so adorable!

Ahhh...Finally Christmas Morning is here!

All Brooklyn asked Santa for was a sucker. Apparently she didn't realize the vast resources Santa has to bring real toys! I just love the innocence of this Christmas request.

Awe! What a sweet moment of Londyn and Brooklyn thanking each other for their gifts. These are moments I don't get to see very often and cherish when they happen.

As a new tradition I wanted to start I have decided to have Christmas Day dinner and enjoy the company of family and friends. This year really was a special year to me.

How cute is this girl!! We love you Brooklyn!

Christmas to me is a time of giving and sharing with friends and family. I am so blessed to have these special people in my life. Without them I would be lost. Although some would say this was a trying year I believe I have become a stronger person because of the challenges life has brought. I pray my children grow to learn and remember the true meaning of Christmas and that it's something that can lead them through their own life's challenges. Mommy and Daddy love you girls more than words can say. You both have such sweet and special spirits about you and we love watching you learn an grow. Merry Christmas to All!!

Hardware Ranch

For something to do during the Christmas break we all went up to Hardware Ranch to see the Elk. We were amazingly close to the elk. The kids really enjoyed seeing the animals and riding on a sleigh. 

Christmas Time Baking

For me Christmas as always meant spending time with your family making treats to share with your neighbors. This year we had the opportunity to have Grandma Rose join us in the baking fun!

Very nice!! 

MMMM....Goooood!

Temple Square

Ever since Londyn's Nanny got married in the Salt Lake Temple Londyn has been asking to go there. I decided to wait until Christmas time to show her and Brooklyn the beautiful lights and hopefully give them a true idea of the meaning of Christmas. Although it was completely packed they still got a chance to see some of the beautiful nativity scenes and be in a place that brings peace and comfort to so many people. 

Temple Square during Christmas time is so beautiful and peaceful.

Christmas Village

Every year we go see the lights at Ogden's Christmas Village with The Lowe's family but this year turned out a little different. We only go to visit with the Lowe's for a few minutes but it was still really nice to see them! We are so thankful for their friendship and look forward to many many years to come. This was Brooklyn's first year where she is really excited about Christmas and all the decorations that go with it....Especially the visits with Santa! As soon as she laid her eyes on the man in red she couldn't wait to run up and sit on his lap. She asked him "Why you have all that hair on your face?" She told him all about the green sucker she wants him to bring her and of course mentioned to him that she does want toys for Christmas. All in all the walk through the village was a nice family tradition. 

Grandparents Night

Londyn's school had Grandparents night so the grandparents could check out the school and hear the choir sing.  It was so fun to watch Londyn in the choir. She did a fantastic job and we are so proud of her for making the choice to join the choir. Londyn is very thankful to have the opportunity to show Grandma Venna around the school and give Grandma a chance to see what Londyn does everyday. It really was a fun night! Thanks for coming Grandma Venna.

Londyn and Grandma outside her classroom.

There she is singing in the choir.

Boo needed to get in on the action. She was pretending to be the teacher but I'm pretty sure teachers don't make faces.