Christmas 2010

Santa has come and gone....leaving a lil something for all of us. I admit over the last month I've gotten caught up in the commercialization of Christmas. There was an ad on the radio that captured it all, "be the Santa you've always wanted to be". First and foremost I know this holiday is about the birth of our Savior and we tried to explain to the girls why we give gifts every year and the symbols of some of the Christmas Icons. It's something we'll need to reiterate every year but something that is very important to us. We are thankful for the birth of our Dear Savior and the hope and light that he brings into each of our lives.

Starting with Christmas Eve: We were very excited to have our Daddy home to do a lot of last minute Christmas preparations. That evening we spread our packets of quick oats and glitter so Santa and the Reindeer would find us and then we headed to the church for dinner at the church with the Dickson/Rasmussen Clan. They get together each year and invited us and a few other families who do not have family close by to share dinner, talent show, and a visit from Santa Claus. Reminded me of the Party my Grandma Harris puts on every year. McKenna surprised us all by jumping on stage with her friend Nathan during the talent portion to sing "Here Comes Santa Claus". She had a little trouble with the words but she wasn't scared at all and loved it! I think we have a performer on our hands.

Santa stopped by around 8-and handed the kids their presents and as McKenna grabbed hers she started to cry. The present hadn't even been open so I had no idea why she was crying and she was crying to hard we couldn't understand her. When she finally calmed down she said, "Santa didn't give me my doll house." I had to fight laughter and explain to her a doll house was too big and wouldn't have left anymore room for the other toys. This seemed to explain things enough and the girls were thrilled to find new Jammies and Tate went to bed with his new toy horse.

Christmas preparations were going well enough when we came across a hiccup-wish it was just lost presents- but instead we got another surprised before Santa arrived. Sadly at around 10:30 McKenna was crying and...well throwing up. Without going into details McKenna had the stomach flu and the sweet little drama queen she is well she didn't spare us any of her dramatics. I say this knowing that I was the same way growing up...its now my turn to be the Mom. I felt really bad for her being Christmas and all. She was a pretty good sport taking a bath before we all headed to the Family room to find what Santa had left for us.

Here's what we found:

Baby ponies and Glow worm dolls-new best friends!

Thanks you Grandma!

Double Duty-sharing a bit of Christmas with my parents

Little pink Flower Payne Hood

What's a house without some furniture?

Fending for himself, Santa's leftover milk, cookies and his gingerbread house for breakfast

Energy all spent in the 1st hour she had to stop for a break every now and again.

Watching Toy Story3-Good Cuddle Time with Daddy

Aftermath

Thanks to all who sent cards and presents. Still working on getting our own cards out...maybe new year cards?

Thank you Grandma! Love the Riding Hood capes!

Tate is still a little leary of the straw glasses but after a demonstration from Dad, the girls are in love. Wish I'd gotten a picture of that.

Christmas Lights-Sky Island

One of our favorite past-times this time of year is driving around and seeing the homes lit up in Christmas lights. Bonney Lake has a neighborhood called Sky Island where they take this to a whole new level. Almost every home is illuminated in lights. To be able to take our time and really check it out Leslie suggested we walk. I thought she was a little crazy as the temperature was almost freezing, but we had a great time and the kids loved getting so close.

Leslie has a great camera where you can actually capture it all on film.

Santa Clause

One word to describe today....PARTY!!!! From morning to night it was from one party to the next.

We started at the Sumner Wards 1st Christmas Breakfast. Can I just say YUMMMY!!! Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Candied French Toast, Bacon, Sausage, Fruit, and did I say Bacon? Good Food, good company, and then Santa Clause dropped in to pass out Candy Canes and to remind the kids to be good.

It was a big moment for our girls-it's the first year McKenna and Tyler have voluntarily sat on Santa's lap-although Tyler would only go if McKenna sat his lap with her. Last year they were excited, but still a little too nervous to get close to him. I was thrilled to get a picture of my girls on Santa's lap with a smile.

Tate on the otherhand would have nothing to do with Santa...so we got our screaming picture and got him his candy cane and he in that he founds his happy.

A few hours later we found ourselves at Roaches Gymnastics for a birthday celebration for one of McKenna's classmates, Anna. They were nice enough to let Tyler stay and play with the kids. At McKenna's insistance her Dad went and stayed with them. He's a lot more fun at parties than I am. :)

That evening we went to our favorite kids Christmas party at Leslie's house. There was excitement in the air the moment we walked into the house. We had some snacks and then the kids settled down for a reading of the "Night Before Christmas", read by Bro. Brower. The kids were sucked in and loved it. Afterwards we sang some songs and then in came Santa Clause. Cheers and Yells were heard and then Tate's arms wrapped around me in Terror as he realized who was there. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day for the kids.

Last but certainly not least The Spanish Group had their Christmas Party that John was able to go to at the Clifton's. Being Partied out the kids and I stayed home, but John had a great time!

Gingerbread Houses

I've decided this is the year for simplicity. No need for elaboration-less is better with a 2 year old around.

Wednesday's are late start at school and with extra time in the morning Tyler and I helped McKenna and Tate to create their Gingerbread houses. Tyler loved being a teacher and even added a few additions to her previously made house.

As you can see Tate ate most of his house-luckily all was edible and apparently very yummy!