Pre-Christmas Festivities

We've really been enjoying the Christmas season this year, and have had fun attending parties, going to programs, being with family, & making yummy goodies. The week before Christmas included these activities/events:

Matt's mom and dad came to visit {really it was mostly Marla. Rich is traveling a lot for work & was in and out. BUT, we get to see him more often in Utah thanks to his jet-setting which we love}. The week was filled with parties and get-togethers for all of us, but we had fun in the time we did get to spend together. We always love to have them visit!

Kensie's school Christmas program was on the 19th. Kensie had a special part {as you'll see in the video} and was super cute as usual! Sorry for the blurry video- something's wrong with the auto focus.....

I also got to help at Kensie and Lincoln's school parties. Of course I forgot my camera at Lincoln's, but we had fun riding the Polar Express and stopping of at Shape Land, Craftville, and Story Town & enjoyed hot chocolate! The kids made gingerbread houses at Kensie's party and more of the candy ended up in their bellies than on the houses!


We've made our fair share of gingerbread houses this year thanks to both sets of grandparents! The kids' love it, but it's hard for me to let go of my OCD tendencies and let them do what they want. I always want to jump in and tell them what to do so it doesn't look like a total disaster, but this year I controlled myself :) And they did a great job!!

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a night at The Nutcracker performed by Ballet West. This has been a wonderful tradition in my family with all the girls, but this year {and this year only} the boys were invited as well! I worked at Capitol Theatre while I was in college, so I can't even count the number of times I've seen The Nutcracker- and I NEVER get sick of it! I still have pretty much the whole ballet memorized. It was fun having the guys there, but I'm sure they didn't enjoy it as much as the girls! This comment says it all...."I'm fine with ballet until the guys in tights come out"!

Matt being silly as usual!

We {or I} have been making lots of goodies for Christmas, including the standard sugar cookies for Santa. The kids' always have fun helping and once again I have to let go of my OCDness! It's good times!!

I've enjoyed having Kensie home during Christmas break. We have fun doing puzzles and doing "girl stuff" while the boys are napping.

We're also enjoying our "Winter Wonderland".............

as long as we don't have anywhere to be! We've got a TON of snow!!