Christmas Day

What a fun morning that started earlier than usual. The girls woke up at 4 am and then when Tessa was up at 5:45 it all began. The kids were so excited by what Santa had put in their stockings. They got new toothbrushes, some fun toys and markers and a few other things. Then it was on to the family gifts. I was so happy with my CHI blowdryer and a gift card to Red Lobster {my favorite}. The kids got some new Wii games and have been loving playing that together. We got 4 controllers and that has been nice to not have the "its my turn now!" Later we went to my family's to have dinner and hang out.

Christmas Eve

For the past 25 years the Johnson family has been having a Mexican food fiesta with the Kriloff family. They were neighbors when there kids were growing up and it grew into a tradition. It used to be held at their home but now there are so many of us it is held at the church. Diane had a coloring table set up for the kids and they enjoyed coloring together as eveyone arrived. The food was so good as usual. Tacos, tamales, enchiladas, rice, beans, salsa and taquitos. We always bring the guacamole. After dinner we watched the video Luke 2. Then it was pinata time! The kids love this! They double tape it up to last so all the kids get a chance to hit and this year some of the grownups too. Just when I think the candy is gone from the house, more candy! It was fun to see eveyone from out of town and catch up.

Budding Musicians

I heard Tanner on the piano and came in to see Tessa joining in! They are fun together and Tessa is pulling herself up on everything! I think she will be my earliest walker. She is growing way too fast!

Christmas Party (Amazing Jake's)

Jake had his work Christmas Party on Monday night at Amazing Jake's. They had it there last year too. His work is so generous and each kid gets a gift and this year we pooled the gift and they got a Wii. They were so excited and it has been a real incentive to get homework and piano done! Tessa got a Crawl and Cruise Musical Jungle that we need to put together. I played Lasar tag with the older three and that was so much fun! I was surprised how competitive I got! Sammi and I played a couple of rounds of air hockey and I won the first round and she took the second one. The kids love the teacups and spin as fast as they can go. We all had a great time!

Christmas lights

Saturday evening we went around and looked at Christmas lights. All the cousins hopped in the back of Joel's truck and cuddled under blankets. The kids sang Christmas songs as loud as they could and had a great time! After we came back for hot chocolate and Joel and Jake played Kick the Can with the kids in the road for a little bit.

Gingerbread houses with Grandma

On Saturday we went over to my Grandma's to decorate gingerbread houses. My Grandma is Jewish and has never done this before so it was fun to have her share this experience with her Great Grandchildren. My Mom and my Grandma's live in helper, Bobbie were there too. The kids loved making theirs different and unique. We used marshmallows for snow and black licrorice pieces for logs. They turned out really cute and the kids were so excited to spend that time with Grandma.Sammi's Gingerbread House


Rebecca's Gindgerbread House

Grandma with Rebecca and my Mom

Kimball's Gingerbread House

A Christmas Carol

Thursday night Sammi was in the school play "A Christmas Carol". They had dinner that we had prepaid for, pizza for the kids and Paradise Bakery or Cravings for the adults. There was a Christmas Choir concert during the dinner and then the play after. They had some technical difficulties with the lights and microphones. This was the first school play at the new Newell Barney Middle School. Sammi was Nicklby and her part was toward the end of the play. They did a good job and it is fun for Sammi to be involved in these activities. It was pretty long and as you can see Tanner didnt make it to the end. He was on my lap and kept saying "Is it over yet?" He crawled under the table and crashed! They all got to bed late.

Ward Christmas Party

Saturday night was our ward Christmas Party. They had asked us to dress up for that time. It was fun to get a picture before we left. Of course as soon as we got there the costumes came off. It was hot in there and they were not very comfortable. Before we left Tanner was telling me he didnt want to dress like this but wanted to be a bee. He was a bee for Halloween last year. There was a really good turn out. They had a few activities for the kids and a program after dinner.

Michael's Sealing

On Saturday my sister Rachel and brother in law Josh were sealed to their son Michael. The adoption was finalized and they were able to be sealed in the temple. It was such a special experience. All of us were in the temple together and that made it extra special. Michael was so cute and he was just interested in getting down and running. He is a year old and has so much energy. It brought back memories from our own special day when we had Sammi sealed to us. It has been 10 years and I cant beleive how fast the time goes. I am so grateful for the temple and the sealing power that binds us as families together. What a great blessing. It was a wonderful day. We love you Micheal, Rachel and Josh! The family together after the sealing

Michael

Michael, Josh and Rachel