{five} Frogs

Grandma Lewis was ambitious this year and made everyone a special gift.  Most got hats and scarves but my family got slippers - these cute frog slippers. 

I guess it was the "Green" name that said this was the perfect gift for us.  We love them.  Thanks Grandma!

Christmas Morning {2010}

The kids were so tired from Christmas Eve activities we had to wake them up at 8 am to open presents.  I always remember the anticipation of Santa coming when I was younger and the excitement continues for me. 

Santa had brought surprises for all!

The boys got remote control trick cars, games, goggles, basketballs and treats.  Peyton got a baby and stroller, some headbands, a ballerina outfit and treats. 

The presents seemed never ending and they kids loved EVERYTHING!  Ethan said it was the "Best Christmas EVER!"  The boys really like their diji and leapster explorer game systems and Peyton loves trying on all of her dress-up clothes complete with shoes and tiaras. 

Ryan got his D. Will T-shirt that involved a trip to Salt Lake to get the right one (why don't the local stores sell jazz apparel?).  He was thrilled to have it!  I was surprised by a new jacket and perfume.

Grandma made Ethan a new blanket and surprised him with his favorite book.

Stockton got a new movie and cars.

Ryan wasn't so thrilled about getting beat up even more by the kids since the Karate Kid brings out their inner ninjas. 

Who knew they made these anymore?  Peyton loves her jack in the box.

Grandma Bartholomew had a tradition of giving each of her great-grandchildren a copy of the Book of Mormon with her and Grandpa's picture and testimony inside.  Jess didn't think she would get a copy for Kaitlyn since she was born after Grandma died.  But Grandma was prepared and had the book set aside for her before she died.  Dad brought it home from Grandma's house just before Christmas and it was a special present under the tree.  It was the present that brought us all to tears this year. 

                                

As always we are spoiled on Christmas.  We love our families and all they do for us.  We are truly blessed!

Christmas Carole Sing-Along

The Larry H. Miller family puts on an annual Christmas Carole Sing-Along and my mom had a great idea  to go.  According to Buddy the Elf, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear".

It was pretty cool to see the Energy Solutions Arena filled with Christmas cheer.  When we arrived they gave us each a gift envelope and sugar cookies.

The cookies matched Peyton's outfit!

Opening the envelope, the boys were excited to get free Jazz tickets, free Bee's tickets, free Larry H. Miller Motor sports park tickets, and a discount coupon to Fanzz.  Thanks Miller family!!



The live Orchestra.

Dad and Mom feeling the Christmas cheer.

Kylie and Landon.

John Schmidt preformed... upside down

And with an accapella cello...

watch their "love story" video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXtVBJDPs6k

Santa arrived and gave hugs...

Peyton was awed...

The Jazz bear arrived on wheels...

Gabby and Bella made friends.

Though it was a late night, it was a ton of fun! 

Trip to Temple Square

Instead of exchanging gifts this year with Ryan's siblings we decided to do a family outing.

Most of the family was able to come and we had a nice time touring the church history museum before the lights were turned on at temple square.   We watched the nativity story and walked around the reflection pool then headed to dinner at Tucanos. 

Dinner was amazing and I was surprised by how much Ethan ate.  He eagerly put his plate in the air every time the meat came around. 

Good Times, Good Food, Fond Memories.

Baby Jesus

To say Peyton loves babies would be an understatement. 

I put out my kid friendly, Precious Moments nativity and Peyton can't keep her hands off of baby Jesus.

She carries him around the house, covers him with at blanket and gives him lots of kisses!

My ceramic nativity was displayed a little later and I didn't think I would have any problems keeping it out of Peyton's reach until Ethan came telling me that Jesus' arms were missing. 

Apparently, Peyton found baby Jesus and tried to remove him from his manger.  I was able to fix him up with some super glue.  It makes me warm inside seeing how much my little girl cherishes baby Jesus.

Santa Claus came to town

He came to the city celebration and the kids got a chance to sit on his knee.

Peyton was in wonder.

Stockton asked for a remote controlled car.

Ethan asked for a motorcycle (again) but Santa was good to inform him it wouldn't fit in his sleigh.  He next decided on a red Wii... unfortunately Dad isn't liking that request either so, Santa will have to surprise Ethan with something different.

Next, Santa visit our ward party passing out candy canes to the kids. 

We searched for ugly sweaters to compete in the competition.  But I guess we weren't ugly enough to win.