Sledding

This morning we decided to get all bundled up and go sledding. It was Gretchen's first time and only Easton's second. It was way fun. We do need to invest in another sled or invite people to come with us who have more sleds, or both. Every time Gretchen went down she covered her eyes. I don't think she liked the snow coming in her face.

When I was little my brother Brandon and I would go sledding for hours. I love it. I haven't been sledding since I was at Ricks. I hope to go more often.

Christmas 2009

We had a very good Christmas this year. We started off Christmas Eve Day by making sugar cookies. We had to have some cookies to give Santa.

Gretchen really enjoyed putting the green sprinkles on. We had our traditional dinner of Clam Chowder and then we opened up the last day of the advent calendar and read from the Scriptures about the Birth of our Savior.

This picture was taken while Chad was reading to us.

Then we got to open one gift. Pajamas of course. My kids are young enough that they thought it was something really cool like a toy. Well actually they really both love pajamas so it was still cool. Chad and I got to open one this year to and i loved that.

Then we went and delivered treats to a few friends and drove and looked at Christmas lights. Then we came home checked in on where Santa was at and went to bed.

Growing up we got up way early and i loved it. In years past we have just gotten up when Easton woke up for the day (6:30-7ish). This year though he new when he woke up that we got to open presents so he woke up at 4:45ish. I was so excited. I love seeing how excited they get.

I loved these pictures. I took like four because Gretchen kept yawning, we woke her up.This is the only picture I took after all was said and done. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Family Party

This weekend we went to Idaho for our family Christmas party. Easton and Gretchen were so excited we hadn't seen Grandma and Grandpa for a couple of months. Sadly I didn't pull the camera out to take hardly any pictures. Here are a few pictures from the party.

This is just a few of the cousins.
This is Gretchen singing with Santa. She got so excited when Santa walked in.
This is what we got all night when we told her to smile.

It was fun to see everyone. I love this time of year where there are so many parties and time to spend with family and friends.

A Special Delivery!

This morning Easton and Gretchen found a special package with a note from Santa. Inside the package was a box that said Elf on the Shelf.

We made the kids wait until after church to come home and read the story to find out what this Elf does.

Here is our families elf, we named him Chester. Chester is here to watch and see if we are being naughty or nice. He reports back to Santa each night. He then will return home with Santa on Christmas Eve.

I saw this on someones blog last year and wanted to do it this year and forgot about it until last week. I hope this might be a fun new tradition and may also cut down on the temper tantrums and fighting at our house.

Christmas Traditions

As a kid I loved all the traditions we had as a family, now that I have started my own family I love getting to do some of the same and new traditions. Last year Easton and I made some ornaments together. I have decided that I am going to do this every year. Here are the ornaments we made this year.

We also have made gingerbread houses. I have decided that I prefer the graham cracker houses because they didn't fall apart on me like the kit kind have.

This year Easton told us he wanted Aunt Andrea to take him shopping for his mom and dad's presents. On Saturday morning he called her and asked if she would take him shopping as soon as he got his room cleaned. Aunt Andrea and Charly came and picked him up. He has not stopped talking about it. He can't wait until next year to do it again.

This really isn't a tradition but on Saturday after Gretchen saw Santa, I asked if she wanted Santa to bring her a present and she said no Aunt Anja(that is how she says Andrea) bring me presents. I thought it was hilarious.

Ward Christmas Party!

Last night was our ward Christmas party. I have to say I love my ward. I feel so welcome and loved. It is awesome. Anyway Santa stopped by to see the kids.

Gretchen was so excited, when Santa walked in she got the biggest smile on her face. I couldn't get the camera out fast enough to take her picture.

I know this pictures is blurry, but Easton thought it was way funny that Santa gave him bunny ears. Santa insisted that we get a good one of both of them smiling but some boy decided to put his fingers in front of the camera.

New Pajamas?!?

I am thinking my kids need new pajamas what do you think?

They really do both have some that fit but tonight they both picked hand me down ones from Aunt Andrea that happen to be to small. I saw them standing by each other and had to take a picture of the two of them with there stomachs hanging out. I have to say Easton's PJs are at least 12 years old and they are still in pretty good condition.

Easton didn't want his picture taken so he was making funny faces and Gretchen likes to do things that he does.