Christmas, Christmas, and more CHRISTMAS!

Just like everyone else the month of December was absolutely crazy. We had five Christmas parties to go to, three Birthday Parties, five sicknesses, and then all the Christmas shopping to do. It was stressful, crazy, and a ton of fun! The first party of the month was the ward party. There was good food, nativity, and company. The second one was a work party that they provided a dinner up at This Is The Place Park in Salt Lake. The third one we went to was my moms side of the family. Since my grandfathers passing this last year not all the Aunts and Uncles wanted to do the traditional party anymore they wanted to do their own traditions with their own families but, the rest of us party animals went forward another year. It was at a different location than it has been for twenty five plus years but, we tried to do some of the same traditions. We had some good sloppy joes, some caroling until Santa and Mrs. Claus came bearing gifts, and then the breaking of the pinata. I'll admit it wasn't the same without Grandpa and Grandma and all the rest of the family but, it was still good to see the other part of the family that we only see once a year or so. 

  Ty is finagling Santa

We finally got Jordyn on Santa's lap. It took a little bit because she was worried that he would think she was naughty for cutting her hair.

 Reggie just wanting to grab the present and run. Hey at least he isn't screaming like last year. My baby is growing up.

 A swing and a miss!

 Jordyn and Ella going over their stash from the pinata

 Get it Reg!!!

 The next party we went to was for the Russell clan.  We again had great food and company. We did the brother and sister gift exchange and told stories of our favorite Christmases. Oh what cute smiling faces:)

 Then the next one we did was The Slade party. We went up to Chuck'O'Rama in Draper and then we were all going to go up to Temple Square to see the lights but, it happened to be the start of a number of blizzards that night so we miss out on that. Instead we all decided to go to Thanksgiving point and do the drive through light thing. It was cute! We liked that at the end they did some pictures about what the true meaning of Christmas is about. Then we got to go see "Dasher and Dancer". Nice Rack huh?!

 Reggie, Ella, and Jordyn we giving us all a little performance on the stage they had set up. Loved it!

 Every once in a while you got to get a picture that isn't about the kids. It always reminds me what a cute couple we are:)!

 The Sunday before Christmas Grandpa and Grandma Russell came over bringing their gifts to the kids. This is what they gave Jordyn. It wiggles it's ear and tail to a tune of "Hot Stuff". As you can see Jordyn found it totally hilarious.

 They then brought the boys wood truck and tractor that had a do it yourself paint kit. It was a fun project!

 Christmas eve we did some of our yearly things. We made fudge for the neighbors and the two little ones helped me make peanut butter cookies for my Best Friend (they are her favorite) and for Santa.  They always love getting the beaters after.

Then when I make the Christmas Eve goodies Cory helps the kids make a gingerbread house. They think it is so fun and I love that it gets dad involved. Then before bedtime we read the Christmas story from the scriptures and we watched a short little video on lds.org that they had about Christs life. We then talked about all the things at Christmas time like the candy canes, presents, the angel or star on the tree, etc. and how they all tie in to Christ, his birth and his life. Then of course they got to open their one gift and then off to bed for the Big Man to come.

Christmas Morning!!!!!!!!

 Jordyn rockin' her new bike

 Reggie liking his new toy so much that he is drooling chocolate from treats in his stocking

Cory thrilled with his gift and I do have to mention that this is the first year that he didn't return anything. Yea!

 Ashton and his stash

 Ty Checking out his stocking. Then after the raid is over we get ready and go to G-pa and G-ma Slades for the best breakfast and another fun gift exchange. Then home in the evening to take a deep breath and pass out because we made it through one more year.

It was a wonderful season for us and I hope it was to all of you as well.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hoping that this year will help us reach our goals, good health, family unity, love, and answers to our prayers.