Christmas Day

Every year as my kids get older, Christmas becomes more and more fun. Despite some expensive and picky requests, it is still really fun.

I didn't take a single picture Christmas morning!

Where was my brain?!!

Thank goodness my brain came alive in the afternoon at least.

After a fun time opening presents we took our time getting ready for the day. I actually took a shower Christmas morning! That never happens because I go to bed so late on Christmas Eve, the kids wake up early and after presents we rush off to Grandma and Grandpa P's for some yummy breakfast and Christmas cheer. But this year breakfast didn't start until 10 so it made for a relaxing morning. Then we had some time inbetween get togethers and came home and played with our new goodies. Chris' little sister Lori joined us and showed off while playing Guitar Hero. I'm still practicing my butt off so I can one day beat her!

The gift exchange at Grandma and Grandpa's is always a fun crowded gathering. We have the cousin gift exchange, sibling gift exchange and my favorite: Grandma and Grandpa's turn!

Another successful Christmas has come and gone. It was a wonderful month full of family get togethers and lots and lots of yummy food!

Merry Christmas to All

Christmas Day

The best part of Christmas is spending time with family

and

the sweet happy smiles on my children's faces.

Peyton got the coolest rocking horse and a bunch of Toy Story paraphernalia.

Ellie got princess shoes, a baby born, and a starstation.

Preston got a robot, knight in shining armor dress-up so he can save and protect his sisters who are of course princess', walkie-talkies and marbles.

Taylor got a jewelry holder, baby born, Junie B. Jones books, and a body pillow so she won't steal mine anymore.

For our gift to ourselves Chris and I are going to Disneyland, just the two of us, for two days, on

January 9th and 10th! We are so excited! It's also to celebrate meeting 1o years ago on the 10th.

I love you baby!

(p.s. we are so hot in the morning. Just trying to keep it real on this here blog.)

After presents it was off to Grandma and Grandpa Prince's for breakfast.

They have everyone come over anytime between 8 am and noon for breakfast every Christmas morning. They are the best!

Grandpa took over the eggs for a minute to help Grandma out.

Such a cutie.

When our tummies are full we have to sit and ask everyone what they got.

Then home to play with our new stuff and rest from rising so early and staying up so late the night before. Then we head over to Chris' parents for a gift exchange.

So glad to have Leah in town to spend Christmas with us all!

Decorate your own tote!

Super cool tank and army guys!

New baby stoller!

Awesome cars and motorcycles!

Christmas was so wonderful just like it is every year.

Now we look forward to an exciting new year!

Christmas PJ's

Like most everyone else, on Christmas Eve we open pj's.

Who doesn't like to open a present the night before the big day?!

Peyton couldn't keep his eyes off of

Woody and Buzz.

Ellie enjoyed modeling her princess jammies.

Let's try this pose now.

All together now!

Surprisingly everyone was super excited to get to bed and fell

asleep in just a matter of minutes.

Christmas Eve at the Banfield's.

The food and company were great!

Lots of love going on.

The candy bar game.

Such frustration and concentration.

Then the kids and adults had a white elephant gift exchange.

Thanks for hosting Christmas Eve dinner and activities Melissa and Brian!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

The best mess of the year!

Ellie's Christmas Program

Ellie had her Christmas program at Preschool with Miss Peggy.

She was smiling and being so happy before it started,

then she decided to be a pill and not participate.

After some bribing she finally joined the rest of her class.

Brooklyn and Ellie were the prettiest angels I've ever seen.

A girl in her class over heard Ellie complaining that she didn't have any wings so she decided to take hers off and share them with Ellie. It was the sweetest thing!

The program was so cute and fun! Everybody did great!

We love you Miss Peggy! You are the BEST!!!

Taylor's Christmas Program

Taylor and her friend Emma had a great time singing to each other during the program.

They kept looking at each other and laughing, but continued singing the whole time.

After the program they danced around in the cold out by the flag pole at Mt. View.

For a treat we went to the Golden Spoon before we picked up the other 3 kiddos.

Thanks for babysitting for us Melissa!
It was a fun night!

Ward Christmas Party

This year for our ward Christmas party,

we ate breakfast,

made ornaments,

got a family picture by the tree,

and decorated sugar cookies.

It was a lot of fun and as you can see the cookies were Peyton's favorite part!

My Angel

Our Tree.

My Angel topper.

She used to have a head...before Peyton got to her.

You see, she's not just our tree topper.

She's out all year, every year, ever since I bought her at who knows where.

For some reason I can not remember for the life of me.

Which is frustrating since for some reason people always seem to ask where I got her.

I really hope I find her head someday.

p.s. our tree is no longer uniform thanks to Peyton as well.