Christmas Eve

The enthusiasm of this crowd on Christmas Eve is through the roof! if we could harness their energy we could power our Christmas tree for a full year!

Pops and I locked ourselves in the basement (explaining that not all gifts come from Santa) and watched, "White Christmas"  and, "It's a Wonderful Life" while we wrapped the gifts and the children anxiously pattered on the floor above us.

Next, we dined on Honey Baked ham, au gratin potatoes, asparagus and rolls to nourish ourselves for the arduous task of present opening the next morning.

The children then performed in our Christmas Eve talent show.

David transformed Power Mast Optimus Prime while blind folded.

Jaws performed, "Hot Cross Buns" and "Cold Cross Buns" on the piano.

And took a bow...

Little Chief performed his well practiced stand-up comedy routine...

Abizella made delectable frosted sugar cookies for our delight.

Superkid delivered an originally composed propaganda speech about how the world is actually shaped like a donut, not a globe.

Then we all climbed into our family jammies to open our family gifts to each other.

We then stated our heart felt desires for Christmas gifts:

Jaws wants a reindeer, Rowelette plush and Snoopy plush

Little Chief asked for a Transformer's Siege Omega Supreme

Tadpole would like a Transformer's Titan's Returns Fortress Maximus

Abizella wants a Red Rider beebee gun

Superkid would like weapon grade plutonium.

Then came the hard part- wrangling all of this energy into bed!

I after hearing the jangle of jingle bells I rushed into the living room to see the magic!

Christmas Music is in the Air

 Abizella had a great idea. She and Tadpole played a medley of Christmas music in the foyer of the church as people came in for Sacrament meeting. I missed getting a picture with both Tadpole and Abz before Tadpole had to go set up the sacrament.

 Then, after church, we went to the Openshaw's home for the Christmas piano recital. Tadpole delighted us with, "Joy to the World" and "God Rest you Merry Gentlemen".

 Abizella played, "Silver Bells"

 and, "Frosty the Snowman" as a duet with Emma.

I am so proud of these kiddos! 

They have worked so hard and improved tremendously!

School Performance Season

 We had a solid line up of excellent concerts this season.

Tadpole played cello at the HMS Winter Concert.

Jaws performed, "Must Be Santa" with his 1st grade class (not pictured). Little Chief was amongst his admirers in the audience.

 

Little Chief played cello at the PRS Winter Concert.

 As a sibling of a 4th grade celloist, Jaws got called up to participate as a bell ringer.

 Abizella played cello in the HHS Winter Concert.

It was the most fantastic concert season!

Christmas Caroling

When Jaws heard we were going caroling, he rushed to dress for the part!

Nutcracker Tradition

We are happy to keep this tradition alive!

Ugly Sweater Dance

Superkid and Abizella put on their WORST sweaters for the dance at the Belmont ward dance. 

I think they are going to crush it!

Tunnel to North Pole

These kids are crazy excited for Santa to come! 

The snow spiked our enthusiasm and appetite for the season. 

Maybe if they dig far enough they'll hit the North pole?

Instead, ee found this nifty Santa mailbox and stationary at the YMCA. 

How handy! 

We jotted down letters to our jolly friend!