Christmas 2011

Samantha and all of her goodies.

Alex lined all of his stuff up for me to snap a picture.

Love the first look at the Santa gifts.

Alex kissing his new MP3 player.

Family photo after church at my parents house.

We had another wonderful Christmas. We opened presents with the kids at our home, got ready for church, attended my parent's sacrament meeting then had lunch and presents with my side of the family. We played and laughed and cleaned and laughed until around 3pm at which time we had to leave for the Higham festivities. We dropped stuff at home then headed to Orem for dinner and more presents. It was a great day and we loved seeing everyone. We all got spoiled by Santa and each other. Christmas night brought much puking from Samantha and a sleepless night for me, Andy and Samantha, but overall it was a great day!

Christmas building 2011

My 3 favorite guys building Kinex on Christmas day.

Andy and his BFF's

It's rare to get these 3 together - especially looking so handsome. The occasion required a picture.

When Parenting is Awesome

The other evening we got a skiff of snow that needed to be removed. Andy went outside to start and the kids soon followed. After helping Daddy for a little while they both went across the street - without being asked - to shovel our neighbors driveway. She is a widow and always appreciates the help. Surprisingly enough, the kids did a pretty decent job!! Sister Johnson brought a treat by tonight addressed to the kids saying thank-you.
Andy took the treat into Samantha and her response was, "I knew someone would appreciate us!".

Sweet, sweet, kids!!

Like mother, like daughter!

The other night at dinner Samantha was telling a story and meant to say the word combine, but instead she made up a great word - combinate!! I was so proud!! I frequently make up words and this one was right up my alley!

Alex has started calling Samantha "Sam". Not entirely sure how I feel about that.

Grandma gave the kids a fun "countdown to Christmas" this year. They get to open a present every 25 days of December until Christmas!!! The good: they have a new toy to play with every day. The bad: they are so excited to see what the new present is that they wake up too early! This morning they got some playdoh and a memory game and they have been playing nicely together all morning. It's been lovely. Until I have to get Samantha ready for school.....then not so lovely! But that wouldn't be any different than all the other days.

Guess what Alex just had for breakfast??? Pickles on a plate with a bowl of dried cranberries on the side! And he was super disappointed that the cucumber we had in the fridge had gone bad. Kid belongs in the Mediterranean!!