Christmas 2016

Christmas started with a flurry of fun as we had lots of holiday activities lined up right from the get go.  Beginning with our annual Christmas tree hunt on the mesa.

We found a fun, new spot to snowshoe in and find a tree, and we found a tree in record time.  I was disappointed we didn't get to explore more.  The kids also found a fun place to sled after we got it loaded. 

Right off the bat we had concerts for the boys at Barnes and noble, a ward Christmas party, and lots of shopping going on to get ready for the big day.  Maren and Amanda also had holiday concerts with their choir and bands, which were all great. I failed in the picture department there.  But I did take this picture of Jacobs awesome letter to Santa.  It says "Dear Santa, I really want the Lego set called Winter Holiday train.  But I really appreciate all the other presents you gave me.  Thank you again.  See you soon, Jacob"

Patty and Megan came into town and joined us for the last week of school activities including Maren's piano recital at a couple of nursing homes in town.  She did a great job.  My favorite parts were when her reindeer headband slipped down over her eyes during her duet with her teacher, she recovered nicely.  And when Jacob asked me what all these people in wheel chairs were doing all together in one place.  I obviously have not visited nursing homes near enough with my youngest!

 After a busy morning of recitals and ward choir practice we went down town, visited Santa, and took a ride on a horse drawn carriage.  It was a beautiful day for it. 

 I wish I had gotten pictures of us on the carriage, or even any of Patty and Megan spending time with us.  But here is the only proof that they visited.  Our bowling scores, note my awesome score.  Then keep in mind we had bumpers up on our lane, hah!

 Cold temperatures and a busy schedule kept us off of the Mesa while Patty and Megan were here, but we had fun playing games, eating lots of yummy flavored popcorn, watching movies, making homemade pizza, delivering Christmas goodies, doing a little last minute Christmas shopping, and opening a few early gifts.  It was a really nice visit.

Of course the day they needed to start their drive home the temperatures warmed up and we were able to take a day trip up to enjoy all the snow after we said our goodbye's.  We cross country skied to the Christmas tree, and even got a grumpy Amanda to go with us.  It was beautiful.

And later sledding with friends on our favorite hill.

And then we finally got snow in the valley to play with a few days before Christmas.  Just enough to build a snowman.

Christmas morning brought lots of happy kids.  Maren was excited with her lot.  She had nothing on her list.  Really?  Santa came through with a ukulele and instruction book though.  My mom sent her this adorable pillow.  Maren also helped me cook our traditional omelet breakfast.  She loves omelets and has become a pro at making them year. 

 Jacob was really happy with his Lego's including the Lego holiday train from the Aumen family.  The fuzzy blanket was also a big hit, he is even a pro at sliding down the stairs on it already, and this adorable shirt from his friend Aidan.

 Amanda was very happy to get a new e-reader, as hers bit the dust two days prior, and she loved being woken up at 7 am if you can't tell.

 

 Spencer was also happy with his Lego's and he got a robe that he has pretty much worn every morning and night since Christmas over his pj's.  I think it is safe to say he loves it.

My mom send this fun game for the boys that has been a hit in the backyard.  

Since Christmas was on a Sunday this year we sent the day opening gifts, attending church, and having a nice ham dinner in the evening.  It was a nice relaxing day.  Amanda and I both sang in the choir and Amanda played two lovely oboe solo's of silent night for the program.  It was really nice.

The next week of between Christmas and New Years were filled with fun and a few normal activities.  We ventured up on the Mesa one day with Shayla's family to ski to the overlook.  All the kids made it and was beautiful day for a gorgeous view.   

 It is so much more fun to ski with friends!

Jacob started piano lessons this week, and he is still in the "love to practice" stage, so he spent lots of time at the piano bench this week.

We also went ice skating at the local rink, spent a lot of time at home playing with new games and toys, and I spent lots of hours getting primary things ready for the New Year.  It is my third new year as primary president and it is as busy as ever.  It was fun to have one of my councilors over the afternoon to put binders together for the new year and let the kids play though. I couldn't believe we spent 3 hours working on the binders and still didn't finish though!     

We ended 2016 with a bang and partied with our close friends with finger foods, games, good company, and fireworks.  It was a fun evening.  And 9 o'clock church the next morning was very brutal!  Luckily we had a few days to recover before school started again, and by that time we had Christmas put away and we were ready to tackle the New Year.  Bring on 2017!