Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

On Christmas Eve we told the kids they could open one present and they were bursting with excitement. They both tore into the packages and couldn't wait to see what was inside. Sophia was thrilled with her pink pajamas, especially when I opened mine that matched . . .

. . . but Richie was very disappointed with his blue ones. His face fell and he said, "I thought I wanted to open a toy!" Poor guy had been waiting so long for this and then it was a pair of fleece p.j.'s. It didn't even cheer him up that Dad also had matching ones. After a lot of moping we decided to let him open one toy, and he cheered right up.

Christmas morning Richie hurried into the living room and sat looking at the tree wanting to know which presents were his.

Then he discovered what Santa had left him on the couch.

Santa brought Neville the black train (which he has been asking for for a year) and a Batman toy. He was very happy.

It took Sophia a little while to get into the swing of things, but once she did, she wanted to open everyone's presents on top of her own.

She got a cute little tea set that kept her busy most of the day.

We drove to Burley, Idaho on the 27th and had another Christmas morning on the 28th. Richie and Sophia loved getting to open more presents. At one point in the middle of opening gifts Richie exclaimed, "Best Christmas Ever!"

We have been very blessed this Christmas season to spend time with family. I love watching the kids bond with their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. It really has been the best Christmas ever!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Santa Claus made a special appearance today at our family Christmas Eve lunch today. It was very exciting for the kids.

Sophia has been telling everyone she sees for weeks that "Santa Claus is coming to town!" and she couldn't wait to have a little chat with him when he first came in.

We are lucky that Santa took a break from his busy schedule and brought one of his special elves, too.

I hope you have all been nice and not naughty, and that Santa visits you too! Merry Christmas Eve!

Frosty the Snowman

Here are pictures of the kids and Dad building the snowman. Sophia actually gave up halfway through the process and came inside, but Richie put up with the cold until they were done. He wanted to make it "way up to the sky", so he and Dad worked really hard until it was just right.

He did take a quick break to make a snow angel.

The next day the sun was shining bright and they put the finishing touches on Frosty.

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

This morning we woke up to half a foot of snow and another foot has fallen through the day. The kids were very excited to go out and play in it and had lots of fun throwing snowballs. This is the first time Sophia has played in snow and it has been a while since Richie has, so it was a big treat.

They went out again later and built a snowman with Dad (I haven't loaded those pictures yet). While Dad and Richie were working on Frosty, Richie said, "Grandma has wonderful things!" We are so happy to be in Blanding for Christmas and we are looking forward to going to Idaho for New Years.

Grandma had hot cocoa ready when we came in from the snow, and Sophia especially enjoyed the whipped cream.
Thanks for the snow suit Bonnie and Vilma!

Christmas in New York

Last night was our last chance to make it into Rockefeller Center, so Dad dragged us out at 7 p.m. to drive in to the city to see the tree. Honestly I was not thrilled about the idea of leaving so late, but I am glad we did it.

The kids were pretty amazed by the giant tree, especially Richie. When we turned the corner and saw the tree his mouth dropped open, his eyes got really wide and he said, "Whoa!"

They also liked the ice skaters and the snowflake light show on fifth avenue.

Richie liked the lights, but he REALLY wanted to go to the model train store that we passed on the way to the tree. When we got to the store on the way back to the car it was closing, but they let us in just for a minute to look at the trains, which was very nice of them.

It wasn't as cold as it has been, but it was pretty cold. I ended up wrapping my scarf around Sophia and putting my gloves on her as well. We didn't stay very long, but it was fun to go and have the kids really enjoy it. We have gone in years past, but the kids were so little they didn't really appreciate it. This year they are very excited about Christmas and this little trip added to that excitement.

Here are some pictures from our ward party. The random boy in the background is "Santa's" son.

Sunday School Announcement

Yesterday, during Sunday School, Chrislynn and I were in class when the door opened and Sophia was in the arms of one of the nursery leaders. Sister Rockwell was trying to get our attention, but Sophia beat her to it. Sophie yelled out, "Mom! I pooped!"

Trimming the Tree

Richie and Sophia were so excited to decorate our little tree tonight. I put on the lights, but the kids put most of the decorations on and I didn't even have to fix very much and the tree looks great.

Both kids are getting more and more anxious about Christmas. Sophia has just learned about Santa Claus, and ever since seeing him on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade she has been saying "Santa Claus is coming! Santa Claus is coming!" (Which actually sounds more like "Sa-uhcausicomeen.") We are looking forward to a great holiday season!