Christmas Part 2

Christmas Eve at Grandma Hess' waiting on Santa to arrive.

Telling Santa what we want for Christmas.

If we dare.

Back at Grandma and Grandpa B's house, we had a nice dinner and opened presents.  Ponchos were courtesy of Uncle J.

And the stuffed animals were from Grandma and Grandpa B.

Christmas Day found very happy kids, naturally.

The only bummer was that there was still plenty of ice and snow covering our driveway and sidewalk, making Sam's first bike ride to be postponed.

Keaton loved his Lord of the Rings Wii game (which he subsequently beat the next day, and has yet again at the time of my post).

The Super Nintendo/Nintendo/Sega Genesis console was also a big hit.

We had a wonderful afternoon at the Hunsaker's on Christmas.  There were more great gifts, like gloves and hats for each kid, which they were in need of.

 

Trucks, transformers, puzzles and fairy barbies, just to name a few. We hope you all had a great Christmas too!

Christmas Part 1

I brought my camera this year to the Thomson Family Christmas party, mostly to get some pictures of my grandparents, who are in their upper 80's.  "Grandpa T" was his usual silly self.  He didn't want to get his picture taken, but he came around to the idea. 

I got a few if the kids too, eating ice cream with cousins.

And playing downstairs in their cool playhouse.

I even got Grandma T to get a picture with me.  

The 23rd, we met my mom and J at Temple Square to see the lights.  My favorite though, will always be seeing the Christus.  You can't deny the spirit that is on Temple Square when you walk up that ramp,

Or look at the beautiful temple,

Or watch the nativity.

It is just a perfect way to start off the holiday.

Christmas Recital

Emmi had her first dance recital with Lifehouse.  For Christmas, they did "Twas the Night Before Christmas."  Yes, it was long, but the dancing was as good or better than I was hoping it would be. The costumes were so cute, and there was tap, ballroom, musical theater, even hip hop. 

Of course I especially enjoyed watching Emmi's number.  It was so adorable!  She had 2 performances, and I got to go and watch her in both.  Doesn't she make a beautiful baby doll?!  See for yourself:

Disneyland!

Beware... lots of pictures, and in no particular order either.  I tried so hard to get lots of good pictures in Disneyland, and I think I did for the most part.  I still got lots of blurry ones, but oh well. It goes without saying that we had a blast, especially with my parents in tow.  We had a great hotel right across the gates with a swimming pool and free breakfast, and 3 days to play at the parks.

The new Radiator Springs ride was especially fun.  I can't wait to do that one again.

I love this one of my boys jumping in the water.  If you haven't noticed, Sam is ripped! See below.

The kids had saved their allowance for the better part of the year in order to having some fun souvenirs.  Emmi and Sam had over 100$ each, and Keaton was closer to $50.  Emmi spent most of hers on her new best friend "Emily."

Sam wanted a "Stitch" and Keaton got SpongeBob and Hero Factory legos.

I love this one, it is so much my Dad.:)

These were the brave souls who went on the Tower of Terror, which really did terrorize my children, unfortunately.  Grandma loved the ride, and wanted to go again but no one would go with her.:)

The boys talked Chad into taking them on the ferris wheel, which was yet another bad experience.  Keaton was in the fetal position on the floor for most of it, and you can see how much Sam liked it...lol.

Me and Jack going for a ride on Autotopia.

It only took 2 tries, but Chad finally got me to go on the Coaster with him.  I love roller coasters, just didn't liked the strapped in part.