Christmas Highlights

The week before Christmas always starts with Grandma Pat's Christmas Party.

As the family continues to grow, so does the noise level of all the little kids.

Especially in anticipation of this jolly old fellow.

The youngest wasn't quite sure what to think of the man in red, but he sure knew what to do as soon as Mrs. Claus handed out the candy cane.

This one was not shy at all, as she tells Santa how old she is.

Probably my most favorite capture of the day, as this little guy waits to see if he made the "naughty" or "nice" list. According to his mom he has been a little bit naughty lately and by the looks of this he knows it! But Santa always makes sure the little ones make it on the "nice" list.

The big kids also have their turn with Santa, and by the looks of it I'm not sure Ian and Chase are so sure they should be making it to the "nice" list.

After Santa leaves Grandma Pat always makes sure there is a kids craft waiting to be made.

This year it was paper sack reindeer's

in preparation for the sing along that started with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!

The three days before Christmas a local family sponsors a live Nativity pageant. This was their 34th year performing and our first year of experiencing this wonderful event.

Local residents volunteer their time to be part of the production,

What a great experience to watch the true meaning of Christmas.

My favorite part of Christmas is the ability to spend time with my extended family, which normally looks like this, bodies piled on top of each other on the couch.

A Christmas brunch wouldn't be complete without fresh baked cinnamon rolls.

I hope everyone was able to enjoy their Christmas surrounded by loved ones.

And Now She's...

That's right, my niece's little daughter turned 3 last month.

 This little session went so smoothly, no crying with lots of this

and this.

Maybe 3 is going to be the magic age that she'll finally decide that my camera is her friend.

 How adorable is that outfit. We had to borrow it from under Great Grandma's Christmas tree, shhh! don't tell.

 My favorite of the day has to be this one. I don't know what to say other than simply adorable!

 What better way for a 3 year old to end a photo session than to blow birthday confetti at Aunt Joni over and over again.

Starting that Christmas Spirit

I'm trying my best to get into the Christmas Spirit. Kurt Bestor Christmas has been a tradition for my mom and I for more years than I'd like to count. We've missed the last couple of years, but in the spirit of tradition we made it this year.

His concerts definitely get you in the Christmas Spirit. Notice the iPad on the piano. I guess reading sheet music now has an "App" on the iPad. I'm curious how the pages move along because he did not touch it at all. Comment if you happen to know.

After the concert we met my brother's family, who were waiting to attend the later performance, and had dinner and strolled through the lights at Temple Square. Regardless of your religious preferences, you have to be in agreement that some things are simply beautiful.

Really, I was there too, you just don't notice the person behind the camera!

I feel really blessed to have parents that still enjoy these types of outings.

Beauty or The Beast

Bright and early on a Saturday morning I was greeted with this being pulled into our driveway. 

Say hello to The Beast. This is Bob's latest acquisition being added to his collection. It's the result of his latest barter.

What did he barter with, you may be asking. Much to my disappointment he decided to barter with this sleek and sexy Beauty.

He owned this Beauty before we were married so I really couldn't stop him from making such a drastic trade. Evidentially, my inability to let go and enjoy the wind filled (and exhaust filled) ride of the Beauty had something to do with his decision. He's excited to transform The Beast into a hauler for his restored projects, right now that would only be the tractor. 

I still can't believe he traded the sleek and sexy Beauty for the big and boxy Beast. What do you think, Beauty or The Beast?

After the dinner

There's something about having Thanksgiving dinner with your mom's traditional dressing (stuffing), that was passed down from her mother, to make your Thanksgiving complete. It's the little things like that, that make my holiday's feel complete. You won't find any pictures of the preparation of Thanksgiving dinner in this post because everyone prepares a little something to bring with them, and I really don't think a post of me taking the frozen pie crust out of the plastic wrapper and placing it in the oven is picture worthy. But you will find lots of pictures of my favorite part of Thanksgiving day which is after dinner when you find the family relaxing,

some snuggling,

some taking naps,

and others being harassed by Grandpa.

Madalyn had to work, but was able to make it before all the leftovers were put away.

It was a nice surprise to see Chase walk through the door and visit for a few minutes.

Doesn't Bob look like he's getting a little too comfortable in that chair.

The part of the day that puts the biggest smile on Grandma's face is game time. 

As the family has grown, everyone is busier and the opportunity for family games is often rare. I miss playing games with my family because we always have so much fun. So yes, after dinner was the best part of my Thanksgiving day.

It may look like we're gambling here, it's a game called Wits & Wagers that is family friendly for all ages. Luckily for me, we get to bet on other players answers, so I don't feel like such a trivia loser!