A Very Merry Christmas

We had a whirlwind, but wonderful Christmas in Utah. I left with the boys Tuesday afternoon at nap time. We fared much better this trip and made it in six hours with one stop in Burley. Bill followed via airplane Friday afternoon and we packed as much family and friend time in as possible.

Playing games on Grandma Ellison's iPad. Should I be worried that he knows how to use it better than she does?!

Daniel & Grandpa Ellison

Among our many activities was a trip downtown to Temple Square on Trax. Sam & Daniel loved it. It was snowing when we got there and was just beautiful!

We also got to go to the Children's Museum with Sarah & Drew Gardiner. We love it there!

Sam's dream...flying a helicopter

Daniel, Sam & Drew

Other outings were painting at Color Me Mine and the Aquarium...

Sam with his cousins, Noah & Sloane

After picking Bill up at the airport, we drove straight out to his sister, Carrie's house where Grandma & Grandpa Whitaker and sister, Melinda and her family were. We had so much fun talking and playing.

The next morning (Christmas Eve) we drove back to Carrie's for breakfast and to see Bill's sister, Jacque and brother, James and families. We had a fun gift exchange and played lots more.

Then it was back to G & G Ellison's house for a lovely Christmas Eve dinner. The boys got in their new Christmas pj's and we finally got them both to bed by 9.

It was fun to get everything set up for Santa's arrival. I used to love to look at the Christmas tree without my contacts in. Since having lasik however, I don't get the same effect. This is the best I could do with my camera.

Christmas morning was a blur. My brother Dan and his family stayed over and we were all up by 7. We opened most presents with breakfast in between and then were off to sacrament meeting. I just loved watching the excitement in my children's eyes. We were all terribly spoiled (Bill gave me a Vitamix...I love it! Thank you!!) and had a very memorable morning.

By that afternoon, Sam & Daniel had pretty good colds starting, so we stayed in the whole day. We had to get things packed up to head back home Monday after lunch and made it home with much more than we came down with! Great trip!

2.9 Miles!

That's how far away our new temple will be from our house. We are so excited! It will still be two years before it is completed, but we can't wait!

Trimming the tree

We had a fun Sunday evening a few days ago and decorated our beautiful Grand Fir. Both Sam and Daniel really got into the spirit and...

...after just a few adjustments by Mom, the tree looked great!

Then this morning...not so great. I came downstairs after my shower to see this. When I asked Sam what happened his response was, "It felled".

Later, when I showed him the picture I'd taken and asked again what had happened he said (pointing to the red string of beads), "I pulled dith". Mystery solved.

Oh what fun!

This weekend we bought our first real Christmas tree. We drove about a half hour north of Boise to a tree farm near Horseshoe Bend with the Wilson's. They let you walk around and pick your tree and cut it down for you. It took us a while, but we found the perfect one for our home!

They also had a nice fire going with roasted chestnuts and marshmallows. It was such a fun outing and hopefully the beginning of a new family tradition.

That evening, we went to see the lights at the Botanical Gardens. It was freezing, but worth it since we haven't gotten to Temple Square.

Sam meeting Prancer

Visiting with Santa

And finally, the toy trains...a favorite! After Sam did his second face plant because he wouldn't stop running around, we called it good and went home, but had a great time!

Big boy!

I can't believe I have a three-year-old! Sam is getting so big and just keeps us laughing. We celebrated with my sister, Becky's family and our friends, the Wilson's.

Mmmmm. Pizza.

Daniel was the official holder of the balloons

Every gift was so exciting

We had all been sick earlier in the week and were just getting back to normal, so a store bought "Cars" cake had to do. It was a hit.

Happy birthday, Sammy. We're so happy you're a part of our family! We love you!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful, but quick, Thanksgiving trip to see Bill's eldest sister, Jacque & family and G & G Whitaker in Utah. Since it is the season of giving thanks, I won't complain too much that we could only leave late Wednesday evening and had to come home Friday afternoon so Bill could get back to work. We are definitely grateful for his job and everything it provides for us!

The boys had a ball playing with their Aunt Jacque, cousins, Erin, Holly and Chance and Grandpa & Grandma.

Making turkey hats

We caught Daniel with a mouthful of dog food a couple of times before moving it outside. He even got through the dog door once, but finally let it go. Poor Pepper got more attention than she probably wanted!

We had a lovely dinner and I even got to do a little Black Friday shopping with Jacque the next morning. Then we met Melinda, Carrie and their families for lunch in Bountiful before hitting the road back to Idaho. (My spare camera gave up too so I don't have pictures)

We had a great time and have so much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Festive Family Night

This afternoon we got ready for the holidays by making a little hand print turkey:

Sam was a little hesitant to get his hands all messy at first, but after the third hand print, he really enjoyed it. He especially love the googly eyes.

The boys and I drove downtown to meet Bill for the lighting of the Christmas tree at the state capitol. In my haste to get everyone and everything in the car, I dropped my camera on the kitchen tile. It's definitely not working right, but since my old camera wasn't charged, it's all I had and this is the best picture could get.

Sam and Daniel were fascinated by all of the lights. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season!

He IS listening in church!

Sam found my baster in the kitchen today and was walking around the house using it as a microphone saying, "Brothers and sisters...".

Daniel cannot be left unattended! I turned around for a second to pick up some toys and turned around to see him here. Yikes!!