A Christmas to Remember!

Christmas Eve (eve) -

Christmas came a day early at our house this year. We had an early flight to Utah on Christmas morning so we asked Santa if he would mind coming a day early. He said that it wouldn't be a problem. That Santa is so flexible.

We had a great Christmas Eve (eve), spreading reindeer food on the lawn, opening the kids Christmas jammies and reading about Jesus' birth. Once the cookies for Santa were out, it was off to bed.

Christmas Morning (a day early) -

The kids were glad to find that Santa kept his word and did indeed come a day early. Sam and Audrey managed to sleep until 7am and we let them open their stockings before Ben woke up. Once Ben was up the present opening began. They were thrilled with all of their gifts and felt that they truly got everything they wanted (I am thankful for their young memories that conveniently forget some of the things they may have asked for that didn't end up under the tree).

Breakfast!

Just when they thought that the presents were all unwrapped I pointed out an envelope in the tree. Inside the envelope was a card telling the kids that there was one more gift from Mommy and Daddy in the office. Off they went and they were so excited when they unwrapped a "little-big" car! Audrey has been talking about and saving money for (with Sam's help) an electric car for months. We were able to convince them to instead, use the money that they had saved, more than $40, to buy some toys to donate to Toys 4 Tots. They did just that and as a reward for their generosity, we decided to pick up the tab for the car ourselves. As you can see in the pictures, it is being thoroughly enjoyed.

Happy Birthday to Sam!

I know that it is cliché to say but, I can't believe that my Sam is seven!!! Really, how do I have a child who is so old?

We have truly enjoyed the last seven years with this funny, artistic, smart, likeable and handsome boy. He can really make us crazy sometimes but we wouldn't trade him for anything. He always knows how to make you feel loved and who could ever get tired of being told that you are "infinity gorgeous"? Not me! I can't wait to see what the next 7 years and beyond with him have to offer. Happy Birthday, Sam!

Fun Times in Utah! -

It is always so fun to go to Utah over the Christmas break to spend some time with our family. It's hectic and sometimes tiring but also so worth it. Sam and Audrey wait all year for this chance to play with their cousins, get spoiled by Gramma and Grampa, eat yummy food and get their hands on some of that beautiful, Utah snow! Ben is just learning how much fun it is and no doubt, will be sharing with Sam and Audrey in the anticipation next year.

As an added bonus this year, the Burchetts moved back to Utah all the way from PEI. We only overlapped by one day but we were so glad that we got to see them at all. It was so hard for Sam to have to wait until the very last day of our trip to see his beloved , Mary.

Here are some highlights of the fun that we had...

Sleepovers with cousins.



Gramma and Grampa with all 20 grandchildren (not an easy shot to get! Note the gum stretched out in Audrey's hands. Nice!)



Ben's first real encounter with snow. He could have done without the faceplant.



Spending time with our youngest cousin, Madison.



Audrey and Anabelle, playing in the snow.



Dance class with Aunt Laurie.



Audrey's much anticipated, night at the Nutcracker Ballet.



Cabela's with the Mailwanag cousins.



Snowman building, snow angel making and snowball fights with Uncle Jonathan.





Sledding!! (Audrey asked to do this everyday)



Finally!! The Burchetts arrive. It was a quick but fun few hours.




Haas Grandchildren, minus Elise and Charlotte. We missed you guys!