On Christmas Day we had some family come up from Bakersfield. James' parents, his sister Margaret, brother David and his wife Nicole. Margaret and David and Nicole are actually from Utah. They were allready in Bakersfield visiting James' parents.

Aunt Nicole was scratching Olivia's back and she was so relaxed. We prepared (or terrified) David and Nicole who are expecting their first in just a few months.

Crossbows and catapults was the big hit this Christmas with Derick. . . . . oh who am I kidding James turned into an 8 years old and his brother David was right along with him.

Uncle David jamming out.

James and Margaret

Grandpa explaining the benefits of having a HAM radio!!!!

Kaitlyn and Aunt Nicole working on her digital camcorder.

Christmas!!!!!

For Christmas Eve we went to our good friends home and had dinner, the kids opened some presents, and acted out the nativity. Taylor was suppose to be a shepherd but wanted to be a donkey instead. So throughout the whole thing she is hee haa'ing and jumping around.

So with all those Christmas cards with families smiling perfectly and everything in order, don't you ever just want to see the pictures that didn't "quite" make it. Today after we came home from church we set our timer on the camera and took some pictures. As I was looking at them on the computer, I decided that instead of deleting those, where the kids aren't smiling or looking at the camera, I'd post them. THIS is our family!!!!!



Olivia kept pulling off her bow, and I believe Kaitlyn is pulling out a wedgie!!!!!

Dressed for Church

The better ones!!!

It's funny how some traditions just happen. Making christmas treats is one of those and is now our favorite part about Christmas. I've really thought alot lately about making lasting and meaningful memories that eventually the kids will pass down to their kids. Something that was cool today was using my Grandma Great's nut chopper, which is the kids favorite part and something Taylor can do. It's fun to see all of the kids anticipate making the goodies and working together and having a good time doing it. They are so much fun!!!!
I made some treats the other day while they were at school and they freaked out!!! I told them I didn't make the 2 kinds that they liked to make and that helped a little. So today (while Olivia took a 3 hour nap!!!) we had the Christmas music going, aprons on, and continued our special tradition of making candy.

Licking the bowl clean!!!!!

I told Derick to act natural. . . . . he didn't get it!

Our neighbor and good friend Taylor (on the left) was over today and had fun helping.

For the last day before break their was a 3rd grade breakfast and pajama day. I helped with it and decided to bring Olivia in her jammies. She was the center of attention not only from the girls but the boys too. Olivia loved all the kids and it was fun for Derick to show off his little baby sister. What a fun morning with donuts, sausage, bacon and eggs, kids, and afterwards. . . . lots of hand sanitizer.

Seattle

This past weekend me and James flew to Seattle and then drove up to Canada for his company party. It was fun seeing our friends up there and esp. eating at IXTAPA!!!!!!! I didn't realize how much I missed all the trees. However it rained most of the time we were there and drove with our lights on in the middle of the day so that wasn't too fun. I forgot to take my camera out the whole time until we were driving through Seattle to the airport. oh well. (Does this make you homesick Steph?)



Safeco field and the new football stadium

Mt. Rainer............ When I look at this picture I want to cuddle up on the couch with a big blanket and some hot cocoa.

Pictures with Santa at our Ward Party. Taylor was scared to death of Santa last year and this year she was lovin' him. I think it's because she's figured out that he is going to bring her some toys. I love the one of Olivia looking at Santa like, "Who the heck are you?"