Merry And Bright

Christmas always has a special place in my heart. This year, Christmas seemed to be extra special. Ethan is the PERFECT age for understanding everything about Christmas. He woke up every morning with excitement to find Christopher,

Ethan was esthetic each time he got to meet Santa. 

He asked Santa to bring him a real pirate sword and a rocket ship. 

Todd didn't know what to think of the Big Jolly Guy,  

and cried every time.

Ethan always is excited to participate in the Nativity. 

Each year he has been a Shepherd.

We spent Christmas Eve with Brett's Family. It is always so much fun and the food is always delicious. I love watching children and seeing their excitement for Santa to come. 

All the Grandkids got Sock Monkeys and all the Adults got this Flying Screaming Monkey

There were 14 of these noisy guys flying across the room. 

I always love getting these kind of pictures on Christmas eve. 

That night when we were getting Ethan ready for bed, we talked about the true meaning of Christmas, made sure we got the cookies and milk ready for Santa and sent him off to bed. It was easier than I thought it would be. He knew that Santa would not come if he was awake. The next morning was full of 

Christmas Magic

 Christmas morning was BEAUTIFUL. We defiantly got our White Christmas.

 We loaded up the wagon and headed over to Brett's Parents house for more presents and breakfast. Brett's Mom makes the best Breakfast Casseroles :)

Later we went back home and watched the movies that Santa brought us in our stockings. 

Christmas is my favorite day of the whole year. It is a FULL day of joy and contentment. 

Later we headed to my parents and spent the evening with them. 

I really enjoy finding that special gift for someone. This year I made my Dad a levi quilt. He loves to go fishing and loves writing Kilroy was here on EVERYTHING. So, I sewed some fishing embroidery designs and even a Kilroy to make it a little more special for him. I was so excited to give it to him. He loved it. 

 As a parent, I have found it hard to not buy everything for my kids for Christmas. For example. Ethan asked Santa for a Pirate Sword. My mind went a little crazy, I wanted to get him everything involved with Pirates. I wanted to buy him a pirate ship, a pirate costume, a hook costume, all the little play figures, etc, etc, etc... I did indulge in a few of those. I decided to make him a real Treasure Map with my new embroidery machine. I spent a Lot of time working on it, had to fix a few problems with it and was really excited.

Sadly, Ethan has found much more joy playing with this Treasure Map that came with the Pirate sword.

I just need to learn not to compete with DISNEY ;(

Ginger Bread House

12-12-12

I had the chance to make another wedding cake.

&

My Parents celebrated their 37th Wedding Anniversary. 

I made an extra cake for my parents.

They are still so cute and full of love for each other. I hope to someday have the same joy and love for my wonderful husband Brett. 

The Polar Express

Ethan is a HUGE fan of  The Polar Express!  I am a little bit too :)

We have watched the movie over and over. Every time they bring out the Hot Chocolate, Ethan has to have hot chocolate too. He knows all the songs and even tells the little boy to "GET ON THE TRAIN"

So this year we decided to go ride The Polar Express up Heber Canyon. It was so much fun! 

 We got cookies and hot chocolate, Elfs were on the Train singing christmas carols with us. There was even a Train Robber that is trying to get on Santa's Good List by helping the Elfs.

Ethan LOVED the entire trip. He knew exactly what to expect and was so excited to see Santa

and receive the First Gift of Christmas.

I even think Todd loved it.

Here Comes Santa!!!

 Our ward threw the best Christmas Party ever. Totally over the top, but so much fun.

It was a Who Christmas centering on Cindy Lou Who asking what the true meaning of christmas was. 

We even had our own Cindy Lou Who

 The decorations were out of this world PERFECT, SO CUTE and well done by all.

I'm not sure what Todd thought about Santa this year. Wasn't much of a fan. 

                                        Ethan Loved everything about Santa. Asked Santa to bring him a Pirate sword and a rocket ship. And YES, It changes every day. 

Oh Christmas Tree

So, ever since Brett and I got married, his family has always gone the day after Thanksgiving and cut down their Christmas Trees. We never went because we have an artificial tree. No sap, easy take down etc. 

UNTIL... This Year! 

We decided to go with the family and not get a tree. Just have a good time. 

IT WAS A BLAST! 

He's SO strong ;)

Ethan was so much fun. He came up to me and said "Mom, I found the MOST BEAUTIFUL TREE" I asked him to show it to me. After a short little hike he took me to this tree. 

"LOOK!!!! IT'S ORANGE!!!"

I love Him SO much!

Ethan got to spend the WHOLE day on the 4 wheeler with Grandpa :)

Ethan loved climbing the trees and I even got a few great pictures.

I feel bad we have not ever gone before. This will always be a tradition and maybe we will even get a permit to cut down that Beautiful Orange Tree next year. :)