Christmas

There was a whole lot of family and merriment in the days leading up to Christmas this year

We got all of our shopping and busy stuff done before, so we were able to spend the whole week just enjoying the season and the gorgeous weather.

The boys and I had fun making a million sugar cookies.  It took hours, but I am glad we did it.  They turned out great and the kids had a blast.

Then we spent a couple of evenings going out and delivering treats to some of the people we love.  I was happy to stop by and visit with friends I hadn't seen in so many years.  It really got me in the Christmas spirit!!  The only problem with living in the same small town you grew up in is that there are always like a hundred more people you wish you could go visit and take cookies to.  We are blessed to be here in a valley full of wonderful, loving people!

On Christmas Eve, Santa dropped off a Christmas present a little early for Brad's Dad.

A new Viking.  He was super surprised and it was so fun to watch.  The kids were all just as excited I think.

The longer it stayed on the front lawn, the more neighbors wandered over to see it..

Later we had a big family party for the Leatham side of the family at the elementary school.  Everyone brought Mexican food and we visited and played embarrassing games and then there was a piñata for the kids.  It was a lot of fun!!

After the family party we came home and the kids put out treats for Santa and his reindeer, we read the story of Christ's birth from the bible, sang a few Christmas songs and then it was off to bed.

See how thrilled the boys are with taking a picture??

We were up too late on Christmas Eve, as always.  We had hot chocolate and talked until it was passed midnight.

Santa came and surprised everyone with the presents that were left.

We got the babies up at 7am.  I think that they would have slept til 9am if we had let them

They were soon in to their stockings and smiling and laughing

That's my favorite part of Christmas by far!!  Those boys and their honest reactions to each little trinket or treat they find.

After all the presents were opened, it was time to just play.  I could watch them play for hours.  Their little voices and little imaginations make everything wonderful.

We took the Viking out for a little ride and the boys were so happy. (including Brad) I think that we will have to take that out a few more times...

Then all the family arrived and the kitchen got good and busy

And we had great meal and lots of good conversation

It was an almost perfect Christmas.  If Brad, Clark and I hadn't got sick Christmas night, it would have been completely perfect.  Still, pretty close though.

Winter Days

Remember how I was just barely posting pictures like this?

And this?  With the warm sun shining, all of us still in shorts and tshirts...

Well not anymore!  Winter has arrived in Overton and we have been freezing!!!

Sweaters everyday and these crazy boys hate them.  They just want to run in their skivvies everyday, but as soon as I turn my back and they strip down, they start shivering.  They are not fans.

Maybe if we take them up to St. George to play in the snow (since they got dumped on) the cold will all seem worth it.  That's what works for me ;)

But in the meantime, I'm going to be perfectly honest with you, we have not been leaving the house a whole lot lately.  Poor Brad has to go to work everyday, and Clarky has school, but other than that.... its just not been real tempting. 

Blankets and warm fires and tv and books are all way more enticing.

And oh isn't this a familiar sight.  Football dominates our lives this time of year.

My favorite spot in the house is right in front of this fire!  I settle in, Dad finds his way to other chair before too long, and its become a daily ritual that we just sit in front of that fire for hours and talk.  He always has stories I've never heard ;)  I love our new winter day talks!

Grandma has been doing a little 'Christmas crafting' with the kids and they sure are loving it!

In other Christmas-related news, the Grinch came to our house to visit!  As a gift to all the nursery, the leaders came dressed up to visit all their kids in class.  Kalvin loved it, but Clarky was scared to death.  hahaha  He even took his mask off and Clark still wouldn't go near him.

Guzzle has been getting into all sorts of trouble.  Its been hilarious.  Seems every morning, after the boys discover his mischief, Clark just shakes his head and says, 'I just cant believe this.'  hahaha

But, with colder weather always comes sickness.  Clarky got hit with is good.  He had a high fever for days and such a sore throat that he almost completely lost his voice.  He was so sad and so annoyed.  Poor guy.  His fever broke and his voice is somewhat back now, so he is on the mend.  Crossing our fingers that no one else gets it.

But the cold also means this guy wears long-sleeve shirts and I LOVE a guy in long-sleeve shirts!  He looks so dapper everyday ;) 

  We are trying to enjoy the cold as best we can now, cause as soon as Christmas is over, winter just seems annoying and pointless.