2011 Christmas Galore

Christmas this year brought lots of fun, exhaustion, and smiles to the Johnson household. We were grateful to have Grandpa B. and Nonnie join us for the holiday and a good time was had by all. For some reason I missed a bunch of photo opportunities so here are a few glimpses of the big day.

Brooklyn is in her new Christmas jammies and ready to go to bed so Santa can come.

Before the kiddo's went off to bed, they each watched a special video message sent directly from the North Pole. Santa had a special machine that he could input each child's photo into and it will tell him if they have been naughty or nice. (If anyone needs this for next year go here.)

This is what Christmas looked like after Santa had come but before the kid made their morning appearance.

Christmas morning, or I should say day, came in stages. It began at 4 am with the first appearance from Aiden. He had come running into our room so excited to see if Santa had come. Luckily, he wasn't to disappointed when we sent him back to bed for a few hours, however, there was no more containing at 7am. Since his sisters and the grandparents were still sound asleep and we didn't have the heart wake them, we let him come out and see what Santa had brought him. The Lego's definitely kept him busy for a while. Brooklyn was next to arise, followed by grandpa and nonnie. Of all the days, Caitlin chose Christmas to sleep in (wish she would do that more often) so we let her. We all had a wonderful time watching the magic unwrap.

After a leisurely morning and delicious breakfast, we were of to church.

After Church we came home, opened our stockings and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Unfortunately this is where I forgot to take some pictures. We made our first prime rib for dinner and thanks to Costco it was super easy. It was also probably the best prime rib we have all had.

Here is Brooklyn trying out her new make-up.  I had to laugh because I had purposely chose a lipstick pack of make-up, but she decided it was for her eyes too.  

Everyone, including me had to get in on playing with the new toys.  It has been so long since I played with dolls.  I still love it.  

A white Christmas was not in the forecast at all, but that Santa is a smart fella and the kids found some canned snow in their stockings.  The had a great time making and playing with the minimal amount of fake snow. 

Well that was Christmas in a few glimpses, we hope yours was just as wonderful.

Christmas On Mars 2

Christmas in our home town can be quite magical and this is mostly due to a local Bank owner who loves to enrich our community.  We are so grateful for the experiences he has provided for our family.  Last year the Bear Hotel was transformed into Christmas on Mars and this year it returned with a few new twists.  

Here is one of the local "cracknackers" (this is what Aiden used to call nutcrackers).  These are set up downtown on every corner.  We love it when they come out every year.  We drive up and down the streets to see their smiling faces.

Every year visiting Santa is a unique experience.  Aiden was eager to sit on Santa's lap and discuss his Christmas wishes.  Brooklyn was a little timid, but did sit on his lap this year and tell Santa she was excited for a princess Christmas.  Caitlin followed in her siblings footsteps and acted tortured for the whole three seconds she was on his lap for the annual photo.  

Can you say, "GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!!!"

As we travelled through Mars, we were able to walk through the martians spaceship, turn martian cookies in to real ones at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, Visit Big foot's home, and play some fun martian games.  We loved every minute and can't wait to see what the Bear Hotel will be transformed into next year.

Merry Christmas from the Bear Hotel!

Gingerbread 2011

I know, I know Better Late Than Never... That was our gingerbread motto this year.  Our intentions were to make our gingerbread house at the beginning of December but with each passing week, it got pushed back further and further.  However, in mid to late December we did have our annual gingerbread extravaganza with the Stewart's.  Even though it was a little low key this year, fun was had by all and it is an understatement to say, LOTS OF CANDY was consumed.  

This was our finished product.  We think we are getting quicker as the years go by.  Besides the baking and assembling, it only took us one long night of decorating instead of three.

Favorite feature of the year is the chocolate rocks we used for the chimney.  Maybe Shae should switch careers and go into stone masonry.  

Shot from the back of the house.

Doesn't it look good enough to eat?