Family Dinner

Last night we drove half way to Flagstaff to have dinner at Scott's brother's house (ok- it was in North Phoenix, but that is half way to Flagstaff for us). The kids had a great time playing with their cousins, especially the ones from Ohio who are visiting. Kristen got a puppy for Christmas so Madison and the other girls spent the night playing with the new dog. That was very surprising since Madison has a huge fear of dogs, but now Madison wants a dog. Scott got a new camera for Christmas, and since his pictures turned out better then mine I am posting them.

Blake

Blake has had a little cold this past week. Last night he woke up choking on phlegm around 2am. He was also pulling on his ear and saying that it hurt so, I brought him back to my bed and Scott and I went downstairs to get him medicine. I came upstairs with a chewable Motrin and told Blake it was medicine for his ear. And what did he do? Put it inside his ear, good thing it didn't really fit. Since that didn't work Scott gave Blake liquid Tylenol and Blake and I went and slept on the playroom floor (or at least I slept- Blake watch Wow Wow).

Merry Christmas

As usual, I was the first to wake up on Christmas morning. I was up around 430am, Madison 545am, Ben and Megan 630am, Blake 645am, and finally Scott at 7am. Scott went downstairs to see if Santa came and to set up the camera and turn on the lights. Luckily, the kids were just barely good enough this year for Santa to come. We lined up youngest to oldest and headed downstairs. I thought Megan would head straight for her stocking, but she instead headed for the tree to change the Countdown to Christmas to 0. Santa was very generous this year. Megan finally received her much wanted guitar, Ben got legos, Madison Littlest Pet Shop houses, and Blake: a horse and firetruck. Santa also left everyone clothes and books.

After breakfast (cinnamon rolls) we headed over to the tree to open our gifts from the family. Everyone received great toys and games. I got a new camera, pantry shelving, and a new calendar. Scott received a new camera, camping tools, and games.

We then went to Scott's parents for presents and then headed back home to get ready for the family dinner at my house. We had 33 people over, and it didn't feel too crowded. Thank goodness for open floor plans. The kids enjoyed playing with their cousins and didn't really eat. The rest of us thought the food was great and I enjoyed spending time with my relatives. Scott did mention that we needed to buy more chairs for next year so everyone will fit. After dinner everyone left and we were able to relax and enjoy our gifts.

I did notice another Christmas gift today- Termites!! When are they going to leave??

Christmas Eve

Each year on Christmas Eve we head to Tiffany's house for dinner, and this year was no different. We tried to start dinner earlier this year- 3pm- but somehow we still didn't start eating until 4pm. We had our traditional pizza (Barros) and pie (Village Inn) for dessert. The kids each opened pj's from Grandma and Grandpa Ensign, and their cousin gift. Ben was so excited that he got legos, Blake loved his dump truck, Madison enjoyed her Hannana Montana barbie, and Megan was excited to see her gift was a polly pocket uno game. After presents we headed to the temple to see Luke II and walk around the lights. I enjoyed listening to the music as we hurriedly walked around the temple. I think next year I will go to the visitors center earlier in the year to listen to the Christmas music.

After the lights we quickly headed home to put out milk and cookies for Santa and spread reindeer food on the driveway.

Railroad Park

After the cookie party we headed up to McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale to ride the holiday train. We go early to allow the kids to play at the park and run out the wiggles. The kids always enjoy the play structures (they have some of the best), and they also like the wild west houses. My parents and Karl had just arrived on Monday so we met up with them and Tiffany's family at the park. After the kids played for a bit we had dinner at McDonalds then headed back to ride the train. The lines were longer this year, and I think that was due to the rain we have had the last few nights, but it wasn't bad. As long as there are cousins to play with the kids don't mind waiting in line. While in line we were able to talk with Karl about his future wife (July 31st is the wedding), so I didn't mind waiting either. Blake was so excited about being able to ride the train. He kept saying 'All Aboard'.

Cookie Party

Yesterday was our annual cousins cookie party. The kids enjoy going to Kim's house and decorating sugar cookies with tons of candy. This year Ben and Blake didn't come, and instead went to the ASU basketball game. I think they missed out on a ton of fun with the girls. Although, I can't blame Ben for not wanting to be with the girls. I had an easy time this year with just bringing Madison and Megan- I should have had Scott watch Blake the past 2 years also. I was impressed with how my girls carefully frosted and decorated the cookies- I would have ate one of their creations.

It's too bad we don't see each other more often because the kids always play so well together. Tiffany and Jody and their kids were leaving around one, so I went outside and told Madison 10 minutes. Makayla (Kim's daughter) asked me what time it was and I said it was 1- and Makayla said, well my party ends at 2 so it wasn't time for Madison to leave. Well alright then, since we didn't have any other plans we stayed until the party ended at two o'clock.

Kim also made her 'green smoothie' for us- and I no longer think she is crazy for drinking that (lol). I thought it was good, and will start making that. Megan tried a little and said it was alright and so did Madison. Once I told them it would help them to grow taller, both girls had another cup full. I love playing the short card!

Gingerbread House

This entire holiday season the kids have been asking to do a Gingerbread house. We have done them every year, but this year I debated ending the tradition. Currently in my household I have 4 kids that have turned into mice. I call them mice because every time I leave the kitchen I hear wrappers opening, feet scurrying, and later find crumbs where food used to be. We have had stomach aches, throwing up candy, and no doubt tooth decay from all the sugar. So I hesitated on Monday morning while at Costco when the kids asked if we could buy the gingerbread kit. I gave in, after all tradition is tradition.

The kids had a great time putting the house together. Blake did great- so long as he had something to put candy on, he didn't put candy in his mouth. Once again we walked away hoping to remember our suggestions to make next years house easier, and prettier. But, I do think we did a great job this year!

Madison's Christmas Recital

Madison's gymnastics group had their winter recital this past Friday. Madison was excited because she was able to wear a sparkly santa hat, and stripped leg warmers. Scott took Madison to the performance since Ben, Megan, Blake, and I went to the ward Christmas party since the Primary was singing. Aside from some music and light problems the performance went well and Madison had fun.

At the ward Christmas party we sat at table 12- and it was the second to last table to eat. So, we had plenty of time to talk and play while we waited for dinner. After dinner we saw a Santa helper, which was fun for the kids. Some kids thought that it was really Santa- to which my kids had to tell them that it was just a helper, Santa is too busy to come visit everybody. Whoops. Next year I will tell them to let other kids believe that he is the real Santa.

Christmas Trains

Yesterday Scott took the kids over to his parents house for their annual Christmas candy train creation. The kids had a great time making the 3 musketeer trains with lifesavers, coconut, chocolates, etc. Marita also had made each of the kids aprons to wear while making the trains and then they could bring them home. Last night we went to a Christmas party. I had asked my friend previously if I could bring anything, and she said no, so I assumed their would be a good amount of food choice their. I was wrong- I have never seen so many different cookies and cakes, and goodies made by one person for a party. Tons of things. My kids were in heaven. Ben went missing for awhile, and Scott found him standing by the food table shoveling cookies into his mouth. Blake had a great time admiring her outdoor water feature and fire pit. I love Christmas parties.

Christmas Play

Ben's class play was last night. All the second graders performed holiday songs celebrating Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukkah. Ben was excited to sing 'Rocking Around the Christmas Tree' and practiced that song over and over. He let his knowledge go to his head a bit- he keeps correcting us on the correct words of O Christmas Tree. The play was great- and again I am thankful that it only lasts 30 minutes.

This morning Ben ran out to the car holding his shoes and socks. We realized a block away from the school that he only had 1 sock. He was getting quite upset and didn't want me to bring him a sock after I walked the girls to their class lines. This is when Nolan said that he was wearing 2 pairs of socks and Ben could borrow one sock. I asked Nolan why he would be wearing 2 pairs of socks to which he replied he always wore 2 pairs for just in case Ben needed one. Nolan saved the day.

How cute is this

How cute is Blake's hat

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving we went over to Scott's parents house and had a late lunch/early dinner. I love the food at Thanksgiving: turkey, potatoes, rolls, salad, pretzel salad, pie, and other desserts. Can't beat that! The kids had a great time playing outside and downstairs in the playroom. By the time we came home, Tiffany and her kids were already here and ready to spend the night. I didn't sleep well that night. I was planning on getting up at 3am, but at 2am I was wide awake, so I decided to get ready to shop. We got to Walmart at 3:10am thinking that the store opened at 4am-- but nope, not until 5am. But it was good that we got there early because Tiffany was second in line for her camera. At 4am when we heard that Walmart didn't open for another hour, I left Walmart and headed to SportsAuthority for there 5am opening. Tiffany and I later met up at Kohls before heading to Michaels, Target, the mall, Costco, and Walgreens. Busy morning.

Friday afternoon we always put up our Christmas decorations. As Megan said, "This is the best time ever!". I agree, I love everything Christmas. If only it would snow for one day then we would have it all.

Thanksgiving Play

Today was Megan's Thanksgiving play at school, and she was so excited. She asked me to curl her hair last night, and then she wanted to find her bonnet (she says 'bon-net'), so she could wear it instead of a paper one. We also had to find a skirt of Madison's for her to borrow so she could look more like a pilgrim. Madison and Ben also wanted to see the play so we checked them out of their classes to watch. Megan did great on her line. It was 5 lines long (she was the introduction) and she was able to memorize the whole part. The class did some cute songs, and the whole thing was over in less than 20 minutes. Afterward Madison and Ben went back to their classes. During dinner Megan asked Scott to bring the video of the play to Grammy's to watch on Thanksgiving, and Ben said 'Dad was there?'. Gee Ben, if you looked at who was next to you- you would have seen Dad. A few weeks ago Scott made shish-kabobs and wanted me to take a picture showing how pretty they are. As funny as I thought that was they really were good.

Neighborhood Party

Goodbye last Saturday off from school. It feels very weird shopping and hanging around the house on Saturday. For the past year my Saturday's have been busy, so it is really weird sleeping in (until 630am) and lazily getting ready for the day. My Mom, Blake, Aunt Dot, and I spent the morning at 2 craft fairs in Mesa. I haven't gone to a fair in a few years, so it was great going again. Blake didn't really enjoy himself.

Yesterday afternoon was our neighborhood party. Scott was thrilled to see the 3 bounce houses, free food,hayride, and ponyrides. He was glad that we pay so much each month to our HOA to be able to afford the party. Aside from that sour topic, it was a lot of fun. We took Ben's friend Ammon with us and he said he had a great time. Ben, Ammon, and Quinton (another friend in the neighborhood) spent most of the time at the park playing Star Wars Clone Wars. That is Ben's favorite thing to play at the moment. Madison and Megan spent a good hour in line waiting to have their faces painted. The ponies showed up at 5pm and the girls and Ammon each rode one. I was surprised Megan really wanted to, since she has a fear of dogs. But I guess a miniture pony is not so scary. We stayed over 2 hours, and left tired. A great time.

I have been cleaning during this break from school. Windows, blinds, lights... Things I normally don't get to during the normal weeks. I cleaned the air vents this past summer and thought I did all the ceiling vacumming at that time- until I looked up at my bathroom exhaust fan this past week. Very Gross- so much dust. We use that exhaust fan during showers and for the past 5 years I never cleaned it. I am adding that to my yearly schedule because it was covered, really covered, in dust yesterday. We had to remove the cover from the ceiling and wash it and vacuum the inside of the fan. Wow- I checked the kids fan and it was very clean (big surprise since no one ever uses that bathroom). I checked the downstairs bathroom and that one needed to be cleaned also. How does all that dust get up there??