Christmas Day

It was so difficult to get the kids to sleep on Christmas Eve. However Christmas morning they did not want to wake up. Thad and I were both awake before the kids. Taylor was asleep in our bed with us, so I tried to wake her up and ask her if she wanted to go see what Santa brought her. We just received a grumpy noise in return.

Once we finally woke up both kids and got them down stairs, Aiden and Taylor had an amazing Christmas. Santa brought Taylor the cutest kitchen set. She spends hours making cookies and cakes for us. Aiden received roller blades and a new bike. I ended up spending a good couple of hours pulling Aiden on his roller blades. He is really getting better. This summer I would not be surprised if he is flying all around the neighborhood.

After our family Christmas we did the rounds to both my moms and Thad's parents. The kids were spoiled like usually. However, I was included in this as well. My mom got me a treadmill. I have been wanting one for years. Now don't ask how many times I have used it, but I have been sick and really tired.

Cord and Judy purchased an old Singer sewing machine for me. It was from the early 1900s. I really want to try sewing on it to see how it works. I am still in the process of setting up my craft room, but I expect to have it on display soon.

All Thad wanted this year was money towards new golf clubs. He was not disappointed either. He has already been down to St George to test them out.

Christmas Eve Party

I will add pictures later, but at least this way I can continue to catch up on my posts.

We usually host an annual Christmas Eve Party for our siblings and parents. We have dinner, games and a special visitor. This year was especially fun for us as Santa was making a special announcement.

Santa takes a break from his very busy schedule of delivering presents to all the good boys and girls of the world. He presents each child with a small gift and personally wishes them a "Merry Christmas!" This year each child received pajamas. It was perfect!!

Aiden absolutely loved seeing Santa. We missed Santa at the mall this year and he told Santa the wrong present at his Challenger program so this was his chance to change what he wanted for Christmas. Taylor was scared to death. I had to sit on the couch next to Santa holding a crying Taylor just to get any picture, but she loved her pajamas as soon as he left. All of the other kids had a great time as well. Brody screamed with delight. It was the cutest thing ever.

Just before Santa was to get back to his busy night, he remembered he had one more present and asked Aiden and Taylor to open the present for their baby brother or sister. This was the first time telling most of the family that we were expecting. It was a lot of fun to have the entire family together to make this announcement.

Quite a few people had already guessed that we were expecting as I have been so sick for the last three months. Oh well! They at least let me pretend that they did not know.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays! I love having the families get together and just enjoy being around each other.

Aiden's School Program

CHALLENGER SCHOOL
Aiden has been going to Challenger for a year and half now. It has been such a great experience. He has learned so much. This year he is in Pre-K. He has been learning how to blend and read real books and complete book reports on them as well. They have also started to learn math, adding and subtracting. Aiden has really thrived there. Next year Aiden will go to regular kindergarten. I am a little hesitant about the change, but it will be good to be with friends in the neighborhood.

In December we had the opportunity to attend Aiden's Winter Program. He sang so well and know all the actions. If I can figure out how to download the video from the camera I will post some of his songs.

After the program he got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what he would like for Christmas. It was a great day for Aiden. By the way Aiden was so excited to dress himself, I could not convince him that a t-shirt, dress pant and snow boots were not the best outfit for a program. Oh well :)

Girls Night In

A couple of weeks ago the boys went to a Jazz game. Unfortunately they lost, but Aiden and Thad had a good time. However since the last two games Thad went to the Jazz lost. We are starting the think he is bad luck.

Taylor and I have a wonderful evening. We had manicures and pedicures, did our hair, ate cookie dough and watch chick flicks. Of course the only color we could paint our toes was pretty princess pink. I love having Girls Night In with Taylor!!

Happy Halloween

Both Aiden and Taylor understood Halloween this year. They were so excited. I think AIden wore 4 different costumes.

1. Ninja Turtle

2. Jedi Knight

3. Cowboy

4. Ninja

He finally decided on being a cowboy, wearing Papa Bray's cowboy hat. Taylor was Tinkerbell. I stayed home and answered the door while Thad and the kids went on a candy rampage throughout the neigborhood. I think they made it 10 houses before it was time to come home.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Catching Up

So I guess I took a six month break from the blogging world. Here is my attempt to catch up on what has been going on.

Sorry for having so many posts. I will try to put them in order. Wish me luck!

Lagoon

About a week ago, Jordan came to visit us. We had an amazing time playing games, hanging out at the cabin and going to Lagoon. I absolutely love going to amusement parks. Jordan and I sepnt the afternoon going on the big rides. I really liked Wicked and the spider. Wicked shots riders straight up 11o feet and then drops 110 feet straight down before going through a corkscrew and other roller coaster hills. I loved the spider because we were able to go down the first hill on the roller coaster backwards and then the cart spins.

Jordan is an expert on roller coasters, so I was worried Lagoon would not compare to all the other coasters he has been on. However, I think Wicked ended up in his top 5.

Later in the afternoon Thad and kids joined us. Aiden loved the rides. Taylor not so much. Dad and Taylor on Puff the Magic Dragon. Everytime we went on this ride Taylor told us "Too much, no more"

Aiden had to ride on the tiger. This is Aiden after I have taken way too many pictures and he is just trying to humor me by giving his fake smile.

This is the one ride I refuse to go on. Jordan and Thad went on both Re-entry and Blast Off.

Taylor and Aiden waiting in line for the boats. At the very last minute, Taylor backed out and Aiden went alone.

I remember riding these boats when I was little.

Taylor loved the flowers.

Aiden flying on a bee.

Just like Papa and flying an airplane.

Taylor's first time on Puff the Magic Dragon. She looks pretty happy.

Dad, Aiden and Jordan.

Here is Taylor trying to climb off the tiger, which by the way did not move, while the ride was moving. I don't think she is ready for rides yet. Maybe next year.