Christmas 2009

What an eventful few days it has been. Last Friday (one week ago) , we went to watch Andrew and Noah at the annual "Jingle Jam" at their school. Anyone who knows these two, knows they are not performers. It's funny to watch the rest of the kids singing and getting into the performances, and to see Andrew and Noah both standing there, kind of mouthing the words. They are definitely their father's children. I will say, they looked really cute in their reindeer and elf attire.Christmas Eve was an adventure, as we headed to the annual Ellison Christmas party. I am sorry to say that I forgot my camera, as it would have been nice to have pictures. We had an "ugly Christmas attire" contest, in which the contestants did not disappoint. I have to say, being large with child, I figured that would qualify for "ugly" attire. Do not try to convince me that it's cute or that it is attractive. Anyone who claims a large pregnant belly is beautiful is flat-out lying. Sorry. That's how I feel about it. Anyway, the winners of the contest deserved their prizes (cousin Dave with the antlers protruding from his shirt, and cousin Spencer in the worst Christmas/poker get-up you can possibly imagine; the high-water pants were horrific). Anyway, we had fun catching up with cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandma and siblings.

Christmas morning was AWESOME. It's so fun to have kids this time of year, and I couldn't have received any present as great as watching them delight in their winnings. Santa surprised the kids with a Nintendo Wii, and they are smitten with it. I don't mind it like I did the Playstation, because the kids really have fun playing with each other, and the interactive nature of the Wii makes it a fun family activity. Andrew probably likes it the best, and watching him do the Wii Sports boxing is hilarious. I was laughing so hard I almost cried.

Santa also brought Andrew and Noah Legos, MP3 players, Bakugans and scooters. Grandma and Grandpa Ricks gave the boys Wii games and more Legos, of course. Ella received the gift of her life from Grandma and Grandpa Ricks; a Fur-Real Kitty that she is obsessed with. This thing is like a real cat; it purrs, meows, rolls on its back and licks its' paws. She also got tons of Littlest Pet Shop pets, Webkinz, a Barbie movie, and an 18 inch doll. Ava loves her Disney Princesses (all 7 of them), her fridge magnets, her Fur-Real Panda and her dress-ups. She has this thing with undressing all the princesses and playing with them without any clothing. I don't know what that's about, but I figure she's two, so I'll let it slide.

We ate breakfast at home and then ventured to Farmington to visit Brian's family. We had fun opening our presents, and the boys LOVE their Utah Jazz jerseys from Grandma and Grandpa Smith and their Utah Jazz blankets that Aunt Leslie was so sweet to give them. Grandma Addie made Ella and Ava THE CUTEST skirts you have ever seen. I can't wait to put them on them for church in the morning. I don't think I have ever seen cuter skirts. She also made several aprons for her daughters and myself, and they are super cute as well. My Mother-in-Law is extremely talented!

Here you can kind of see my Mother-in-Law holding Ava's skirt. I wish I had a better picture. I'll take one later and post it!

We got home in time to play a little more Wii and to build Noah's Lego fire-station. It has been a fabulous holiday, and the best part has been being together as a family and enjoying the time we have together. I feel blessed every single day to have such a wonderful family and to know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true and that Brian and I have each other and our children forever. That knowledge is the greatest gift I have, and I am so thankful for a Savior who makes it possible. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!!!