Christmas Day 2008

So, after watching TV in my room for 45 minutes just waiting for the kids to wake up, around 8:10 I finally went in Averi's room to find these fun kids! They were more than happy to wake up though.

I love Christmas morning! (on a side note I have to say that I did 90% of my shopping online this year and got some killer deals. That doll house (fully furnished and with a family of 5), retails for $159 and I got it on Amazon for $47 +no tax and no shipping!!....YEAH!!)

Wade slept in (for the first time in his WHOLE life) till 8:45 when he finally decided to grace us with his presence. About a second later, he was eating one of those Kisses...oops:)

I'm bummed that I got lazy with the camera and didn't take photos of the fun time we had at Gerda's house that afternoon......oh well, I guess I'll just "steal" some photos from my sissy in laws!! (inside joke:)

Christmas Eve 2008

Jenni (and Aaron I guess:) graciously hosted Christmas Eve this year. That means I have just under 365 days to prep for next year:/. We had great food, lots of laughs, a few tears (Owen) and just an all around good time!

The kids were stationed with crafts and FUN in the garage which was probably the best idea EVER! Wade decided to have a short nap that day so he was happy to snuggle Grammy.

Man, we look tired!

What would a Bishop Family Christmas be without Christmas Charades!! Aaron never lets us down with plenty of holiday themed fun.

Ahhh...the annual MEGA MIX!! Aaron performs a medly of chrismas songs every year. I was lazy this year and didn't get it on camera but if you would like to check out last years click HERE!

As you know from my previous post, Owen was having a tough time waiting to open gifts (basically for 2 months). Aaron would call out the next kid getting a gift and as you could see, Owen was NOT happy when his name wasn't called.

FINALLY!! The first gift!! And oh it was SO worth it! Look at that face.

Merry Christmas!

Caroling Rain or Shine....

It was super rainy and cold for our annual caroling on Thoroughbred Street. There were some dear friends that couldn't make it but the weather didn't stop us from taking our kids out in the rain.....and I mean RAIN:)!

So, Jenni started the new tradition of the "tacky sweater". Only this crew above could pull off some of the worst holiday wear ever!!

The winner was definitely Jenni with her lighted sweater with battery pack and all. She basically had to hold Wade all night because he could not get enough of it.

She was totally annoyed that I nixed the tacky sweater. I blew it this year and waited till the last minute and ran out of time. She took these pics to document who "really" has Christmas spirit. I love her nerdy teacher pose :)!

Here is the brave crew!

Random Owen Comment....

"Owen, you can't look at your presents yet, you only have a couple more days"
"Mom, I'm looking...."
"Uhh no you are not, you have to wait"
"But mom, I am going to look right now....."
"No you are not. Remember, Santa is watching and if you open your gifts now, he might not be able to come."
"Mom, I am going to look at my presents....and santa doesn't watch over us....Jesus does!"

I hate it when they are right /slash smarter than us.

Annual Christmas Dinner!

Had a great time at Aunt Pepper and Uncle Dick's Annual Christmas dinner! We had to start taking turns with the families because it got a little crazy with all of us at one time:) We went with the Peyton Family!!

Our fun did not come without incident however. Jacob managed to get a rolling mouse caught in his hair and the scissors had to come out.

After our great visit and yummy dinner, we stopped by the Los Angeles Temple to walk around and look at the lights and Nativity.

Since this is where Adam and I were married and sealed for glorious time and eternity:), we couldn't help but reenact our first moments as husband and wife.....Averi said "eeewww that's totally disgusting". Man, she's sassy.

I have to say that this Temple is so nostalgic for me. We haven't been back since shortly after the Redlands Temple was built and I got a little teary eyed. It just felt like home.

Thanksgiving to remember......minus the plane flight with a 10month old:)

Okay, here is the rundown so you don't get bored:)

• Lots of crafts (thanks mom!)
• Lots of Drum playing...ugh
• Lots of family and friends (A fun visit from the Joe and Shalyn Nelson family!!)
• Lots of helping
• Lots of eating (yes that is a car seat turned high chair....gotta be innovative in a crunch:)
• Lots of sucker sharing with Jada the dog.
• Lots of resting
• Lots of beautiful views!
• Lots of fun!!! At the Tillamook dairy, super cool candy store and Seaside Coast Mall!!
• Lots of thinking of GOONIES - yes the pic of the rock in the ocean is from goonies. I thought for sure I took a picture of the huge rock that you see the ship come out of at the end but I guess not..Maybe next time. HEEEYYOOOUGUUUUUUYS!!

We had a ton of fun! Thank you Lindsay and Whitnie for being great hostesses!

Thankful

We are in Oregon having a wonderful time visiting family. I can't wait to share some fun pictures of our vacation and beautiful scenic Oregon. I wanted to check in to say how thankful I am for all of you!

In the mean time, while I get the time to upload my photos....

I've been having fun taking some Senior picture of my nephews Kyle and Jake. If you want a little teaser...you can check out my Photography blog.

Tomorrow we visit the beautiful Oregon Coast....Can't wait!

A beautiful day for a picnic

Averi had a great idea! She decided to plan a picnic for us today! She spent a lot of last night planning and preparing for today (notice her apron)....(also notice Owen's attempt to be in the pic).

It really was a beautiful day so we went out at about 9:30 and hit the local park (emphasis on the local). It is a new park but they must have run out of budget for "real" trees so instead there are sticks in the ground that will turn into trees maybe by the time Averi graduates from high school:].

Here is the spread. They asked me if they could bring some of "moms soda". How could I resist. Averi helped cut sandwiches into a butterfly for me, heart for her and pumpkin for Owen. Owen ran an errand at the store with Adam last night and picked out Sweedish Fish, Ring pops and Mike & Ikes for snacks.

Averi lined both sides of the blanket with boas:)

I gave Owen the job of packing some toys for Wade....uh I didn't really mean ALL of the toys but at least he followed through. Wade loved it!

Wade saw the ring pop and went into attack mode to get it. He now thinks it is a new, AWESOME pacifier.