Merry Christmas!

Don't wake me up! I don't want Christmas.

From Cannon, a framed poem he wrote.

How the day went:
8:00 our house
9:30 my parents
12:00 Church with my parents. They had a wonderful program. My mom sang in a trio. I was so glad we went with them.
1:30 home for a minute
3:00 lunch at my grandma's
5:00 Ryan's dad's
7:00 finally home to relax!
We had a really busy day, but it was all so wonderful. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve with Grandma

This year we have been reading The Twelve Reading Days of Christmas from the 2005 New Era. We enjoyed reading it together, but I don't know Fisher got it, because when Grandma had the kids help with the Christmas story Fisher included the visiting of Transformers and that Mary and Joseph flew to Bethlehem.

Fisher LOVES candy, quarters and candy machines. Thank You Trish!

Scissor hands. Cannon's most wanted gift.

All the kids loved the candy machine!

We always have a nice time at Bette's. Good company and food. The kids all get along so well. I just love Ryan's family.

Christmas Eve Hike

nice inversion, eh?

Ryan was determined to get the boys to bed early on Christmas Eve. He kept them up late Friday with an at home Rave- strobe light and techno included. Then, he woke them up early on Saturday while I was at Spin.  (Side note- I went to Spin class with a friend, I don't really love spin, but I do like a good work out and if I can do it with a friend, then I'll suffer through spin).  I brought home bagels and then we were off for an Ensign Peak hike. If every Christmas Eve was this warm and dry we would make this a tradition. It really kept their excited energy under control. I think I was the only one of us that Ryan's plan worked on.

Fisher and Owen: Friday 12/23

My parents took Cannon and Tanner to see the play How I became a Pirate. I didn't want Fisher to feel left out of the fun, so we had his friend Owen (from school) over to play. He has been to his house once, but this was the first time he has had a friend over (as he doesn't have any friends by our house). They were both so excited! Before I could lay out the rules of one toy bin at a time...this mess exploded. Toys covered the entire upstairs.  They had so much fun together.

Temple Square Lights

Why, yes, that is my new coat!

I know the pictures are grainy. We really need to replace my broken camera. Anyway, for all of you who are far away and missing Temple Square, this is for you.

Pizza!

In between The Grand and seeing Lights we stopped at home for pizza. I had sliced an apple for Fish to munch. He decided the apple would be better on pizza and according to him it was delicious. He ate his whole pizza. Give it a try!

Grand America; Thursday 12/22

The Grand America Hotel has their windows done up with pictures that have hidden stars. There is a clue card where you write which window goes with each clue. Then the card is turned in at the toy store for a sticker. The sticker is then shown to the bakery for a cookie. We have a fun time looking  at the windows and eating the DELICIOUS shortbread stars.



Santa! I asked Fish if he wanted to talk with Santa. He said no, he just wants his presents.

Playgroup

On Wednesday I took the boys, including Tanner, to playgroup. I really need to get a picture of all of us. We have been getting together for over 8 years. I can't believe it has been that long. Our group is Betsy and her 4 kids, Cami and her 4 kids, Kristin and her 3 kids, me and my 2, sometimes 3, and occasionally Rosie and her 3. I really love getting together with the girls. We used to go really cool places, but as more kids came along that got harder. Then as kids got older we started meeting during school with the littles. Now, we even get together just the moms for lunch. I adore them all and treasure our friendships.

Wheeler Farm: Tuesday 12/20

Yes, he did pose for this.

Fisher loves chickens for some reason.

Fisher is alwys asking to go to the Farm, so I took him on a nice chilly day. First we played at the park and then we saw the animals. It is a little less exciting in the winter. It turns out he really meant This Is the Place State Park and not Wheeler Farm. Hmm, some other day.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

...and memories. Apparently, for me, if I don't capture it with a picture I don't capture it in my memory. For instance, I already forgot to blog that just this morning my family went to the Utah Symphony Christmas Lollipop concert and then out to lunch.We go every year and love it. This year was especially fun as the Opera joined in with a trio to sing along.
I also forgot about Cannon's program at school. I always love to go to the school shows. This year even the teachers and Principal sang The 12 Days of Christmas. It was very funny.
OK. I think I have recorded anything worth remembering.

Count down to vacation

Cookies for Fisher's teachers...hence the F's and 3's. I also made chocolate mint sandwiches which were super delish.

Game pieces for Cannon's book report on Matilda.

The finished game. Pretty fun to play, too.

Pack Meeting skit.

Cannon earned his Bear and Religous Square Knot!

Fisher made this wreath for us at preschool.

Cute, huh?

We helped my mom decorate their tree.

After this sweet moment, Fisher was invited to go play somewhere less breakable.

We don't get a tree, but Fish was talking with my dad and he decided we needed a cute little real tree. Thanks Dad!