Snow Day...Finally

It's amazing the last couple of years, we barely have a white Christmas...the snow just dusts the grass. But a few days after, we'll have a huge storm. Well this year followed the same pattern. We finally had a big storm yesterday.

Today, me, Mom, and Amos decided to hit the mall for after-Christmas specials. I asked the kiddos who wanted to come, but I got a big fat NO from everyone...because J was off from work they wanted to stay with him. I honestly didn't mind, because sometimes it's so much easier to shop.

Since the kiddos stayed home, they decided to have a snow day with Dad! They all got dressed up in their snow suits, coats, gloves, hats, and boots.

They took turns shoveling the driveway...

Then it was time for snow angels...

Then they tried to make a snowman and have a snowball fight, but the snow was just too flaky to stick together for long.

I think Kenna had the funnest time because it was her first real year to play in the snow by herself.

When I got home, they were so excited to tell me all about it. I sure do love these cute kiddos!

Merry Christmas

The day started out with the kiddos ready and waiting to open presents...bright and early!

It was finally time to see all the fun things Santa left for them. I was so excited for Kodes, since it was her first Christmas.

Everyone sure enjoyed all their gifts, and I felt very lucky we had a better year that we could get them a little more than last year. I think we only spent like $35 on each kid...gotta love the stores when they have amazing deals.

 Even Rhett got into the spirit, but he didn't have enough money to get them what he really wanted to. So he found toys of his own he didn't play with anymore, and wrapped them up for the girls. Ry got his old puzzle, Kenna got his Buzz Lightyear, and Kodes got an assortment of toy cars. I just love how big his heart is.

It was so fun to see how much Kodes loved opening gifts, though like most babies, she loved the noise of the paper more.

After we opened presents, J made his traditional breakfast...chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, eggs, and hot chocolate. It was so much fun to just relax and hear the kiddos excitement of the day. They were so happy and just talking a mile a minute. After we ate, it was time to get ready for Grandma and Grandpa's. It was fun to see everyone before they all had to leave for their in-laws.

I just loved seeing all the kids fun faces when they opened their presents. I must say, I have very pretty nephews and nieces.

After we opened presents, we ate dinner and started a game with Mom, Jason, Dawn, and Amos. Rhett was very adamant of joining us for Farkle. Though, I didn't think he'd understand, he actually won the game. He was quite proud of himself.
On our way home, we stopped by the lights at the Roy Fire Station, since we didn't do it yet this season. The kiddos loved seeing the lights, especially the Light Dance to music on the big pine tree.

Today was such an amazing day, filled with fun and a loving family. I feel so blessed to be a part of it and getting to see my kiddos so full of life was wonderful. But even the strongest of ones, sure wiped right out by the end...

Christmas Eve Traditions

I cannot believe the time has seriously already come for Christmas. Today was a pretty normal day until J got home from work.
Usually, we go to Dawn's to decorate cookies for Santa. But this year, Jason was really sick so we opted to stay home and do our traditions on our own. We started with Papa Murphy's for dinner. Then we followed with decorating cookies for Santa. The kiddos were sooo excited to put their spin on their own decorations.

After cookies, I showed the kiddos their "videos" from Santa. He took time from his busy schedule to send them each a personalized video. (www.portablenorthpole.com) We must have watched each one about 5 times....me and J were even good enough to receive one. Kenna was the cutest because she kept talking to Santa as though it were a live feed. Her favorite thing...each time he said her name, she'd say, "Merry Christmas to you Santa. I'm being good today." After we watched the videos, we got the kiddos in the bath and into their new PJ's....along with their new stuffed animals.

After, we looked online to "track" Santa's sleigh....and according to the map, he was almost here. So the kiddos hurried off to bed. But only after they set out cookies and milk for Santa.

I decided to feed Kodes while I waited for the kiddos to fall asleep. Annie and Allison came to visit me and what a great surprise. I'm truly lucky with such sweet friends. After the kiddos were fast asleep, I helped Santa fill their Stockings with fruit, peanuts, chocolate, and a little gift for each one...Rhett got Pokemon cards, Ry and Kenna got very cute Paparazzi bracelets, and Kodes got a waterproof book.

Then I helped Santa wrap "his" presents for the kiddos and set out their special present with their stocking.

When Santa had left, I turned out all the lights but the Christmas lights and enjoyed the quietness of the night...along with the 24-hours of "The Christmas Story" playing in the background. I just love this time of year, but more so, I love seeing the excitement through our kiddos eyes. More to come tonight....Cannot believe its Christmas!