Santa Sightings

The other day we went to the mall and surprised the kids with a visit to see Santa. Lexie was very reluctant to meet Santa because she knew he would ask what she wants for Christmas. We didn't understand why that was an issue until she finally explained that she wants a vanity and she thought that Santa would say she was too young to have one. Joseph had no reservations and excitedly took the opportunity to let Santa know what he wants for Christmas. As for Andrew, he wasn't about to sit in that strange man's lap. He was happy to get reindeer antlers and an activity book, though. We tried to teach Andrew how to say "Santa", but instead he calls him "Ho Ho Ho."

After seeing Santa, we warmed up by the fire before going home for hot chocolate.

The next day we had our ward Christmas party and Santa made another appearance. This time we got Andrew to sit with Santa for a picture - he was so excited.

This morning we went to the Air Force base for another visit with Santa. The sponsors of the event were so nice to provide breakfast, a picture with Santa, and tons of nice presents from which the kids could choose.

They had several craft activities and games for the kids to play while waiting for Santa to come. There was stationary for the kids to write letters to Santa, and we were really impressed with the letter Joseph came up with:

(Dear Santa, Thank you. Joseph)

Storytime?

Tonight Rick told Lexie & Joseph they could each pick out a bedtime story. Joseph said, "Instead of a bedtime story, I just want to read the tags!"

I think he is definitely the most excited about Christmas.

1st Grade Asian Festival

The 7 first grade classes at Lexie's school have been learning about various countries in Asia. Today they had their Asian Festival where they "travelled" around to the 7 different countries which they have been studying & tasting different Asian foods.
Since one of the countries they studied was Russia, Rick let Lexie take in some of his things from his mission to Russia (shapka, matroishka dolls, & coins).

We also took in a big pot of Borscht. (Thanks for the recipe, Tiffani-it was delicious!) For some reason most of the kids weren't excited about trying a beets & cabbage based soup, but those who tried it actually liked it.

Cheryl got to travel around to the different countries with Lexie to try all of the different foods (YUMMY!), while Rick got to serve the borscht & entertain the classes as they rotated around.

Laundry

I opened the dryer to pull out the boys clothes & all of this fell out on the floor. Awesome...

What do you find in your dryer (well, other than clothes)?

Another Year Wiser

Well, maybe not wiser, but definitely older. Rick planned a fun birthday & the kiddos were super cute. Thanks for all the fun presents & such a fun day!

Mahna Mahna

Finally

Lexie has lost her second tooth. It's been barely hanging on for months now. Tonight at a birthday party she got a little bump & out it came.

Worst part: "When my tooth got hit." Best part: "When I got to take it home & put it under my pillow."

Who Knew?

Today I was trying to get a few things done while Joseph & Andrew watched a show. I turned on Phineas & Ferb for them without them seeing. Then I heard, "Mom, Phineas & Ferb just turned on. Did you do that for us?" "Yes, Joseph." "Thanks! You are the best mom a kid could ever have! The best!" Who knew that's all it would ever take...

Hide & Seek

Decorating Gingerbread

Our friend, Scharlotte, invited us over for an evening of mother & daughter fun. We decorated gingerbread houses. We had a lovely time & it was so great to be able to spend a fun, relaxing time with Lexie & get to see her creativity shine through. She could not contain her excitement once we got home & had to get her brothers out of bed to show them what she made. Lexie said that she had "an absolute blast!" Thank you so much, Scharlotte.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Last night the kids were excited to put their shoes outside their bedroom doors in preparation for St. Nicholas coming.

Looks like St. Nicholas thinks that they've been good kids this year, since they got candy & an ornament in their shoes. We agree!

This is one of the fun holiday traditions Cheryl grew up with & looked forward to the surprises she'd find in her shoe. We're glad our kids enjoy it as well.