Christmas!

We had a great Christmas this year! I love the magic and that the kids are so excited. Chase mentioned once again today that Santa came and ate cookies from our house. My parents and Andrea came and spent the day with us as well.

Steve got a new razor. It was picture worthy because he has not had  new razor since before his mission! We were having a hard time finding razor blades for it, it was getting so old. I've been nervous to buy him a new one because he is particular about his razors but I did good this time and he's happy with his new one.

 I made the kids blankets. It really isn't that big of a deal, they aren't fancy by any means but I was proud because I think the last time a sewed anything was my junior year of high school when I made a poodle skirt for a dance. So I'm proud and the kids love them!

We spent the rest of the day relaxing, playing our new games. Mark and Steffani came for dinner that afternoon too.

Grandpa took Chase out in the snow for a bit.

 Chase got a Woody costume and he just looks adorable.

We are so grateful for this time of year to remember our Savior and all that he has done for us, and for the chance that we can serve others and be with family. I just love the whole month and the feeling that it brings.

December Crafts Cont.

A few of the other Christmas crafts we did this month, Makenna put together this little elf... 

I love this picture so I had to throw it in!

 And thanks to Aunt Sharon for providing these gingerbread men that the kids decorated one afternoon. They were a hit and I didn't have to do a thing! Well, I did help Chase with his frosting.

We Are Having A....

BOY!

We are so excited to have another boy. Makenna came with us to the appointment and she was completly entralled with the whole thing. She loved it and has since looked at the pictures several times. She of course wanted a baby sister so was dissapointed at first but on our way home she started thinking of names, she suggested Blitzen. She also came with me today to pick out fabric for a blanket and I think is just fine that we are having a boy!

December Fun

Last year we started a new tradition of doing something Christmasey every day in December. I know it sounds like a lot of work but I count everything. So taking our neighbors their Christmas treats, family/ward parties all count. Makenna loved it last year and this year has gone well also. Here are some of the things we have done so far.

Playing in the snow... Makenna loves playing in the snow and this was the first time Chase was really able to play in it as well.  

 Chase would do everything that Makenna did... monkey see, monkey do.

 We made cinnamon ornaments...

 Marshmallow snowmen....

Makenna decorated a felt Christmas tree with buttons...

 Christmas wouldn't be complete without a visit to Santa. Chase would have nothing to do with him and this was the first year that Makenna sat on his lap, she even spoke a few words to him!

Tonight we walked around and looked at the lights the city puts up at the park and had hot chocolate after.

Not pictured was the Jasper Chirstmas party which was fun as always. The other night we also rented a Christmas show and had popcorn. We have had some family home evenings to help the kids remeber the birth of the Savior and that's why we really celebrate this holiday. We also play Don't Eat the Elf. The kids love this new tradition and I love seeing how excited they are to do things and enjoy the magic of the holiday. We still have a few more days so a few more activites are in store!