Old Mother Hubbard went to her cupboard...

This one of the places the kids like to hide and play, usually while I am in the kitchen.

Christmas in Logan

Christmas continues as we go to Logan to visit the Hoppie's. This time when we loaded the van to come home, Carter said that it looked like we had robbed a store! Our kids are so lucky to have Aunts and Uncles that spoil them. Not to mention Grandma's and Grandpa's!

The "Before" picture!

If you look at the Christmas lights with these glasses, you see angels.

Aleeya found that Mr. Potato Head made a nice stage.

Carter posing with his favorite movie, we have gotten this from Red Box three times and always keep it several days, so basically we should have bought it the first time!

Uncle David got Carter this cool Hot Wheel that changes color in hot and cold water, so most of the day Carter was playing in the bathroom sink.

Carter and friend, Kaden Merrill, using the Lincoln Logs Carter got from Grandpa and Grandmama Hoppie.

Making Gingerbread Men and a Gingerbread House

Aunt Crystal made delicious gingerbread men and a house that we could decorate. The kids had a fun time, but I think that Aunt Staci was the most excited about decorating the house!

Yes, we took off Carter's shirt so that he could really have a good time decorating.

I hope that Serena can find the Gingerbread man under all the candy.

Aunt Staci ready to begin her decorating extravaganza!

Christmas Afternoon at the Dearden's

We went to WVC to have lunch and open presents with the Dearden's. Serena was running the show with the presents. She would get a present, we would tell her who to give it to and then she would go to them and say "need help?" Of course, all of the adults let her open their presents so she was loving life!

Helping cousin, Alana, get out her new stuffed toy.

I am happy to help you open this present!

Thanks Uncle Sam for letting me open all your presents!

Carter got the game "Don't Break the Ice," this is a game I remember playing as a kid!

Kids playing, they got so many presents that when we had the van loaded to go home I said that it looked like we had robbed a store! Carter thought that was hilarious!

Santa must have told Granny and Grandpa Dearden that Carter wanted a bowling set!

Christmas Morning!

Presents! Presents, and more Presents!

Serena playing with a Leap Frog Alphabet Game, Carter going in for more!

Aleeya loved the paper and the huge collection of VHS movies we got! These were shared with us by my Aunt Jan and yes, we still watch movies with a VCR.

This is how Aleeya holds the phone when she is talking. She also always walks around like I do when I am on the phone.

Elmo toy from Daddy.

We might need a bigger house to store all of these toys!

Santa found our house!

My mom always took a picture of the tree with the presents, so I guess I will follow her good example! Santa was able to utilize "pre-owned" items from friends and family. Taylor bought each of the children a gift and I like seeing what he gets for the kids. Carter got a mega Nerf Dart Gun, Serena got a Tinker Bell Doll and Aleeya got a stuffed Elmo.

North Park Ward Christmas Party

We had a nice time socializing and eating dinner at the ward party. Taylor and I had put together crafts, games and a movie to try and keep the kids entertained. This didn't interest most of the kids, it is much more fun to run on the stage, but Taylor did have our kids most of the time so I had a chance to talk and enjoy the party. Santa visited and brought a treat for the kids.

Carter taking the opportunity to tell Santa that he wants a bowling set for Christmas.

Serena, I think she was just there because she wanted the treat!

Aleeya, trying to get off quickly!

Dearden Family Christmas Party

Every year we have a Christmas Party with Grandpa and Grandma Dear (Taylor's Grandparents) and the extended family. We had lunch and did a cute Nativity program and then Santa visited. Santa always knows what each family member has been doing for the year and gives us a nice review. The kids each get a gift and they are always perfect. Carter got a "Transformer" car, Serena got a "My Little Pony" and Aleeya got a cow that counts and says colors. It is always so uplifting to see the amazing family relations we have and the kids LOVE playing with cousins. The party was held at a Lodge that Taylor's cousin, Camille, has as part of the housing development they live in. It was perfect and a great time was had by all. Carter as Joseph. He did amazingly well and was so cute with the baby Jesus. I have a video of him patting his head and looking down at him. Jesus was played by a real baby, Parker Brady.

Serena was a wise "women" bringing gifts of jewels.

Aleeya, the Shepard, being held by Aunt Staci.

Santa greeting Carter, he was the first to jump on his lap.

Serena is sitting by Aunt Dorothy. She was VERY helpful and would take every gift that Santa pulled out and give it to the person. She also wanted to talk about everything that Santa was saying. Luckily, after a few gifts Santa was able to pull out Serena's gift and then she was busy playing with her new toy.

Aleeya, like the other children, did not love Santa and was eager to get off his lap.

Treehouse Museum

We have a membership to the Treehouse Museum so at least once a month we go there for our Thursday fieldtrip. It is a fun, safe environment and I enjoy following the children around and watching them learn.

Serena rocking the drums!

Carter and Aleeya making music!

Aleeya stealing dinosaurs from Carter's line-up.

Polar Express aka Front Runner

We created our own "Polar Express" experience. We rode the Front Runner and sang songs, had hot chocolate and cookies, read the story and meet Santa to get our bells. The kids wore their pajamas and had a great time. We had official golden Polar Express tickets and the train worker was willing to come and punch them for us. It was a fun time and much more economical than going to Heber.

I can feed myself!

Aleeya prefers feeding herself and she really get into her food!

Field Trip to Hill Air Force Museum

Flight Simulator that lets you shoot missiles.
Carter watching the bombs drop.

Science experiments

We visited the Hill Air Force Museum for our Thursday field trip. The kids always have a fun time in the learning center and it is amazing to see the size of the airplanes and learn.

Small attempt at being "Crafty!'

So, thanks to my friends who have creative minds and ambition I made these shirts at a girl night out. I bought the hair bows.

Serena has a hard time looking at the camera!

It looks like they are realizing that they are dressed the same!