Christmas Tree Saga continues...

I went back to work on January 2nd.  My friend, one I work with and one who knew the tree story, came up to me laughing on my first day back. Turns out she had some old neighbors visiting over the holidays. They were talking about traditions and it came out that this year they went to cut down a tree. (you know where this is going)  But when they got up there the kids were screaming...blah blah blah... anyway THEY TOOK IT. my friends friends took it! what a small world!!  They of course had some story about how they "found" it after she told them about us. LOL I think we should go TP their house...anyone close want in?

Santa Claus

Santa came to Lilys Christmas concert. This was the only Santa we saw this year.  I realize these are out of order....  Lily asked for a doll and Max asked for something random. He told me later that he didn't want Santa to tell him he was too young for a gun and motorcycle so decided to say something else..

Snow Day....well in the eyes of AZ children..

It snowed. So little it doesn't even show up in the pictures. But the kids ran out so they wouldn't miss it. Lily kept asking when she could make a snow ball....maybe we should have moved to ID...

Christmas Day

Max was up early and dying to go out and see if Santa came. We finally wok up Lily at 7.  I love their excitement.  Lily took a minute to wake up.

Yes that is a realy 22 shotgun for my baby boy who is not old enough.  He has proven himself with his BB gun and he and his Dad go shooting on a regular basis.  He was thrilled. I should mention that Max started writing Santa letters in September because he was asking for a kids motorcycle.  "it is such a big gift, he needs time" We mentioned Santa may think he is too young.  He wrote back asking for a 22. Which I said the same age comment about but Santa thought he was ready. His Uncle Ben tried to get him to get it out a few days later... but Max said he couldn't unless his Dad was there.  He passed that test! Lets hope he always does

the kids and the gifts they organized into piles

the kids found this shirt at walmart.  they had to get it for Zeke. I love how much they love him

We had to go shooting!  Lily played in the car while Zeke slept. I was in and out.

We stopped by Bens to say hello. 

We ended the day with the Huntington Family at our house for a very yummy turkey dinner and a game of ticket to ride. Our kids had fun playing and it was nice. I didn't get even one picture. Sad.

Christmas Eve

Christmas eve was very nice and peaceful this year.  It was just us. Luckily "just us" gets to include Ben and his family and our adopted family the Greens.
We had dinner at their house. It was delicious!

Ben with Mark Green

We tried to get good pictures of our kids and us this year.  It didn't work out as well as planned... but the kids do have cute clothing... Matching ties and a fun dress...

Zeke was so upset that we didn't even try any other pictures.. it was on my to do list until this week when I decided January is almost over and it is too late for a good Christmas picture of the kids.. and us..

Sheralyn and Jena

The kids decorated cookies for Santa

Here is the plate of cookies and cards they left for Santa.  They are in their new jammies.  The up close pictures are down below. (blogger thought they should design this post for me..)

an attempted shot with our tree

this is a funny one...I look frazzled. Brian is looking for a job with Duck Dynasty, Max is just pleased to be there, Lily is terrified and Zeke is probably the cause of all of this!  #3 is welcomed and has put us out of control!

Zeke loving his Aunt Jena

a few random moments in December

It is great to make your face paint with water colors...

Max was excited to have an "all boys wii time"
Zeke was super excited too! :)

The Piano guys performed at our ward Christmas party. One of them is in our ward. He is the guy behind the scenes. They are very talented.

Uncle Charlie came to visit.  My Dad came a lot this month also. I have no pictures. My parents come so often that I am horrible at getting pictures of them.