Parties all month!

 Party at the Old Folks Home, er.. um.. I mean, Care Center.

The kids knew they could see Santa at the end of the singing program so they were especially good. 

 Finally got to see the Jolly Old Guy in person. He had a gift just for Great Grandma and candy canes for the kids.

 Helping G.Gma open her gift back in the quiet of her room.

 More Parties!! T. and his class earned an extra special Holiday Party at school. They got to wear their P.J.s all day and watch a movie with their own pillows. He was so excited to match teacher in her Superman P.J.s.

 And more Parties!!! This time it was the Porcaro Family party. Lots of food and lots of noise!
Grandpa must have though the church he reserved didn't have enough bathrooms so he made his own. Oh, and placed it on one of the food tables of course! N. and G.Gpa seem to have the same sense of humor!

 I noticed some similarities between this years celebration and last. Here is Z. this year:

 and last: ( she does make an adorable lamb)

Cousin T. this year: (I love this pict. of him as a shepherd looking to the heavens to ? see the angel. I like to pretend he isn't looking up at the basketball hoop, dreaming of a slam dunk)

 and last:

N. this year:

and last:

The White Elephant Gift Exchange is the part of the evening most looked forward to for our family. I love the cousins and their parents and their humor. Some people leave in tears but I always leave with sore abs from laughing!

Our attempt at keeping the tears to a minimum. Letting the teens and tweens have a food exchange before the white elephant chaos.

The youngest kids had an exchange as well. S. was home sick with daddy so Z. stood in her place. I think it all went well?

How we start off the Christmas season

Well, at least this year.......

Red and Green toe nails for Daddy! Thanks to our polish expert Z. and a very tolerant Daddy. I can't help but giggle a little seeing his manly feet with polka dot nails!

 Dipped snowmen for the friends. Z. was so excited to find something on Pinterest she could plan, shop for and create all on her own to give away.

 "Dad" becomes Santa. I forgot to get a pict. with the white beard!

 Invite in the dog to join in the fun. Actually it was such a cold December and her underbody is so bald she would have frozen to death in the garage. I will try to not complain about the hot pad I bought specifically for her giant butt to lay on, out side, that she is afraid of. At least its in perfect condition for whoever has a dog that will actually use it.

Holiday goings on

Live Nativity in below negative temps. 

 It was really cool to see "Wise Men" and other Bible characters.

 Also saw a little of what life was like at the time of Christs' birth.

 Its a popular place even when its so cold you can't feel your arms.

 Thanks to the Great Grandparents who got our tickets and the other family members who joined in and made it a wonderful new tradition. What a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season seeing a live version of the Nativity!

Happy Birthday T. man!

Its Great to be Eight! Or so he says.

 We had a herd of wild friends over for a party. And the scavenger hunt was a success although it was snowing and really cold and a few of the party members ran too fast and got hurt. Boys!

 He was as happy as could be with his buddies around to celebrate with him. 

 Then 2 weeks later he was Baptized and Confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by his daddy. What an exciting happy day. He had been looking forward to it for the entire year of 2013!

Happy Boy with some of the family members that were able to attend. (Minus his Merrill Grandparents who were there but I don't have on my camera)

Another Fall Tradition memory

This is the first year I just watched as the kids, who were up to the challenge, carve their pumpkin into a Jack-o-lantern. 

I definitely love this new role as mom-supervisor instead of mom-slave. I enjoyed all of the benefits of pumpkin carving, which are not really many, and didn't have to stick my hand in any guts.
We toasted the seeds (benefit) and I watched their cute little expressions (benefit) from beginning cuts to candle glowing inside from the porch. And it didn't even matter to them that it was the day after halloween!!

Halloween stuffs

Halloween just goes on and on. Starting with a piano dress up recital, then a family party, then the elementary school parade and finally the Trick-or-treating. Im exhausted! Anyone else?!

Too much makeup, too much costume hair, too much sugar! Thats my take on it! I did end up with a perfect stash of Snickers so I should not be complaining. Everyone else loved it, as far as I can tell.

Sundays every other weekend with the Merrills

We are incredibly blessed to live nearby the Grandparents. And even more blessed that they continue to let us come over weekend after weekend! Typical Fall Sundays looked like this: 

The girlies snuggled up to Grandma and her iPad.

 Blowing off some steam with a game of catch or dodgeball in the beautiful weather.

 Reading the Sunday Comics and other magazines while dinner is prepared.

 Being entertained by this adorable guy!

 Being Attacked and Kissed to death by him too!

 Theres always something to read or watch and always conversation about cars once the menfolk settle into the couches.

We love the tradition of seeing the Grandparents and almost always a Cousin, Aunt or Uncle too!