Christmas activities/ Christmas Eve

The week leading up to Christmas we moved into our new house.  We were excited to get in before Christmas, but new it would be a little crazy.  We didn't want to put up a tree, so grandma let us borrow one of hers, and she also brought a little one for Brecken to have.  He pretty much couldn't keep his hands off of it.  We made a trip to the mall to see Santa, and to the temple to listen to the Nativity, and look at all the nativity scenes in the Visitors Center.  It was a really mild night so we walked around the temple and looked at all the lights as well.  We had time to make some holiday goodies.  We made our homemade turtles, chocolate covered pretzels, holiday m&m cookie, and Sugar Cookies.  The kids love to decorate them.  So I let them go to town on a few of their own, then we make the other's look nice and pretty.  We also decorated our annual Christmas trees.  We love these so much better.  The kids get there own, and they aren't to big to eat.  They are the perfect size and so fun to decorate.  We left Shaylee's tree out to show Santa this year, and he was really impressed.  Brecken loved all the Christmas books, and I would find him in all sorts of places with a book looking at it.  We went around to look at Christmas lights, as well the Sunday before Christmas.  We took our Trusty 3d glasses, that change the lights to objects.  We have a Santa one, a bell one, reindeer, ornaments, snowman, angels, candy canes, snowflakes, and many more I can't think of.  We love taking them with us, and looking at all the lights.

The day before Christmas Eve it was such a nice day.  We had a picnic outside with the beautiful weather as requested by the girls.  Brecken loved being with the big kids, but of course didn't eat so well.

Christmas Eve we watched a couple Christmas shows,waiting for Dean to get off from work.  He had to work a half day, and then headed over to Grandpa and Grandma Eves house.  We had a yummy Christmas dinner, and Chocolate fondue fountain.  Then we moved onto the festivities.  First, the annual Eves family musical chairs; which is always a hit, and so much fun to do.  Really everyone should try musical chairs when they are older.  It's a blast.  Then we did our white elephant gift stealing game.  This is a must every year, everyone LOVES this game.  Brecken got Elsa and Anna fruit snacks, Dean got cologne, I stole makeup brushes.  Preston got a slinky and yo-yo.  Shaylee received a couple bags on bubble gum, and Addison got some type of treat as well.  We went home with a load of good stuff.  We sang a few songs about Jesus, and read the nativity story.  Then watched a few shows about the gift and the true meaning of Christmas.  I love this time of year, and love remembering the reason we celebrate this season, and sharing that feeling with my kids.  When we were all getting ready to go Grandma gave all the kids their Christmas Eve PJ's.  What a wonderful day and a wonderful time being with family.

Live Nativity

Every year we make sure we head to Tuacahn for their Live Nativity.  We decided to go on a Monday night for FHE.  Mostly for the great weather, it was in the high 60 for that day.  We first  went to Pizza/Pasta Factory with my parents, brother Matt and his family, Lisa and Tynlee.  It's always fun to spend time together, and enjoy one another's company.  It was a really pleasant evening, but my kids insisted on wearing their beanies even though it was pretty mild.  We saw Santa, and the kids all asked for Bikes.  Will have to see about that one.  Brecken enjoyed the Nativity and only yelled out a few times…Dog…whenever he saw an animal.  We love really remembering the true meaning of the season and celebrating our saviors birth.

Dicken's Festival & Scrooge

This is the only picture I got before Brecken made me exit stage Right ;)

We went to the Dickens Festival this year to watch our Aunt Marie, and Cousin Allie preform in the play Scrooge.  We were so excited to see people we knew up on stage.  Dad and Mom Monson came down to see everyone, and watch them as well.  So we were in Great company.  Marie and Allie did awesome.  Breck only last about 10 minutes in his seat…then another 10 in his stroller then he was done for the evening. (it was a late play for him), But the other kids stayed and loved the whole thing.

The Build

We are almost ready to move in.  Got the  CofO today. Should be ready to move in this weekend, or next week.  The kids have been such great helpers keeping the yard and inside cleaned up when we ask them to.  Didn't take tons of pictures of the process…because we've done this a few times over, but I did get a couple for scrapbooking purposes.

Winter Basketball 2014

Basketball season has begun.  For about 2 weeks we had soccer, and basketball overlapping, and life was a little hectic.  We are just finishing up Preston's Thanksgiving soccer tournament and we are done with soccer tell spring.  The kids have all had 2 games so far, and seem to really like there teams. Preston is learning a new position this year; that we all laugh about.  He is playing post for his team.  It's a new position, he is figuring out since he is one of the tallest on his team this year.  He is also one of the younger ones as well.  So he is up against some big 6 grade boys.  He is doing great and is looking really good out there.  Just got to make sure he uses his BIG body to block out the others.  (ha ha)  Shaylee and Addison have the stealing the ball and going for the lay up down.  I've actually had to tell them to quit being ball hogs.  Which my mother didn't like me yelling to them.  She said to let them shoot as much as they want.  Overall we are having fun, and that's what matters most.