Merry Christmas!

On Christmas morning we told the kids they could wake up and get their stockings, but couldn't wake us up until Audrey woke. Babies don't usually know when they're supposed to sleep in, so we woke up and got started with our normal Christmas traditions. We started by watching, "The Nativity". This is my favorite part of the morning and helps remind us the true meaning before the crazy present grab begins. 

The small gifts this year were a sewing machine for Sarah and myself, a punching bag for the boys and the Lego Saturn 5 rocket for Mike and the boys to put together. It was basically for Mike, but we can pretend it was for the boys. ;) They built it through the day using a time lapse app. The big gifts were a cruise to the Caribbean we're taking over spring break. I made these cool ticket booklets for them, but failed to take a picture.

Mike's parents and Andy came over for brunch and presents. Andy used his amazing skills of crocheting and knitting to make Sarah a baby Yoda and Audrey a gorgeous eggplant purple sweater. It's so nice I put it in her once and now it will be saved for posterity.

My mom made these beautiful ornaments for us. We all loved them.

The Isgetts flew in Christmas afternoon and we enjoyed spending almost a week with them. I was not on my picture game and this is one of the only ones I got. We started a puzzle with doughnuts and it was fun brain candy.

It was a wonderful Christmas. I'm so grateful for this time of year. This may not be the season Jesus was actually born, but the focus, love and season of giving in His name is my favorite time of the year.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Christmas pre-game

Our stake usually has a huge Christmas event, but this year it was a small ward (congregation) breakfast and program. Perfect. Steven was one of the Wise Men (obviously) and Sarah helped with the young children. Our whole family wore matching PJ's, but the boys ran home before I remembered to get a picture. At least I got a cute one with my girls, especially with Audrey smiling. She's too busy to smile on command these days. 

Since I'm Adam's class "room mom", I get to attend all the parties. It's been fun.

We visited Erik on the 20th, which is always one of my favorite things to do. Audrey is counter productive, so don't usually stay long, but I'm always glad we get to visit "him". We went to see the new Jumanji movie after, but Audrey's days of sitting quiet in a theater are over for the time being. Mike and I took turns wandering with her. She was napping in the car when we visited Erik.

The Sunday before Christmas was when our ward decided to have the Christmas program. Mike and Sarah performed and did a wonderful job. I love our little family! As you can see, Audrey loves to pose for pictures. ;)

Sarah's piano recital

Sarah had her third recital on the 17th. She played a beautiful rendition of "Angels we have heard on high". She did a wonderful job and we were very proud of her performance in not one, not two, but THREE recitals. ;)

Caroling for cans

Steven's Lacrosse program participated in a food drive called, "Caroling for Cans". Teams from all over the valley participated. Steven didn't want to go at first, but he decided to and had a great time. His team collected more than any other team.

Mike's Piano Recital

Mike had his piano recital on the 14th. He totally showed up all the kids. ;) He played, "What child is this" and a duet of "The First Noel" with Sarah. Yes, Sarah played two duets with family members before her recital. She was a good sport.

After the ward Christmas party the Saturday before, Mike was using the church piano to practice his song. The ward music director heard them playing and asked them to play for the Sacrament meeting on the 22nd. He refused at first, but finally gave in. They did a great job both times. 

Boys bedroom make-over

We weren't planning on doing a big make-over in the boy's room, so I didn't take any good before shots. You'd have to really see the walls with the posters to appreciate the blood sweat and tears that went into redoing it. ;) When we first moved into this house the boys each had their own room, but they decided they'd prefer sharing. We bought this bunk bed in Mississippi and didn't set it up until we got home. It was a work in progress. The boys decided to split it into two beds, but then it was ugly. ;)

We bought new beds from Ikea and they each got new nightstands and a new book shelf at the end of their beds. It looks about a gazillion times better. 

Steven and Adam's piano recital

Steven and Adam had their winter piano recital on the 5th. Their teacher Ashley chose to have the students play two duets with a partner instead of solo pieces. Steven was paired with a boy named Blake and they played really well together.

Adam was going to play both duets with James, but was frustrated with one of them. Sarah agreed to play, "The Little Drummer boy" with him so he could practice more at home. He and James then played Beethoven's 5th symphony.

They all did great and we were very proud of them.