Saturday, January 10, 2015

Christmas 2014


Christmas morning was super exciting as usual. The kids woke up pretty early (although I don't think anyone has woken up before I do...yet). I tried to convince John to stay the night at our place but he wanted to have his first Christmas at his apartment.

Santa came after all! He brought Kael a ukulele & Ava got a Polaroid camera. That Santa man is pretty cool.

Since Kael is the youngest he gets to come out first. He was pretty excited although his first question was, "Why did Santa only bring me one instrument?? How am I supposed to start a band?"

I still think every single year Ava hopes beyond hope that one day she will walk out and there will be a little puppy just for her. She has literally been asking for one since she could talk. I do think she was pretty excited about her camera though.

First present! I know Christmas is not about the gifts, but this part really is so fun.

I love Ava's face in this picture. She was so excited to finally get the Chronicles of Narnia boxed set.


This picture is a treasure! All Kael asked for this Christmas was batteries. Not for anything specific he just really wanted his own batteries. Everyone that asked him was so confused with his response.

Andre's dad got the kids some really neat gifts. He got Kael this roboraptor (this HUGE robot dinosaur ) that Kael was super excited to get. It was the biggest gift under the tree & a pain to get out of the box. But it is really cool!

This is not the best picture but Andre's dad got Ava tickets to see Dancing with the Stars on their tour which is one of the only things that Ava asked for. She went nuts over it. We actually go this Tuesday (the 13th) to see them!

When things quieted down and I was making brunch I looked over to see Ava and Kael playing under the tree together with their dinosaurs and animals. It was a sweet moment and I'm glad I got a picture of it.


Kael got some new costumes and put every single one of them on as he was opening them.

Sir Kael!

They both got a couple of new lego sets (thank you uncle Kurtis!) and Ava put together Rapunzel's tower WAY faster than I thought she would. She never wants any help, her favorite part is going through the instructions on her own and building it by herself.


Legos from uncle Kurtis! They both put together all of their legos that morning.

John came over later that morning and we had brunch then the kids took their flying turtle and plasma car outside and we went on a little walk. Then later that night he came back and we had a Christmas dinner (ham) together. It was a really fun day overall. I do feel like I spent a lot of it in the kitchen but just seeing everyone so happy and together makes me the most happy. I only wish Kurtis could have been here. Add a few other family members and hire someone else to cook and I would be in Heaven. Next year!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Christmas Eve!


Christmas was a little different this year. They stopped doing the "polar express" at Mayfaire so we didn't get to go ride that Christmas Eve which was very sad. We had the missionaries with us for Christmas Eve which was really fun and it was Ava's turn to pick where we went out to eat on Christmas Eve. She picked a chinese buffet which was disgusting so next year I am hoping Kael picks something better!

Elder Yeates & Elder Cluff (or should I say a Wise Man and a Shepherd?)

Mary & Joseph

We really get into our characters at Christmastime



Our 3 Kings...one was out sick today. And one was a Viking.





Just chillin, looking at the Santa tracker. I will sure miss these missionaries!

Christmas Eve pj's





Kael didn't realize he got a bathrobe at first. He wanted all of us to call him "Kevin" the rest of the night. Yes, as in Keven McAllister from Home Alone.

Cookies for Santa

I am pretty sure Ava took this picture on some weird setting but I think it turned out really cool, sort of like a vintage stocking picture.
Merry Christmas Eve! We will now have to find a replacement Polar Express.

Almost Christmas


We only drove to about 4 different tree lots this year. I refused to pay $80 for a 6' tree. I think that's outrageous, I can't believe how much trees are getting to be! We finally found a REALLY great lot right by our house! It was the nicest one too and the tree was much less ($40 I think?). Of course right when we got home the kids wanted to decorate it. This was Andre's first year putting the lights on the tree and I think it only took him about an hour. (I think next year I'll just do it).


At least it looked nice when he was done





I think Kael wore this hat the entire month of December



And the tree is decorated!