Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas at home.  The kids were up early in our room begging for us to wake up.  Not wanting to miss any of the happy and excited faces and reactions, we had the kids wait in our room until we had picture and video cameras ready.  

 Checking out the stockings.  Ethan found arrows in his leaving him a little puzzled. . . . .

until Grandma pointed out something behind the tree

Ellie getting her supplies for her future career as Dr. Elisabeth R. Krohn

There was a mysterious item covered up in the stairwell.  With the clues that Santa left for her, Ellie found "exactly what she wanted, a vanity table"

One of the other items that Ellie "really, really wanted" was a mate for her little dog Jingle, Belle.  Last year Grandma gave Ellie Jingle who came with a book that he responds to as you read.  This year she received his friend Belle who came wit another book.  She was SO excited to get her.  Earlier in the week she had said how she really wanted the "girl Jingle" so that they could get married.  They have both been by Ellie's side since.  Grandma even surprised Ellie a few days later with another book that is about both dogs.

Grandma opening her gift from Ethan.  Over the past couple of years Ethan has done his own shopping for everyone at his school's Secret Santa shop.  I love how obvious it is that he put so much thought into the gifts he picks out.

We gave Grandma a soft cozy blanket with everyone she loves so she can always be wrapped up with the warmth of her family.

the aftermath of Christmas morning.

12 days of Christmas

A tradition we started a few years ago is the 12 days of Christmas.  It's a fun way to count the days until Christmas.  The kids have fun each morning finding out what each day will bring, sometimes it's a gift and other times it is an activity that we all do together.

Loading up the car and going out to look at Christmas lights is one of our favorites, Ethan has fun looking for items on the scavenger list (thank you pinterest).  This year one of us was not quite able to stay awake the entire time:

Another one of our activities included making and frosting sugar cookies. 

Yummy!

For the 11th day of Christmas our family activity was to go pick up our guest for Christmas and wander through Christmas magic.  There's nothing better than visiting Temple Square at Christmas time.  The atmosphere was beautiful (and crowded) and the spirit of Christmas was abundant.  The love and peace I felt throughout the evening had my eyes welling up in tears so many times.  

Because of delayed flights Grandma wasn't able to make it to the lights with us the evening before so we took time the next day to walk through Temple Square.  We didn't have the beauty of the lights, but the spirit was still strong with love and peace in our hearts.  I love my family so much and I'm so grateful we had Grandma here with us over Christmas.

A funny experience we had while here: Two sister missionaries from China and Taiwan were talking to us and somewhere in the conversation they asked Elle if she wanted to go serve a mission someday, she was quick to answer "no!"  Then they asked Ethan and of course he said yes.  They were like, "oh he's so obedient"  This made me laugh as the nature of their personalities was evident in this conversation.  

Yes, you said that.

Ellie:  "When I'm a teenager can I drive a mini-van?"  Me:  "Sure, if you want to when you're a teenager you can drive a mini-van"  Me texting Kelly:  "Ellie wants to drive a mini-van when she is a teenager."  Kelly's response:  "Big and safe.  Done."

Ellie:  "When I'm married I want to have 15 kids."

Currently, when Ellie grows up she wants to be a Doctor, a Banker, and a Teacher.

Snow

One thing is for sure, where we live there's rarely a lack of snow.  I'm pretty sure ever since moving here we have had a white Christmas.

Holiday Dance Review

Ellie had her holiday dance review and had a wonderful performance.  Grandma and Grandpa were able to come watch her too.  I am always so worried that she is going to get a sudden case of shyness.  This time she started out fine, but by the last dance toward the end all of a sudden she burst into tears.  We are not sure if all of a sudden she realized the crowd watching or what, but it brought me to tears to see her so upset.  When it was over she was fine, but didn't really explain what happened.  Either way, she just melts everyone's heart with her cuteness!

After the performance she was still a little upset, but was willing to

 pose with the rest of the group for a pictures.

All of the girls received a cute little headband as a gift, 

Ellie loved it and it just so happen to match her outfit.

Our little star, so proud of you Elisabeth!

We love you.

Family Picture - Favorites

We recently had family pictures taken.  I always have a difficult time picking out just a few to get prints of, so I decided to pick out some of my favorites and at last include them in our blog book.