New Year's Eve

I was going to title this the Most Boring New Years Eve Ever, but Victoria reminded me that the year of the flu was worse.

 Ok, actually, this wasn't bad. It was just very chill. 

Victoria and Katherine dressed up and took some snapchats like this. 

Then changed back into comfy clothes and took pictures and posted the reality.

Chill night at home.

We played some impromptu games like drawing a New Years crown on a plate on your head.

Dramatic children!

Not everyone made it to midnight. That was ok. 

Christmas Card Roundup

We love getting Christmas Cards in the mail! I stink at sending them (think every 6 years), but some friends and family are still kind enough to send them to our crazy fam. Thanks! We hang them up and enjoy them all December long!

Day in DC/ Night at the temple

It was a fun trip to the Museum of Natural History. We love that place!

We went to the temple that night to see the lights and go to the visitor's center.

Guess who else was at the temple that day?! JT! Our families watched a movie together at the visitors center. These two were quite glad to see each other.

Christmas Day 2017

The kids came up the stairs from the basement this year, but we still did our on the stairs picture in age order. Katherine did get to run out first still. They all were excited to run out!

Santa definitely came (The unwrapped things are from Santa).

Christian tried his new bow and arrows. Pretty fun!

Sister Thomas and Sis. Purcell came and played with us! We just love them and were glad that they could come!

We played Watch Your Mouth

and air hockey.

It was pretty competitive!

It was a fun Christmas Day!

Christmas Eve 2017

We have had Chinese takeout for Christmas Eve for the past several years. It makes things easier and is just as fun! After our early dinner we read Luke 2 and acted out the nativit

Mary and Joseph.

In the background, Aunt Mary, who used to be a kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, helps Katherine transform into an angel.

Tough looking wiseman

V and the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.

All silliness aside, I am thankful that we do this on both sides of the family. It helps the kids remember the true meaning of the season.

We also gave and received gifts. The cousins do  a cousin gift exchange and each kid opens a small gift from my parents. They also give them a larger gift to open at home on Christmas Day. Sometimes my parents open the gifts that we bring them and sometimes they wait.

Probably out of order, but at most family get togethers these two put on a performance. I can't remember for sure what this was, but I remember that Grant wanted to wear some too small shorts. He wrote something on the bottom. I can't really recall, but I know that they were entertaining and crazy!

Grant was super excited about this magic kit from Hailey or Sydney.

My parents gave the boys binoculars and the girls sequin pillows. Both were a hit! 

We had a great time! 

When we went home, we put out carrots for the reindeer, cookies and water (it appears) for Santa, read some books,and the kids had a sleepover in the basement.