1.28.2009

Christmas Christmas and more Christmas

Well this Christmas was just as magical and wonderful as all the rest. Even more so with Presley in our home. Christmas is so obviously my favorite holiday from the end of Thanksgiving right up until the last Decoration is down. Sometimes it seems that the days leading up are better than the actual day. All the family get-togethers and special spirit all around. This year for Christmas was just as crazy as always rushing from house to house not to miss seeing anyone. Though I love it all and love seeing the family sometimes I wish we could just have a Christmas where we stay home and family comes to see us. Maybe as the kids get older we will have to do that anyway. My children were once again Blessed with many gifts from loved ones. 

This year due to many things I decided it would be better to make all our gifts. To put it mildly I was not prepared for the task. 
Not only is it really not much cheaper but the amount of time it involves is overwhelming, so much so that I really didn't even finish everything I wanted to. 
My biggest project was turning all of my families home movies into DVD's complete with editing and chapters. I finished about 4 yrs. but still have a ways to go. This is now an ongoing project. 
Another Huge project was the FHE kit for Sarah & Lee, I also made ours at the same time. All the coloring cutting, glueing, printing, laminating and searching was crazy but. I pulled it off right in time. 
I also made some tutus, and photo books. 
After all is said and done I am really glad I did this, a homemade gift really means so much more.  

Making Santa's Cookies
The Girls. 
One of the best parts of the night is when we do the Nativity. Every year it gets bigger with the addition on new kids. What a sight to see. I am so glad my children are able to be a part of it.  Thanks Grandma for always making it a part of the night.


Don't you just feel the love. 
What a classic face from Hud


Casey boy trying  on the Tutu I made for Ellie. I wouldn't be too worried Lee! 


Presley's first gift. She sure tore into it. I think she liked the sound of the paper the most.

The Boy's gift. 
This year Cheryl got all the boys this beautiful statue of Joseph and Hyrum with the saying 
"Friends are good but Brothers are Better" inscribed on it. 
Which is pretty much the family Motto. 
we all got a little emotional as Cheryl presented the gift.
During the annual Christmas Drawing J won. He got a Santa plate made by Stephen's grandparents. 
Traditional Christmas Pinata


Keeping with tradition Santa always leaves and Orange and $2 bill in everyones stockings.
Huddy was a bit giddy about his money





Candy Cane Girls


Magic Snowman- at my uncles they have a snowman that talks to you and dances. The boys were going crazy for it.

Jackson's loot
favorite toys include:
leapster, Chronicles or Narnia 2, remote control cars

Huddy's loot
fav. toys
crocs, baseball bat, Elmo Live

Presley and her loot
fav. toy
her music crib thingy

B Y U - Go Cougars

Back in December BYU came to town for the first time since Lee started playing for them. We were all so excited. We all put on our "Fear the Ears" shirts and headed over to Glendale. 
BYU vs. ASU 
The game was awesome it was a real nail biter. 
All the kids made signs the night before for Uncle Lee. 
Jack's was Uncle Lee is # 1
I even managed to get some face time on T.V. 
- an lady came up to Sarah to interview her and since she wasn't wearing the "shirt" she asked me to stand up next to her and show it off. 
I was quite embaresed since everyone was staring at us, I spent the entire time sucking in.
It was a close game that we ended up loosing, but it was a great game to watch.
Jackson had a blast coming, that was his first time seeing a game.




12.30.2008

Our Sunday Christmas Best




Polar Express

This year we headed up to the North Pole to see Santa, drink Hot Cocoa, sing songs and Have Fun! This is our second time going J was 2 last time and loved it and of course this time loved it even more. My mom, Angie and her family all went with us. The only downer of the trip was all the Snow. It was one of the worst days Flagstaff had. We had a few scares, especially when our car went fishtailing into oncoming traffic, or when we got stuck on a steep drive. Also on the slick ice I fell flat on my butt while holding Hudson! OWEE !!! But luckily we made it unscathed,  mostly . We had so much fun on the train ride, the kids were all so good and happy. Our hostess on our car was so awesome and fun. 

"Ralphie"



Even Presley got in on the action

Pretty much every picture of Hudson has him holding his Hot Cocoa. He drank it the whole time. I think he felt very big holding his own cup.
Here they are looking for Santa at the North Pole. 
The whole rest of the time even after Santa came on our Train, Hudson would just stare out the window saying "Santa" 
What a GREAT pic of all of us! at least Ang looks cute
During the Singing portion (which is one of my Favorite parts) Jackson got real into this song. The 12 days of Christmas where there were motions. 
Here he is doing A Partridge in a Pear Tree!

Every year since the first Polar Express,  J asks for a bell for Christmas. 
Hudson so proud of his bell

How Adorable
The Sloans


Could he be any more excited. 
All he wanted to do since we got into Flagstaff was have a snowball fight. We made him wait till we were about to leave home so he wouldn't be so wet and cold. 
He LOVED it, it was just him and Stephen the rest of us stayed in the WARM car. Party Poopers I know.

our car the next morning
Our Little Snow Bunny