Chirstmas Eves

We got to celebrate Christmas Eve twice this year.  Due to some scheduling conflicts, we had our big family gathering on the 23rd at my mom's.  She made a delicious dinner (ham, potatoes, beans, carrots, jello salad) and then we acted out the nativity. 

We intended to have all the grandkids participate, but my kids wouldn't cooperate.  Jackson wouldn't hold still long enough to be baby Jesus.  And we kept asking the twins if they wanted to be wise men or shepherds.  Brady told me he would only be Buzz Lightyear, and Carter said he would only be a superhero. 

The next night, we had my parents and my brother and sister over.  We started off frosting our cookies for Santa.

 

 We didn't have a sit down dinner, but I just had different appetizers and munchies for us to graze on.  After eating, we opened up new pajamas.

And the best reaction to their new pajamas goes to my brother Dave:

Then we opened our new book from Grandma and Grandpa, which Grandma read to us.  Followed by the traditional reading of "The Night Before Christmas."

 

And with at least 30 minutes to go before bed, we decided last minute to watch Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, which we found on You Tube.  I hadn't seen it in forever, and it was super nostalgic for my sister and me.

We finally got the kids down and, thanks to my ill-prepared self, spent a good 2-3 hours wrapping gifts, assembling gifts, and making breakfast items for the next morning.  But it was awesome to spend time with my family.  

Jackson turns one

Finally, a day to breathe.  This is a crazy time for everyone, but add in 2 birthdays and it is extra crazy for us.  We celebrated Jackson's birthday on the 22nd; we had fake Christmas Eve at my mom's on the 23rd; we had real Christmas Eve at our house on the 24th; Christmas; and then Tyler's birthday on the 26th.  And yes, for all but one of those things--I was the host!

But boy have we had fun.  Enjoy a flurry of posts as I document our fun holidays. 

First up, Jackson's first birthday party.

I went with a circus theme.  I didn't want to spend tons of money, but did want to do something fun and special since you only have one first birthday.  The only decor was the tissue pom poms and pennant banner, both of which are inexpensive and easy to make.  I had popcorn and animal crackers to munch on.  We went with nachos for the main meal.  That was as circusy as I could think of.  I cooked salsa chicken (which by the way, you should do if you never have.  You throw chicken breasts in the crock pot with a jar of salsa and cook until it shreds.  Easiest meal ever, and so yummy.), and had lots of toppings to go with it.

My splurge was his cake.  My cousin Melanie started making cakes about a year or two ago, and she is amazing.  When she moved out here last summer, I told her I was hiring her to do a cake.  And boy did she deliver.

Not only was it adorable, but so delicious.  Strawberry pina colada for the top layer, and chocolate peppermint bark for the bottom.  If you live near me, and want an awesome cake, let me know.  I will get you her contact info.  We are definitely getting a 40th birthday cake for Dan from her.

I printed off coloring pages of circus stuff, and had the kids color them as they arrived.  After dinner, we went in the basement and had a cake walk, using the papers.  And then pin the nose on the clown.  Two simple, fun games.

Next up, presents.

And finally, the best part of a first birthday, the smash cake.

He loved it.  Happy Birthday Jackson!

Gingerbread Houses

My very favorite thing about living here is being able to participate in all our family traditions.  And one big one at Christmas is making gingerbread houses.

My mom is amazing.  I think we made our first ones about 25 years ago?  At least 20.  Oh my word--I am getting old.  My mom spends a whole day baking the houses, one day to go buy all the candy, and one do to do all the assembling.  At first, she was making 4 houses for us kids, then we started inviting my cousins so she would make 6.  This year she made 10.

The kids all look forward to it.  In fact Tyler got up that morning early, and came to my room stating how excited he was.  I thought it was because he only had 3 days of school till Christmas break. No.  He was just so excited for gingerbread houses. I think he'd been counting down the days since the beginning of the month.

Ready to begin.

We actually did it in shifts this year.  The under school age kids came during the day, and Jackson got to munch on lots of gingerbread cookies.

Next up were the kids who came right when school was out.

 

And a few of the finished products.

We actually left before the last group went, which was the after work group.  So we didn't get one shot of all the houses like we usually do, but you can still see how great these turn out each year.

Green Belt

At the beginning of the month, Tyler earned his green belt in karate.  Enjoy some really blurry pictures of his belt promotion.  Love you and are proud of you Tyler!

Temple Square at Christmas

On December 1, with perfect weather, we kicked off our holiday activities.  I wish I had more pictures, but we were so busy enjoying ourselves, I didn't pull out the camera enough.

We started our evening by going to dinner at the Spaghetti Factory at Trolley Square.  I love going there.  We have gone so many times to celebrate the holidays, that just walking in makes me feel like singing Christmas carols.  Trolley Square also has a great Santa Claus, with no line.  We said hello to him, and then ate our delicious dinner.

 

My mom had some issues with my camera, and so while I know my dad snapped some of everyone, I only have this adorable one of Jackson--his first visit with Santa.

After dinner we went over to Temple Square and decided last minute we really wanted to take a carriage ride.  It was so fun.  The twins were waving to every car that drove by, our driver was great company and full of information, and Tyler just thought it was the greatest thing ever.

We wandered back to our car, enjoying the lights and atmosphere that is always Temple Square at Christmas.  What a way to kick off the official holiday celebrations.

Jackson's new game

Look at the game Jackson discovered last week.

And the reason why I have only kept plastic dishes down low for years now.

The Rocket Derby

Tyler's first cub scout derby, and our pack opted to have a space derby this year.

Here he is with his rocket--all decked out in Texas flag colors.  He painted it all on his own.

There he goes!   And let's just say he didn't come in last place.


And my other boys were kind of crazy the whole evening.