Christmas Festivities

We put the Christmas Tree up just after Thanksgiving and the kids had a blast decorating it.  They actually did pretty good.  The top of the tree was a little bare since most of the decorations ended up on the bottom half of the tree.  Sarah was so cute decorating and made sure every branch had at least one ornament (usually 2 or 3).  After they went to bed that night a couple of the ornaments made their way to the top of the tree.  Isaac loved wearing the Santa hat this year and it became his outside hat as well.  As tradition goes, we always go downtown to check out all the lights.  We have started going the first part of December before it gets too cold.  Then the lights are followed up by going to Litza's Pizza. Yum! 

 The kids couldn't wait to make a gingerbread house.  Dad got in on the fun too!  Katie and I just had fun watching.  Isaac decorated one side while Sarah did the other. Nice work guys.

 Trying to get a picture of all of us by using the timer on the camera.  Not too bad - it only took about 6 tries.

The Sunday before Christmas we had a Christmas party with the Oaks.  It is always fun to have everyone together.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by the nativity reading and games.  The kids always enjoy playing Tommy Right and passing the presents right and left!

Here is a fun picture of all of us with Gary's grandparets. 

 Grandpa and Grandma Oaks brought us some gifts on Christmas Eve.  We love having them come over.  The kids ask all the time when they get to come over again.  Anytime Grandma and Grandpa!

 The stockings all hung by the fireplace - no chimney in this house.

 Christmas morning - did Santa arrive?  Of course, three good kids this year.  Tradition - We get dressed to open presents and the youngest goes down the stairs first.  Poor Isaac will always be last.

 The kids opened their stockings first and Isaac's favorite thing was his "firmonica"  aka Harmonica.  That was the best thing Santa could have given him.  Of course Santa brought him Ninjago legos, Razor Scooter and a Spaceship.

 Miss Sarah had been asking for a pink computer and Santa found one just for her.  He also brought her a princess kitchen along with the princess barbie dolls.  They each received a Wii game and the biggest hit was Just Dance Disney.  The kids, yes Isaac too, LOVE it.  More on that later.

 Isaac needed some new clothes so mom and dad found some nice looking shirts for him.  Sarah made this darling reindeer for us at school.

 Little Miss Katie enjoyed playing with all the paper and she loves chewing on her new toothbrush.  Santa brought her a fun new ball and a musical puppy. 

 The aftermath of Christmas!

 Later Christmas day we all went to my parents to open gifts together.  My Grandfather had flown in from Cleveland to spend it with his 3 daughters and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren in Utah.  We had so much fun with him.  He held Katie while the others opened their presents.  I think he enjoyed himself.  We tried to get all the great grandkids to look at the camera at the same time.

Mom and her girls!

Uncle Ryan and Isaac

Katie eating her new toy!  She eats everything.

This is a bittersweet picture for me.  I am so glad we were able to see him one last visit before he passed away.  We won't forget this special Christmas.  Love you Grandpap!

 
The rest of Christmas day we went home, enjoyed dinner and play time and coming down with the flu bug.  After 3 days of spreading the love to each other we were all healthy again and had fun enjoying all the gifts from Santa and family.  It was a wonderful Christmas in our new home!