Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Temple Square

We were so busy before Christmas that we didn't get to see the lights. So on the Tuesday after Christmas we decided to go. Of course the day we chose was snowing, making it a long and slow drive both directions. But it was still fun and I thought it was pretty to see all the fresh snow on Temple Square.

Jorgen called this floating Nativity a "tub tree."


We had to make way for the snowplows several times.


The kids thought it was funny that Baby Jesus was covered with snow.



We went inside the Joseph Smith Memorial building to warm up. They had already taken down alot of the decorations. All that was left was a tree with nothing on it.



Up on the Observation Deck.


You try to get a nice picture and someone always acts like a goofball.

We had a good time. It was not too crowded and still very pretty. Just cold and snowy. Andrew told me a snowflake fell in his nose. I asked him how it felt. He said it tickled, and then it itched, and then it melted. He's a funny kid.

Grandma and Grandpa Nay's House

On Sunday we headed up to Brigham City to visit Dan's parents and exchange gifts. Bethany got a stamp set and scrapbook set. She got right to work making a thankyou card for Grandma. I think we left it on her table though, the glitter glue was still drying.

Andrew got a really cool Mega Blocks building set. It took some time to put together but he loves it.

Jorgen got a really cute remote control car that is meant for toddlers. It just has two big buttons, forward and backward. It can even do flips. He loves this car.


He also spent time playing with Grandma's old toys too.



Still working on Andrew's kit.

Bethany can always be found playing with the Barbies.


Almost done!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the fun toys and the yummy dinner!

Day After Christmas at Debbie's

We spent the night and most of Saturday at Debbie's. Somehow Uncle Dan got the royal treatment. He's a good sport!

After breakfast we went over to the church to play basketball.
Jorgen just kicked the ball across the gym over and over. Until he found the drinking fountains, then he just wanted to play in the fountain.


One of my New Year goals is to read the manual of my camera and figure out how to get better pictures in low light. Cause these pics are awful!

Andrew on Dan's shoulders


Debbie and Adam playing one-on-one.

After lunch we went over to a different church to go sledding. The kids had a blast. I didn't bring any boots (I don't have any snow boots, guess I need to go get some). So my feet got cold, but it was still pretty fun.
Andrew liked to lay down flat on his sled.

Jorgen LOVED sledding, until his hands got too cold. He will NOT wear gloves. So he and I camped out in the van a few times to warm up.










We had such a fun couple of days. We headed home at bedtime Saturday. You would think that the kids would be all worn out and sleep all the way home, but no. Jorgen slept till Tremonton, then cried most of the rest of the way home. Andrew had to stop to go potty once. It wasn't too bad, but not as easy as the trip there.

Christmas Day at Debbie's

We went to my sister Debbie's house Christmas evening. It was a 2 1/2 hour drive, but amazingly we didn't have to stop even once. Jorgen slept the whole way. When we got there Jorgen and Andrew headed right to their cousin Abby's new play kitchen.



We had a very yummy dinner.


Bethany ended up on the "boy table."


We had a few too many late nights the week before Christmas. Partly our own fault, but also partly Jorgen's fault, who has recently been boycotting bedtime.


Debbie cleaning up the turkey carcass.


Talking to Eilene in Oregon.


Cousins playing downstairs - and making a mess!


Cute little Katy.


Jorgen with Andrew's sleeping bag.


Cutie pie Abby.


Proof that I was there.



My 3 kids, my brother Ben's 4 kids, and my sister Debbie's 1 kid. Eilene's family (in Oregon) couldn't make it. Ann and her family went to Mexico to be with Javier's family for Christmas.

Christmas Morning

We actually got to sleep in a little bit - the kids didn't wake us up until about 8:00. They had asked for wiggle cars and Santa delivered! Sorry it is blurry.


Someone was still sleepy!


Andrew got a telescope - we are waiting for a clear, warmish night to try it out.


Jorgen got a basketball hoop. It still needs to be assembled.


Bethany saved her money all year and bought presents for everyone from the dollar store, including this stick pony, one for each of her brothers.

Dan took Andrew to pick out presents, and Jorgen tagged along. Jorgen picked out his own present. Guess which one he liked the most? You guessed it. Once he opened this train he didn't care about any of the other presents. He was done.


Tickle Monster book and gloves. Cute.


Bethany wanted a "big pink bear." Thanks Santa!

Then we packed up and got in the van to drive to my sister's house in Soda Springs, Idaho. Luckily we got a few new movies to keep the kids entertained. We actually made it the entire way (about 2 1/2 hours) without stopping once! Hallelujiah! (Not so lucky on the way back, but that would be asking too much).