A White Christmas

On Christmas Day (the 25th) it snowed on and off and the kids had a blast playing outside. It was nice that we didn't have to drive anywhere and they were able to come in the house when they got too cold. I also loved that I could stand on the deck to take pictures in my pajamas!


Aaron giving the boys snowball lessons


Nana and McKay playing catch with a snowball



Sledding down the hill in the backyard, too bad the snow didn't last very long




Trying to catch a snowflake


A miniature snowman and Parker's attempt at making hair, which mostly just covered up the snowman



Aaron pointing out some animal tracks in the snow down by the road




This is the view from the deck looking out toward the front of the property, the boys had lots of room to roam!

Gingerbread Houses

Parker's gingerbread house was actually a chicken coop. He made the roof slanted just like the coops (yes, we now have two) in our backyard.

And off to Nana's house . . .

. . . well, almost. After packing up the car in Williams I locked the keys in the car. So we were set back about an hour while Aaron and Kevin scoured the town for a wire hanger (they finally just got one from the local dry cleaner), tried unsuccessfully to unlock the door, and finally called a locksmith (he opened the door in about two minutes, maybe less). Parker took advantage of the time by collecting some icicles, which continued to mesmerize him throughout our trip.


Once we finally left Williams we made it to Reno (well, Sparks actually, it's right next to Reno) the same day. Aaron drove the whole way and we pulled into the driveway about 11:30pm. It was a long day and we were definitely ready for bed! Luckily Nana and Grandpa Olinger (Aaron's mom and step-dad) had our beds all ready for us.

On Saturday (the 20th) we decided Santa would be visiting us early. We moved Christmas up to Monday so that the kids could play with their new toys. Sunday (our Christmas Eve) we went to Sacrament meeting, had a wonderful meal, read the nativity story by the fireplace (a treat for our family, the Olinger's however had to open a few windows so they wouldn't roast) and enjoyed some family time together. The boys made cookies for Santa (and ate some too) and headed downstairs to bed to wait for Christmas morning to come.




We woke up Monday morning to full stockings and presents under the tree. The boys were so excited to open their gifts, and there were plenty of them, thanks to the grandparents! It was a flurry of bows and paper and when the opening was over there were lots of fun toys to play with.

McKay's tub of felt play food


Parker and Dallin in their night vision goggles



Opening the Wii

Dallin drooling over the new games


McKay and his fabulous voice changing Star Wars helmet


Parker's new karate uniform (he'll start lessons at the end of January)



We spent the rest of the week playing Wii (the big present this year), wrestling, playing in the snow, making crafts, and relaxing. We had a great time!

All Aboard the Polar Express!

One week before Christmas we headed up to Williams to ride the Polar Express! My sister Kristi invited us to go with her family, a tradition that they've kept over the last several years. We were all very excited to board the train when we arrived at the station. There was snow on the ground all around us and it was freezing! (My brother-in-law and niece and nephew are on the left.)



This was Parker's third time riding the Poar Express, he's gotten to go with Kristi two different years previously. He kept acting like he was uninterested before we got on the train, but changed his mind once we got there. He was just as exctied to see Santa as everyone else.



McKay was impressed.



While we had a great time, we were all glad to get back to the hotel room where it was nice and warm!

Blog Update, Finally!

Here's what we were up to in November:

Making turkeys- (11/11)






Sewing up a felt storm- (11/12)






Building a house for our pet gerbil, Roller- (11/15)




Celebrating McKay's 3rd birthday (a day early)- (11/16)








Pit cooking one of our chickens in the backyard- (11/22)






Celebrating Thanksgiving at school and having fun with friends!




Hopefully I can get back to blogging more regularly after the holidays. Right after my last post in November I started in on making all sorts of crafts for Christmas presents and I'm still working on them! I'll post pictures of the fun things I've been working on after all the gifts have been opened so I don't ruin anyone's surprise. We hope all our friends and family had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you will all enjoy the Christmas season!