Mock Competition

Here are some of the pictures from Mock Competition. The kids did a really good job and I loved watching all the dances!

Santa Pictures

I was really not looking forward to getting Santa pictures this year. Every other year when Ava comes to town a few days before Christmas (the opposite years we get pictures Thanksgiving weekend), I know it's going to be a huge line and a long time waiting. My friend Sandy mentioned they always go to the Federal Way mall and love the Santa there. I asked how long the wait usually was and she said hardly anything. I didn't believe it but I wanted to try. The Supermall Santa started to look a little ghetto to me and I was giving up on it. All the years we stood in line for hours was something I didn't want to do anymore.

We went on Saturday morning (Ava got here Friday night). It was honestly a wonderful experience! Cirdan and I were both very pleased!! The Santa actually talked to each kid and asked them what they wanted for Christmas. There were 2 families in front of us and we only waited for maybe 15 minutes. I even loved the backdrop! Jett didn't want to sit on his lap but he didn't cry. Cannon was a happy baby. I love when all of our kids are together! Crazy they are all ours.

Kelton and the Nye Party

Kelton came and stayed with us for about a 10 days in December. He was here for Christmas. It was super fun to have him here...especially since he will be leaving on his mission in April. Kelton has been living with his dad and his dad's family who is Jehovah Witness. He hasn't celebrated Christmas for many years. Probably at least 10? We loved showing him our traditions and hope he had a good time.

The kids love him. Kaiya and Kelton had an ugly face contest. Ha ha. I just found these pictures again and it made me laugh.

Right after he got off the plane Cirdan brought him to meet us at the Nye Family Christmas party. It was at the church across the street from my Grandma's. We had Chinese Sundae's and a white elephant gift exchange. This year since the family is just getting bigger we did it a little different. The kids sat in the middle and did the usual pick the gift or steal. The grown ups sat around the outside and read a story. Each time the story had the word left in it we passed to the left...when it said right....we passed right. It still took awhile but it was fun and always interesting some of the gifts that people bring. Also, Ava got into town the night before so she was able to also be there.

Gingerbread Houses

I am really over doing this whole gingerbread house thing. This year my heart just wasn't in it. I think last year was the same. I let the kids decorate it however they wanted. They had fun, especially since I never let them do that. I let them have at it!

Kelton's 1st house he has made

Our neighbor friends who are also in our ward came over too. Ben had always decorated a house growing up so he had fun and he also had great ideas!

Kaylee and Rusty were in town!

I love this little boy!!

Eating candy of course. One for the house...one for the mouth....

Cirdan was a good roof holder

Finished product. EEK

Rusty and Kaylee's...of course!

All Together Again - and Dressed Up!

After church we took some pictures by the tree.

Jett actually wanted Cannon to sit on his lap for a picture. He thought he was so cool that he was able to hold him. I think it will be very soon and Cannon will be the same size and poor Jetty.

Everything was going well....until they started to tip....Cannon's face says it all. I took the pic and scrambled to help (the reason for the blurry pic).

I found this picture when I was going through them. This is so Jett! He is a crazy little boy. :)

Christmas Fun

We had a lot of Christmas parties to attend this year. One was the annual Xtreme Team white elephant party. Ella also was able to participate. This year was the year of the white elephant parties! We attended 6 white elephant parties! I need to start collecting stuff now for next years W.E. parties. It was funny to see what gifts the kids stole from one another.

Kaiya picking a present

Someone gave some tattoos so the kids were applying them.

The team!

We came home and had movie night. Watched a Christmas movie and ate popcorn and candy.