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Getting ready for Christmas...finally.

I know, when it rains it pours and when I finally post I fill up the page. This time of year really lends itself to many photos.

I finally started to get more into the Christmas spirit after our ward Christmas party. My kids were having so much fun and so excited to see Santa that I couldn't help but get excited, too. Seriously, Isobel waited in the line at our church to sit on Santa's lap forever and never complained. That shows some real dedication. So, the next day I told the girls that if they helped me clean the living room and get it vacuumed, then we could put up our tree. (Our apartment is so small that I was seriously considering waiting til Christmas Eve so I wouldn't be running into it for more than 1 day)
Once we got it together and I got to put on my new star (I got it last year after Christmas at Hobby Lobby for like $2) - I really started getting into the spirit.

By the way, I didn't let Isobel wear that leotard to the birthday party we went to right after.

This Wednesday we went on the "Polar Express" train. We rode the train thru Santa Fe and out to some random place. We had hot chocolate and cookies. (Well, some of us did. Isobel dropped her hot chocolate on the floor of the train right on Eva's coat and boots - soaking them both. Eva couldn't wear them anymore.) When we stopped they read "The Polar Express" book and Santa came and gave all the kids a bell.

Daddy is teasing Eva that he can't hear it. She really wants to prove to him that it makes a beautiful sound.

We could walk outside and between trains. Well, some of us could. It was so cold that Bryce wore both of our coats and since Eva's coat was wet she and Isobel had to take turns wearing Isobel's coat. I stayed inside the whole time. (When we ride this train in the summer for the family reunion, I will be walking outside.)

Eva found the camera and took some random pictures of us, her care bear, the missionaries, and other random things. My least favorite was the one of just my butt. Yup, filled the whole screen. Delete.

I think I am nearly done shopping. I need a few more treats for stockings and I'll be set.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Isobel's Debut

Isobel had her Christmas program a couple weeks ago. She has been singing these songs in the car for weeks. She told us she was the "leader" of her class. (Generally this means she is the line leader or something) Little did we know she would be doing this:

Did I mention she was the only kid in the whole program with a solo? (She said she wasn't even nervous!)

Maybe you've had enough video - but this song "Santa Claus Rock" was too fun! The kids all loved singing it and my girl can SHAKE IT! Enjoy!

When a sister comes to visit...

Silliness ensues!

Share came to visit for the weekend (a while ago) and I am finally doing something about it. You are welcome to see her side of the story.

We spent some time at G and KT's house making gingerbread houses, drawing snowmen, and making toffee (which, by the way, I have to eat all of because Bryce doesn't like it).

Eva entertained us with checkered pants, ballet slippers, a tutu, and a killer partner.

Share decided she was very fond of Jane Fonda hair and borrowed my blow drying curling iron (I haven't the hair for it anyway).

And the best part:

We spent too stinking much time talking about Twilight books. Which was great for me because Bryce has no desire to hear any more about them. And, honestly, I don't blame him. We went to see the movie - my second time, her 5th I think. It was nice to have someone to talk to DURING the movie. (We went to a matinee on a Monday - yup - 7 of us there)

Isn't this a super funny picture! How many girls wish they were in this picture? I must say, I am totally cuter than Bella and Bryce is totally lucky!

Thanks, Share! I always love having you around!

Once There Was A Snowman...

Today we got our first real snow in Santa Fe. We had a little skiff last week that was gone by the time I got back from Maxwell. Eva was so excited to see the snow flying that she picked out her warmest fleece pants and jacket, found her snow suit and boots, and asked Daddy to find her gloves. She was so ready to be out in the snow. This is what they did:

Her attention to detail is amazing.

And the final product.

I love that smile.

As a little side note, all that is left of this morning's snow fall is a couple piles of rounded snow, some sticks, rocks, and a carrot :)

Nightmare Before Christmas

So I am too upset with my sister to write about our Halloween. I am just going to post pictures and let you comment, ask questions, figure out EXACTLY who/what we are dressed up like, and where we are. Let the guessing begin :)

Technical Terms

I do have Halloween pics - they will be posted soon-ish. I did want to tell you a funny story and I don't want to wait to upload pictures. So, you'll have to wait for that ;)

Our friends have been potty-training thier boy for a while now. The boy likes to talk about his unit in technical terms. He says things like "My penis worked!" when he successfully pees in the toilet. Well - since we hang out with our friends very often, my girls have heard that word a little too often.

The other night, Eva said to me, "Mom, my penis hurts." (Little girls are not the best at wiping properly and keeping themselves clean - so they often get a little irritated. ) I wasn't exactly sure how to react, so I said, "Eva, only boys have a penis - you don't." I thought that would be enough.
The next day, Eva said the same thing to Daddy. He decided that it wasn't ok for her to use that term - it just isn't right. So he told her the common name for female parts - vagina.

The day after that, we were driving in the car and Eva informed me that "girls don't have a penis, they have a .... a....(she's trying to remember the name) ...a veda." (veeduh)
Bryce and I just laughed - that's good enough. :)

The really fun thing is to think about things that really are named Veda.
My parents live on Veda Lane (hehe). I didn't take the time to remind her what my grandma's name was either.