Christmas 2011

We spent Christmas this year in Elko.  We traded presents with Cassidy's family on Thursday night before we went to Nevada, but we forgot the camera so no pictures from then.  We went bowling on Christmas Eve and that night Cass, BJ, and my dad got to drive to Wells to pick up some stranded family on their way to Reno which was really nice of them.  So here are some pictures from Christmas day because that is the only time the camera came out.  We had a fun weekend with the family and hope that everyone else had a very merry Christmas as well.

Cass with his new toy.  Can you tell he is excited about it?

 BJ with his new favorite shirt.  He is pretty excited to wear it next month when he comes to see his new nephew :)

 LaWayne got BYU blue hot chocolate in her stocking. 

Just chilling enjoying a nice day with family.  We were very spoiled with presents this year and are incredibly grateful for our families and their generosity.    

Christmas Preparations

Every year I make Cass do a gingerbread house with me.  The last two years we haven't had gingerbread (because I don't actually know how to make it I just beg my dad and we haven't been to Elko for Thanksgiving- hence no gingerbread) so we have made do with graham crackers because I refuse to buy one of those pre made kits.  We were a little late this year getting it made because of finals and family things going on, but here is what we came up with this year.  

 Hard at work.  I think Cass really does enjoy this activity even if he doesn't openly admit it :)

 The finished product.  I hope it makes you all think Mele Kalikimaka.

 And then just because this has become my way to keep track of our family history here are some pictures of our Christmas decorations.

 It can't be Christmas without a chocolate nativity.  Thanks dad for getting me the mold so that I can make my own every year.  

Our tree with the lights on and off.  Look at all those presents.  Too bad none are for us.

Before Cassidy's grandma died she had knitted everyone in the family matching stockings.  Sherrie found a lady to knit similar ones for those of us who have joined the family since the stockings were made.  Here are ours.  Even baby Alden has one already I am so excited to see his name up on our wall everyday.  He is due exactly one month from today :)

We hope everyone else is getting in to the Christmas spirit, but also taking time to remember why we celebrate this special time of the year.  

Party Time!

December has been a busy month already for us filled mostly with parties :)  The best part of this fact is that we got to spend lots of time with both our families including this adorable guy :) 

 The Norton family came from Las Vegas and Elko the first weekend in December for Randi's baby shower.  The guys went bowling while the girls hung out in South Jordan tying a quilt, eating, playing games and opening presents.

 Isn't this place cool?

 I love this cute Jazz outfit!

 My friend Shawna gave us this cute basket of pajamas, one outfit every month for Alden's first year.  

The next weekend we went to Cassidy's family Christmas party at Classic Skate.  The kids had a good time skating and we enjoyed getting to watch everyone have fun.  We even got to see Santa on roller skates :)

 Treygann didn't last long on the roller skates before he traded them in for a skooter.  Dane did well at being there help everyone find their skate legs. 

 Several of the cousins lined up to play red light, green light.