Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve was a lot of fun this year. We have always had a tradition of going to my Grandma Janes house. Last year we had her funeral on Christmas Eve instead. So this year was a little different but was a lot of fun! We started off at the Olsons and had a wonderful Prime Rib dinner. Then the kids did a little nativity and we read the Christmas Story. We also decorated gingerbread house cookies. We had a great time. Then we headed to the Grandma and Grandpa Strongs house where we enjoyed more yummy food. We sang some Christmas songs and watched the story "Christmas Oranges" read. After that the kids exchanged their gifts and also the adults. We have always opened some presents on Christmas Eve. So this was great fun.

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Decorating our cookies

Devyn snuck a little frosting.
Ethan and Mackenzie fighting over Grandpa Myron

Cute little Kyle

When the kids exchanged presents, Ethan got a sucker on top of his. It was of course his favorite thing. I had to video him licking his sucker. I thought it was so funny.

Just like many other people have the tradition of Christmas PJ's we do to. We have carried on down the tradition to our kids and this year they all matched. A couple of them forgot their jammies on Christmas Eve but we took the picture anyways.

The boys fell asleep on the way home, so Devyn got the cookies for santa and the carrots for the reindeer ready.

Olson Christmas Party

We got together a little bit ago to have an Olson Christmas Party.

The kids were excited to exchange presents with their cousins, which turned out nice to spread out the Christmas gifts a little. I think the kids get a little overwhelmed during Christmas with all their new stuff. But we had a good time together.

Devyn got Hannah Montana Makeup and Nail Polish Kit

Something Devyn's been begging for, but I would never buy it.

Jacob got some new animals.

This kid loves animals so much!
Ethan got some new tools. He takes them
everywhere & has been fixing things ever since.
(I'm sure glad they're plastic tools)

White Elephant Gift exchange for the adults.

Grandpa got the cool sunglasses and 90210 soundtrack.

Michelle stole Grandpas SunglassesJoe, thrilled about his new styling products.
Making fruit baskets to take around

The Olson Family, minus Elder Matthew Olson

Day as a Fireman

Jacobs preschool class went to the firestation for a fieldtrip a couple weeks ago. So the kids and I were out shopping and then hurried home to get Jacob off to school. Minutes after I dropped him off he came running home bawling that no one was there. I looked at the letter again from his teacher and somehow missed that they went earlier that day with both classes combined. I felt SO bad because he was SO excited and had been looking forward to this day. Luckily we have some firefighters in the family. Jacob's Uncle Stephen took time out of his day to give Jacob the firemans tour. He was so excited, and not only got the tour, but it was DELUXE!

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Thanks Uncle Stephen for a fun day!

Santa's Lap

Christmas Pictures

Temple Square

For our Laurel activity last week we took the girls up to see the lights on Temple Square. We hurried over to see the Joseph Smith movie that was amazing! We were a little late but we were lucky to see almost all of it. We loved walking around Temple Square, and seeing all the buildings and activities going on. View from Joseph Smith Building

The reason for this season

Some of our fun girls!

The group!

Dear Santa

We live in a wonderful litte town where you can drop letters off at the city offices to Santa. Once Santa recieves your letters he writes you back. We did this last year and again this year. Their letter from Santa came back in the mail yesterday. It is something fun and exciting for the kids! Here are their letters to santa:

A Happy Day!

I just had to share with you about what a fun birthday I had last week. Devyn decided that she was going to suprise me with breakfast. We both got in the shower at the same time, She usually takes 20-30 minutes (not kidding). But this time it was fast! When I was about getting in, I heard her getting out of the other shower. Then she hurried and got dressed and as I was getting getting out she came in my room and told me she could get the stove turned on. I then knew what she was trying to do. I thought I would let her do her thing but reminded her she can't cook unless I'm home. But as I was getting ready for the day she made me this. She came and got me when breakfast was done and she had it all set up for. I thought it was cute.

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Well cooked scrambled eggs ~ Toast ~ Ice Cold Milk ~ Oreo Cookie

I left the kids with my Sister Brooke. She came and watched them while Dan and I did a little shopping and went out to dinner. The kids were a litte sad when they heard we were leaving, I think they were expecting a party. So on the way home I thought we would suprise the kids with donuts and ice cream for my birthday. But when we walked in the door, the kids had made me a cake! So we had the donuts for breakfast. Thanks Brookie! The kids love you! And you helped brighten my day too!

Judy Family Christmas!

After Thanksgiving we got together is extended family to have a little Christmas party. We have done this for year and it is so much fun to see our family that we don't get to see too often. We ate dinner, had a white elephant gift exchange, played other silly games, and enjoyed a pinata!

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I don't know this gamevery well, I got out my first try, but it was funny to watch them eating their soup?

One of Uncle Johns gifts, aunt Linda is holding the

"Smell my Nuts" candle.

Ethan was thrilled with his gift, Ramen noodles.

He wanted to eat them right away!

The pinata is always fun for the kids while the adults try to

hold the kids back so they don't get swung at!