Christmas Day

We took a video of the kids opening all their gifts so we didn't get many pics. We have a tradition of letting the kids open one thing on Christmas Eve, which is always Jammas. Kia isn't wearing hers in these photos, but the boys are. As you can tell, the living room was a big mess after they opened all their gifts. Spencer got a nerf gun that shoots these nerf balls, some Hulk gloves that say phrases as you hit with them, some new colors and a color book. Kia got 3 babies, some new colors and a color book. Wesley got 2 dump trucks and doodle pad. Some of their gifts came from a Secret Santa so we didn't know what they were. That is why some of the gifts were duplicates. I should have peeked so I could get them different gifts, but they love them. I asked Kia if she wanted to try and exchange some babies for something else and she said no. Oh yeah, and we got them Sleeping Beauty and Wall -E. It was a good Christmas.



We drove up to Pine Valley to find a place to go sledding. WE found this dead end street that went up hill where all the locals were sledding. The wind was incredible so Wesley and Kia didn't want out of the car. Spencer and Matt had a good time as we the rest of us waited in the car.

Nativity Scene

This is the Nativity Set that was given to us as part of the 12 days of Christmas that someone did for us. Also, there are some pics of our tree. We didn't have many ornaments, but then my parents got us a bunch. You probably can't even tell which is the before pic.

Santa

Waiting in line to see Santa


Wesley and Kia sitting on Santa's lap

Update

well, it's been a while since I blogged. Let's see if I can bring everyone up to date. We got the rest of our "twelve days of christmas" from our secret santa. After the last wise man, we got two Christmas trees, an angel and Baby Jesus. The last day, when we got Jesus, there were three presents left with it. One for each of the kids. Then I found $40 in the box for the Nativity Set.

We are in Salt Lake now staying with my family. We has my family Christmas party yesterday and tomorrow is Matt's family party. We are planning on going back to St. George on Tues. so we can be home for Christmas. So far, the weather looks sunny. We came prepared, though, just in case we don't make it back for Christmas. Santa knows where we are staying ;)

Ok, I finaly, did it. I broke down and bought a camera. It has been 18 months now since our camera busted. I have been wanting one for so long and yesterday I told matt i wanted to get one. It's a polaroid and it's orange. It's kinda funky.

Well, I think that's about it. I will post some pics in the next post.

Secret Santa continued... continued

Yesterday we got the last wise man and a plate of fudge, peanut brittle and caramels. This morning we got a shepard and a box of popcorn. I left a card for the misterious gifter but the wind blew it off the step so they probably didn't even see it. Tonight I need to make sure and place a rock to hold it there, though the weather seems nice today.

Speaking of Christmas cards, I only have 13 more to go. Some of you should start receiving yours in the mail tomorrow and then I have more to put in the mail tomorrow. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone.

Forgiven

Yesterday I got a letter in the mail from UHEAA and this is what it stated:

"We are pleased to inform you that the remaining balance of your student loan listed below has been forgiven as a way to thank you for taking care of your laon obligation in a diligent manner. Within 2 to 3 weeks, UHEAA will send a document indicating the paid in full status of the laon."

Is this for real? You bet ya, it is. Now if we could get them to forgive Matt's student loans ;) Oh yeah, the remaining balance was $559.20. Not very much, but enough to make a difference to us. Thanks UHEAA!

Spencer's Birthday Party

Today Spencer had a few friends over for his birthday since we will be in Salt Lake on his actual birthday. He was so excited about the cake I made ( which turned out cute) and especially happy to get presents. This morning he told me he wanted to open presents first thing and I thought I should have a talk with him. I explained that some people might not have money for gifts so not to be too disappointed if he doesn't get any. I also tried to stress that I wasn't having a party for him just for presents, but ait would just be fun to share the day with friends. I asked if he would still be friends with everyone even if they don't bring gifts and he said yes. He understood, but they all brought presents so he was exstatic. He got a nerf dart gun, a western style toy gun, a Big Rig with cars to carry in it, and we gave him the Batman Motorcycle fom the new movie ( which he hasn't seen and probably won't for a loooong time. That movie is really psychotic, not gory and no bad language, but it really psycho! I wouldn't recommend it for children.