Christmas!!

Christmas was simply wonderful this year. Seriously, it was awesome. Our kids are at such amazing ages. It is so magical and so much fun, especially leading up to Christmas.

Making cookies for Santa.

We had a delicious Christmas Eve dinner at my parents' house. Mckinley got to be Mary and Ava was baby Jesus for the Nativity. Tyler held the star, and Kallie refused to be in it. (that girl!!!!)

Leaving our cookies and milk and carrots for Santa and the reindeer on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning!! Everyone was so excited to help Ava open her one and only present from our neighbor Sally.

Three years in a row we have had the most magical white Christmas where it snowed a ton on Christmas Eve. So awesome!!!

After presents Brandon made bacon, pancakes, and eggs while I nursed Ava.

After Church Brandon took the kids out to play while I sat and talked with Ava on my lap. This girl loves to coo back and forth and it is just so much fun!

We had tons of fun over at Brandon's parents on Christmas evening. Karen made a delicious ham dinner and we loved spending time with family.

Ava

My cousin Hilary was in town from California and I'm so glad she made the effort to get together. It's always so fun to catch up!

 Ava getting big enough to sit in the bumbo! (And Tyler's hand, he's always close by!)

Ava always has lots of people surrounding her loving her.

Mckinley's school had a cute 1st grade Christmas program. They learned so many songs!

Brandon's dad volunteered at Mckinley's school just before Christmas break. She was so excited for "Watch dog grandpa day!!"

 Mckinley is still the biggest sweetheart ever!

Riverwoods

We had a fun but freezing night at Riverwoods.

We are so grateful for all the fun things Grandpa Ross plans during the holidays! We got to spend a lot of time with family and loved every second.

Riding the train.

Someone remind me next year to leave the ward party before Santa comes and just go see him at Riverwoods. I love this Santa!

Cute smiles from Ava.

Kallie loves to stand over the vent when the heat blows! Either with a dress or with a blanket.

Another cute cute smile!

Curiosity Museum

Tyler is definitely my best helper with Ava. He fed her a bottle as we walked around Walmart.

Starting to see some smiles!!!

My little sister Amy hooked us up with free tickets to the Curiosity Museum. We hadn't been there for a few years, since the last time we got in free. The kids were so much better this time and had a blast!

Tyler had so much fun with his cousin Ezra who he doesn't get to see very much.

Kallie was too scared to do the floating head because I told her it cuts your head off. Oops! Ha ha.

Ward Christmas Party

Our ward Christmas party was a Hawaiian Luau and so much fun! Moana was there to take pictures with.

This is our next door neighbor Sally Wible. Our kids just adore John and Sally!

Mady, Mckinley, and Mia were copying the hula dancers up on stage. It was so fun to watch!

Our kids were at the very end of the Santa line as usual. Grrr... I was nursing Ava in the mother's lounge when they finally got to see Santa.

Mckinley helping me cook.

Mckinley gave the snowman a turn with her glasses. Ha ha ha.

Nerd!

Tyler and Kallie finally went to the dentist for the first time. We had a horrible experience and will never go back to see Dr. Howell again. Tyler has five cavities, as does Mckinley. Kallie has none. Looks like two of them got my teeth and Kallie got Brandon's. Sigh.

Beautiful baby Ava!!!