Christmas Break and New Years

Christmas break had its ups and downs like you would imagine. We had this one day where I organized a bunch of girl clothes and boy, I just hated that day.

Then another day where we met up with Ken and his family to celebrate Sky's birthday at the Bean Museum.

After that I took the kids to Wendy's for lunch and then my mom took us to Nickel City as part of our Christmas present. It was really fun as always.

Tyler ran into his friend Nixon so they got to hang out together which was awesome.

After that we went to see Brandon at work and stopped at the new park by his work. The weather was incredible and the kids had so much fun at this awesome park.

This was absolutely the most perfect Christmas Break day you could ever have! I was so happy.

New Years Eve celebrations happened on the 30th since New Years Eve was a Sunday.

Then on actual New Years Eve we hung out and played games. Kallie had Sophie sleep over since her family was all doing other stuff.

Every single one of the kids stayed up till midnight! Then the next day we had fun playing games.

Mckinley made the cutest cross stitch and Grandma Bishop helped her turn it into a pillow.

She also helped her finish off this cute stuffed elephant Mckinley made. She got the pattern from her sewing class at school.

In preparation for Brandon's 40th birthday we started celebrating and decided to take the kids ice skating. It was the first time for all of them. It started out a little rocky but ended up with everyone loving it and asking to go back again. Jackson said it's what he wants to do for his birthday, ha ha. We used our starving student cards and were able to take the whole family for $22. It will definitely be more expensive next time!

I just absolutely love all the memories we are making as a family. These really feel like the golden years and I am enjoying it so much!

Tyler was the one kid who just took off and didn't have any problems at all! He did fall and hurt his tail bone pretty bad but he was so good at it. He's so athletic! Just like his dad.

Ava was a little pro! She had been practicing quite a bit on roller blades lately and I think that really helped her.

 

Christmas 2023

The kids absolutely love our sibling gift exchange we do every year on Christmas Eve.

It was nice to have the extended family thing done in advance so we had Christmas Eve all to ourselves. It was a Sunday so we had just one hour of Church, went to Taco Bell for food, and just enjoyed our day. Made cookies for Santa of course. I woke up with a sore throat and was worried about singing in the choir but made it through. Later that night I was feeling really sick so I just slept in bed for hours. Brandon made breakfast burritos for dinner, brought me one in bed, I ate it, and went back to bed. 

So fun having everything all ready for the kids to wake up to in the morning. I was able to get up and help Brandon get everything out, but man, I was not feeling great.

Christmas morning was great. I wasn't feeling good, but was able to sit there through them opening presents and then made breakfast before I crashed in bed for like 4 hours. We started out with telling the kids we were going on a cruise in 12 days. It was so fun to finally tell them. Brandon and I had booked it months earlier.

Kallie got her long awaited mannequin. Even creepier than I imagined.

Had to get her a pickle blanket to match the one she got for Sophie for her birthday.

Got to surprise Mckinley with these slippers that she thought she wasn't getting anymore. That was a fun one.

Ava loved the coat she already picked out and knew about.

Tyler was stoked about his new suit since he is getting the priesthood and will start passing the sacrament soon!

Sure love these kids and how much joy they bring into our lives!

Christmas tree french toast for breakfast.

Headed over to Brandon's parents' house at 2:00 for food and presents. We had a good time. I was super tired but made it through.

Went back home and I slept again from like 6 to 10. I don't know what I had, but it sure wiped me out. I still feel like it was a great Christmas. I just feel bad that I wasn't there with the kids while they were opening their new stuff.

Boxing Day the next day Brandon just went off with the kids but I wanted to be there and was feeling a little better than the day before so I showered and met them there. It's funny how most of the kids talk about this being one of their top favorite traditions.

Karen got breakfast burritos from Betos for everyone instead of doing scones which I think everyone really loved.

Tyler had an indoor soccer game that evening. He had three games the week of Christmas! Their team went undefeated for this season and had a blast.