The Week Before Christmas

Hank had the entire week off before Christmas this year so I made sure we spent our time doing fun things together as a family.  My mom hosted her annual Christmas cookie bake-off on Monday.

Move over Mrs. Fields.  Mom was serious this year!

 So was Max, oh wait...  He had more fun spreading flour all over the kitchen.

Doesn't Lucy look like she is 18?

Hank was really careful to make his shapes come out perfectly.

The kids did such a great job decorating the cookies.

Sarah was a bit overwhelmed...freaking lip puffer.

Our cookies were almost too cute to eat.  We admired them for a bit and then devoured them.  There is nothing like a good sugar cookie.

The second batch were snickerdoodles rolled in sprinkles instead of cinnamon and sugar.  Delish! 

Tuesday morning we woke up to nearly 2 feet of snow.  I declared it a snow day!

 After getting our warmest gear on we headed outside for some snow angels and snow ball fights.  Hank really loved when I shoveled the snow onto his head.

Max was more than willing to help.

How much do I love Hank's ears!  

My little snow rats!

 Wednesday I had to work most of the day but no worries my kids had fun anyway.  They had the pleasure of Sarah watching them in the morning and Rick watching them in the afternoon.  They were in heaven!

Thursday was a cold rainy day so Sarah and I decided to take the kids to Monkey Island to get some energy out.  There was no one there and the kids (and adults) had a blast.

 Hank and Max earned their 30th sticker on their good boy chart so this was their reward.

 Jack didn't stop laughing the entire time we were there.  I'm really glad I didn't drop the poor chap when I carried him up the steep ladder to the slide.  Good thing there isn't a picture of that.  My face was purple by the time I got to the top.

The boys even got to play some arcade games.  All and all a successful day.

We rested up and got ready for the 2 hour commute to Provo (thanks one lane open on the freeway, ugh) for the Tucker Christmas party at La Dolce Vita.

Lucky for us the kids slept in the car and were ready to party it up.  This craft table was a genius idea for the kids.

Max loved posing for Chloe.

The red frosting was a hit with Mino.

After a delicious meal it was time for the talent portion of the party. 

The Cox family impressed us with a bell routine.

Lucy and Isabel dazzled us with a dance they choreographed themselves.

Hank amazed the crowd with his breaking skills. 

He broke one with his foot as well.  Master Augustine would've been proud.

Grandma Gaga recited some original poetry. 

Cute Cousins

The kids sang Christmas songs and waited for Santa to come.

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"

Once Santa finally arrived he had a face-off with Jack.

Hank was a little nervous but listed off everything he wanted.

Max managed to get on Santa's knee twice, just to make sure he knew he wanted hotwheels.

I love Isabel's toothless grin.  She is the sweetest little girl around.

We tried multiple times to get a good family picture but this was the best we could do at 9:30 p.m.

Here is a much better attempt.

In case I missed you or the card got sent to the wrong address here is the family picture I sent for our Christmas card.

My Christmas Eve post is coming up next.  I know you can hardly wait!

First Wave of Christmas Celebrations

Christmas festivities continued with a visit from Santa.  This has become an annual tradition at Jeri's house but this year, my kids weren't too fond of Old St. Nick.  Hank took one look at him as he entered the house and ran.  He was shaking with fright.  I don't think he's ever clung to me so tight.  He kept saying, "I don't like Santa's with little beards." Finally I convinced him to come downstairs and promised Santa was extremely nice.  Hank agreed to come down only if he could keep is eyes closed.

Max was scared because of Hanks reaction but he got over it pretty quick. 

 Santa even got a hug from him.

 After some serious coaxing, Hank decided he needed to let Santa know what he wanted but he wouldn't get closer than this.

 I asked for world peace like I do every year. 

Santa was kinda puttin' the moves on me since Randy was out of town.

The Royster boys seem to be growing at a rapid rate.

Thanks Scott and Jeri for keeping up this tradition.  You just never know what kind of reaction my kids will have. It's a source of endless entertainment.  

The next holiday party was dinner at Riverside with the Wankier's.  Since Riverside is currently being re-built, we had a cozy trailer all to ourselves.  It was perfect for the kids to run wild since we were the only people there. 

Grandma and Grandpa really went all out with a delicious dinner and gifts for the kids.  I love these two so very much. I am so grateful to be so close to them. Hank and Max thought pulling monkey faces would make the picture better.

The next day was Hank's kindergarten Christmas program.  They sang all the classics.  I love Hank observing the chaos from afar!

He certainly wasn't too cool to jam out to Feliz Navidad.  Unfortunately I don't have a picture of him with his reindeer hat, dancing to Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.  It was awesome.

Here are his best friends Boston and Jace.  During the program, all the kids took turns saying what gift they want to give this Christmas.  Hank said he wanted to give his mom a new ring.  Awwwww, so sweet.

He was really excited to give Mrs. Christensen her Christmas present he lovingly picked out all by himself.  I'm pretty sure he is the only 5 year old who selected a cashmere scarf for his teacher! 

This morning the kids, including Randy, sprung out of bed, overjoyed at the recent snowfall because it means only one thing, plowing the driveway with the 4-wheeler!

Too bad it took longer to get them all bundled up than to plow!  

After the shoveling was complete these three built a 5 foot snowman, perfected the art of whitewashing, and had an epic snow ball fight...all before 9 a.m.  I am happy to report that I am finally finished shopping for Christmas.  I tried really hard not to go overboard this year, but failed.

More holiday fun to come!

"Kiap"-ing His Way to a Yellow Belt!

It's been nearly 2 years since Hank began his Taekwondo journey and he's come such a long way.  Had I known you couldn't advance to the next belt until you are 6 years old I might have started him a little later.  Even though he is a few months shy of being 6, Master Augustine allowed him to test and move up to the Junior Dragon class.  It has renewed his love for the martial arts.

 He performed his basic forms and recited his Student Pledge without hesitation.  He also broke his board on the first try. (A much thicker board than last time I might add.)

Of course he had a huge fan base there to cheer him on.

Randy and James were hard at work in Vegas on the golf course and couldn't be there but we had Grandpa Curt, Sarah, Grandma Jeri, and Grandma Jackie on hand for support.  Dyson came over to play with Max so I could totally focus on Hank.

That yellow belt is well earned Hank!  You continue to make me proud everyday buddy.

Zoo Lights with the Wanks!

I've been struggling to find my holiday spirit this year.  The fact that there are only 19 more days until Christmas gives me serious anxiety, since I have yet to buy a present.  Last night was just the thing I needed to get me into the holiday mood.  My parents surprised us with an impromptu night out to see the lights in Hogle Zoo.  My family is known for their precise planning so a little spontaneity was a welcome change.

Thanks mom and dad for getting us all together. It's just what I needed.

 The kids were bundled and excited...Hank was being too cool like usual.

 Apparently I needed to go to the bathroom.

The kids got to see Santa's Reindeer and then they had a chance to sit on his lap.

Isabel wants a drum set.

Jack wanted to run away.

Hank wants paper jams and games for the Wii.

Lucy wants an Ipod.

Max couldn't think of what he wanted...think, think, think

He finally came up with cars and monster trucks, since we don't have ANY of those!

Santa took one look at Max and said, "Oh this kid is on the nice list for sure!" ha ha

Max loved riding the zebra on the carousel.  He's been obsessed with the movie Madagascar lately so he was overjoyed to ride "Marty".  He even let Grandma ride next to him!

Hank on the other hand was terrified.  He is the toughest 5 year old I know and yet the sweet calm little carousel had him in tears.  He couldn't wait to get off!

The kids loved seeing the snakes and other creepy crawly creatures.  The animals were awake and ready to put on a good show for the kids.  Hank loved the scorpions and the tigers, and Max loved the bunnies and the spider monkeys. 

Don't mind if I did steal this picture off Sarah's blog.  I have very few pictures of Max and me with cute smiles.

It was really foggy out, if you couldn't tell, so this was the clearest picture we could get of the family.  I had no idea Hank was posing as a monkey!  

Hank and Max required some nourishment in the form of chicken fingers on our way out.

Jack had to deal with the entire family fighting for his attention.  We can't get enough of this kid!

Hank as a jaguar.

Mom and Sarah were inspired by Hank's look.  Sarah, what sharp teeth you have.

Jack-man...too much!

Thanks again mom and dad for everything.  We had a great time.  O.k., I think I might be feeling excited for Christmas now.  I guess it's time to get shopping.  Put in your requests ASAP!