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! 

Thanksgiving Weekend

I am still recovering from last weeks activities.  Rusty, Rick, and Collette came into town for Thanksgiving on Wednesday and we spent as much time as we could with them.  I had really good intentions on Thanksgiving to document all the food and family but I lost steam after our first Thanksgiving feast.  We managed to eat two fantastic meals with my family and Randy's family.  I couldn't have asked for more! Instead of my usual witty recap after each picture I will keep it brief.  I'm lacking creativity and energy tonight.

 I love my family.

 Mom and her beloved bird.

 A thing of beauty.

Dad managed to carve the turkey and clean the blade on his clean shirt at the same time.

Perfection

The ladies enjoying pie while the men watched football.

Love was in the air.

We need Danna to finish this family picture.

Tryptophan induced nap...oh wait, he failed to taste the turkey.

Angry Birds on the Ipad = Hank's idea of heaven on earth

Awake and full of hell.

Next stop was Scott and Jeri's home.  I apologize for my lame recap for Jeri's Thanksgiving.  She pulled off dinner for 30 like a champion.  The food was delicious and once we were sufficiently stuffed things quickly got loud and out of control.

The kids love to wrestle with Uncle Rick.

The rest of the week was dedicated to Grandma Dot who passed away earlier the week before.  The viewing and the funeral were beautiful and a perfect tribute to her.  She would've loved every minute of it. I was lucky to know her over the past 11 years.  She has been a constant at every birthday party, summer BBQ, Christmas Eve party and Sunday dinner.  I will miss her beautiful voice breaking out into song whenever the mood struck her.  She always treated me as if I was one of her granddaughters.  Every time I told her good bye she would tell me she loved me. 

I love you Grandma. 

Max managed to have a tender moment with Grandma Jeri and lift her spirits before the funeral. 

Needless to say it was a very emotional and tiring week.  I'm feeling the let down this week.  It was so great to have our Portland family here.  Somehow Collette managed to escape my camera last week but I swear her and her baby to be were here!  It's amazing how as one life ends, a new life is beginning.  It gives me hope at an especially hard time.

These two manage to make me smile every single day.  They are the biggest blessing in my life.  Two short months ago Hank was recovering  from a life threatening illness, and now he is healthier than ever.  He took 2nd place out of the entire kindergarten in the turkey trot race at school.  He amazes me.  I have so much to be thankful for.  After I took this picture, Hank told me it needed to go on the blog!