Christmas break

 Believe it or not Christmas break was full of more than just family parties!  Here is a collection of everything we did over the long holiday.  The kids were out of school for 2 weeks.

The boys enjoyed an early morning cuddle session before Hank's 8 a.m. basketball game.

We spent a fun evening in the Riverwood's with the Jones' and mom and dad.  The kids loved the horse drawn carriage ride and visiting with Santa.  

Hank and Max made excellent delivery boys with the help of Max's truck.  They braved the sub-zero temps to spread some holiday cheer to our neighbors.

Randy pulled Hank on the sled behind the 4-wheeler several times.  Of course a jump had to be made.  We got some good snow storms that came with below freezing temperatures. 

Poor Sam wanted to get out and enjoy the fun but it was just too cold.   He had to watch from the window.

He kept himself entertained by riding Tucker,



doing some intense work around the playroom,



wrestling with his dad and Max,



and watching his new Baby Einstein DVD.  He loves animals and every time a dog comes on the screen he squeals with delight.  I'm stoked he'll actually sit on the couch and watch a show for a minute.

We endured some extreme temps to get our sled on near Jeri and Scott's house.  Sam and Max couldn't get enough.  We'd get to the bottom of the hill and Sam would simply point to the top of the hill, his way of saying "let's go again, mom!".  Max did and awesome job of navigating his way down a pretty treacherous hill.

Hank didn't have such luck with the hill of death.  He came down first and didn't realize how fast he would go if he didn't put his feet out.  It took Dyson and another man to stop his lightening fast speed just before he would've plunged into the creek.  Needless to say he was freaked out.  That's the face of a sad sledder.  He refused to give it another shot.

After our incredible snow fall, I was itching to get up in the mountains and ski.  I had such an incredible time with my mom and Shellie.  We skied the entire morning with the hill pretty much to ourselves.  The snow was perfect, the company was perfect, and my new ski clothes kept me toasty warm.

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, Hank joined us!  Randy brought him up after lunch and then headed back home with Sam and Max.  Do I have an awesome husband or what?  

Skiing with my kids has to be my favorite thing about being a mom thus far.  We lost his edgie wedgie's and had a rough trip down but once we got some new one's, Hank was golden.  He wanted to ski until the lift closed and we did.  Such an awesome day for me.



Max got his turn on the slopes a few days later but I'll put those pictures on Randy's birthday post.  Just admire his handsomeness until then!

Kate offered her school's gym for the kids to run wild one afternoon.  The tunes were blaring and Max was feeling it!  His moves have to be witnessed in person.  These pictures just don't do it justice. Kate, Sarah, and I had our own fun while the kids were playing.  We may have set up an obstacle course involving scooters, cones, and bean bags!  Sorry folks, no pictures of that mayhem.

Scott arranged a sleigh ride up at the Homestead for the entire family while everyone was in town.  It was so cold but Sam was prepared with about 20 layers of clothes.  He couldn't even walk!

Rick and Randy kept each other warm on the sleigh.  The funniest part of the night is when Randy discovered he insured our sleigh driver!  I can't take him anywhere, I swear.

I told you my ski clothes were adorable!  Nice work Randy.  I love this little family of mine.

We finished the night off by eating some Mexican Food in Heber.  Sam and Owen were hilarious sitting next to each other.  They were so sweet to share all their snacks.  Too bad we don't see Owen that often.  He is such an awesome little kid.  

There was lots of time spent with the cousins over the break.  My kids were in heaven!  We surely didn't sit around much, it was go go go!!!

Christmas Day 2012

Santa definitely came this year, giving my children everything they asked for.  They have been such good boys this year, clearly!  

Hank asked for and received an RG3 jersey, ipod touch, and Westlake High School gear.

Max asked for and received, Skylanders for the Wii, a Slurpee machine, and jersey clothes.

Santa also surprised the boys with this awesome tent/fort.  Endless fun for little boys.

Sam has also been a very good boy and got some cool new toys and books.

Hank was smitten by his ipod and hasn't let it out of his sight since.  His cousins also got ipods for Christmas so they spent the entire day either instagramming, texting each other, or searching for wifi.  When did my 7 year old become a teenager?

Max couldn't wait to get his precious Skylander guys upstairs to start playing.

He had to inspect the tent first.

There was lots of brotherly love going on.

They loved the presents they picked for each other.  Max got Hank Madden 13 and Hank got Max Hungry Hippos.

Have you ever seen such excitement for socks?  Not just any socks but the precious Nike ones he asked for.

Sam joined the party a few minutes later.  He needed some extra sleep.  He woke up to total chaos but managed to find some chocolate in Hank's stocking to keep him occupied.

Hank and Max gave him a Baby Einstein's Animals DVD.  He loved it!  Almost as much as I love his amazing bed head.

Hank had to try on his new K.D. jersey.  It's actually one of the things that fit.  I don't know what I was thinking with sizes this year.  I was so off.  I went about 2 sizes too big for both boys on everything.  They love wearing their clothes big and refuse to let me take them back.  So if it looks like Hank and Max are wearing Randy's clothes that's why.  

Randy always surprises and spoils me.  This year was no different.  My precious Blendtec was so unexpected.  I have used it at least once sometimes more every day since I opened it. He also gave me a new ski coat, ski pants and gloves.  I went skiing once since Christmas and have a pic to show just how adorable they are...and warm! Randy got lots of clothes and shoes from me and the kids.  I learned a long time ago, I can't compete with Randy's gift giving skills.

When we arrived at mom and dad's house we noticed a Disney theme.  Grandma Jackie asked the kids if they had any idea why she would have a Mickey Mouse balloon out on Christmas.  They very politely raised their hands to answer, haha!  She had us open our gifts to find...tickets to Disneyland!!!!!  

Everyone was so excited!!! We are leaving February 9th and I for one, can't wait.  Mom and Dad also gave us some awesome Disney gear.  Hank was so pumped he even agreed to put on his Car's pajamas!  If you know Hank at all, that's a big deal.  I mean cover up his RG3 jersey with Car's gear?  

Here we are, all Disney-ed out.  My personal favorite is Brett, Randy and Dan in their matching Mickey shirts.  Can you say Disney dads? 

Kate, Sarah and I had a little surprise up our sleeves as well.  We tried to think of something to give our dad that was meaningful and fun.  Sarah had the brilliant idea and came up with this hilarious card.

That's right, an overnight hunting trip at the duck club with the three of us!  I'm sure it's what my dad has always dreamed of.  He acted excited though.  I'm sure it will be an epic night. 

Max and Jack got snow ball makers from Lucy and Isabel.  They couldn't wait to try them out.  They really do make the perfect snowball.

See what I mean about the over sized clothes?  Still freaking adorable though.

At least I have one son who will wear whatever I say! Poor Sammy isn't coming along to Disneyland with us.  I'm pretty sure he will have a better time here with Grandma Jeri and Natalie than being trapped in a stroller all day.  

Max insisted we bring his new Skylander's game to grandma's.  He even had an audience watching his awesome gaming skills.

A huge thank you to my amazing husband.  He made this incredible Christmas for my kids possible.  We look like we need a nap!

I mean come on, who has more adorable grandparents than this kid?  Grandma Jackie's even showing a little leg!  Thanks again mom and dad for the incredibly generous gifts and delicious breakfast.  Disneyland is going to be a blast!

Later that night all the Griffin's came over.  Owen loves spending time with Max.  Max is sort of the baby whisperer.  Sam can't get enough of him either.

Max had one thing on his mind once we got home...Slurpee's!! We made enough Slurpee's for everyone.  It was hard work but Max said it was well worth it.

His face says it all.

Sam and Grandpa Griff got some quality reading in before it was time to say good-bye to Christmas 2012.  It's hard to believe another Christmas has come and gone.  I could get all sappy and melancholy about it but honestly, I'm relieved to have it over.  In fact, I had my tree and all my decorations down by noon the next day!

Christmas Parties Galore

Tis' the season for family togetherness and we certainly had that with party after party after party.  The Wankier Christmas party took place at Chris and Missie's.  The kids are always so entertained there, which means I had lots of time to catch up with my cousins.  I feel so lucky to have my darling grandparents around this holiday season.  They are as good as people can get.

The following weekend, my mom hosted the Tucker Christmas party.  After taking a break from her hosting duties for a few years, she took the party back and it was so much fun.  Sam dressed up for the occasion.

After a delicious lasagna dinner, we enjoyed a visit from Santa.

Sam had the death grip on my dress.  No chance for a happy picture with Santa.

This is as close as he would get.  When Santa left, the talent portion of the party began.  Max agreed to help Jack sing Jingle Bells.

Jack had the bell ringing down leaving Max to sing a solo.  He did an awesome job.  During the other kids performances, Max leaned over and whispered to me "mom, I kinda want to dance".  I was shocked my shy little Max wanted to bust a move in front of the entire family.  I turned on 'Gangnam Style' and Max went off!  He busted out moves I've never seen.  I'm so proud of him.  He was in the zone.  My mom is the master when it comes to entertaining.  After a party like that, I'm quite confident she isn't getting out of hosting next year!

The following day, Rusty, Collette, and Owen came to town

Sam and Owen were so happy to be reunited.

That night I hosted a Christmas dinner for Griff and Karen.  I must have been really busy cooking and entertaining because my pictures that night are lacking.  We had good food, great conversation, lots of laughs, and awesome gifts from Griff and Karen.

Sam and Owen got matching BYU sweats and beanies.

Max got an Airzooka, which he broke the next day.  Oops!

Lennon got some darling pink boots and pink accessories.

Hank and Max got matching RG3 shirts.  I think they should only wear jersey's with Griffin on the back from now on!  It was such a fun night. 

The next day we enjoyed an enormous snow storm, which guaranteed a white Christmas.  Jeri hosted her annual Christmas Eve party later that evening.

Only Jeri can pull off a Christmas necklace with blinking lights!

This picture captures Sam's mood perfectly.  He was upset the entire night.  It all started with him throwing up the second we got out of the car.  I don't know why he feels the need to be sick every holiday.

His look that night was straight up Grandpa Karl.  The tan pants, sweater, and hair just screamed Karlito!

Max was so excited about his Blake Griffin jersey from Owen.  After opening it, he immediately gave Owen a hug and said "thanks buddy, I love this".

Hank reluctantly agreed to a picture with these lovely ladies.  He secretly enjoyed every second of it.

Here's the entire crazy crew.  I just have to acknowledge my incredible mother in law.  She hasn't missed a beat through her rigorous cancer treatment schedule.  She had every excuse not to host such an amazing party but she powered through with her positive attitude.  I'm so grateful we could all be together this Christmas, for her especially.  Christmas Day next...