Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is finally here!  Jeri and Scott's party is a Christmas tradition I love.  It was so nice to have Rick here to celebrate with us.

My cute boys are such good sports to pose for the millions of pictures I take.  I can't help myself.

Dominique the Donkey had to be sung before the present opening could begin.  Max is looking at the lyrics with much confusion, as he should!

Randy's enthusiasm is a must for the song.

These two cuties couldn't contain their love for each other.

This WWE microphone is the perfect gift for Sammy Boy.  "Can you smmeeeeeelllll!!!!!"

Rick's gift to Jenni provided our entertainment for the night.  So much earwax extraction!

This is serious business.

In between earwax removal sessions, the boys played a wild game of basketball.  My kids are so lucky to have their cousins be their best friends.  I love all the memories these kids have together.  It reminds me of my childhood.  I'm so grateful to live so close to both of our awesome families.  The kids couldn't contain their excitement and had a hard time falling asleep.  Christmas Day is here tomorrow and it's supposed to snow all night.  Could it be possible to have a white Christmas?  I sure hope so!

Tucker Christmas Party

The annual Tucker Christmas party was hosted by my mom and dad.  Their house looked perfectly beautiful and festive.  I think my boys looked pretty handsome.

They all found a spot on their daddy while we waited for Santa to pay us a visit.  Sam was wondering how many times he had to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas.  This particular Santa came with pre-Christmas gifts for all the kids.

Hank got a Nerf basketball hoop for his room.

Max got a Nerf soccer ball.

And Sam got some Lego guys.  Please take note of his amazing bow tie!

Grandpa Curt and the YOC choir (year of Curt) dazzled the Tuckers with their Christmas song.  I wish Grandpa Karl and Grandma Joanne could've been there to hear it.  They would've gotten such a kick out of it.  It's always so fun for me to catch up with my cousins, aunts, and uncles I don't get to see very often.  It's so important for me to keep these relationships going.  Everyone is so busy with their own lives so it makes it hard.  Christmas is right around the corner and I'm still rounding up last minute gifts for everyone.  The kids can't wait!!

Our Winter Tour

To continue our holiday festivities, we booked a tour on Jenni's bus.  She took us around town to see all the houses with over the top lights.  She also entertained us with holiday trivia, snowball fights and Christmas songs.  My dad hooked up his phone and played his Christmas song so we could all sing together.  I don't think such a thing has ever been done on the ghost bus! 

Sam loved his little holiday hat.  Our last stop brought us to Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Sam kept it together this year.  He had to let Santa know he wanted Yoda and Chewbacca Lego's.

Max asked for an ipod and I think he might get it by the way he charmed Santa.  

Hank is already acting too cool for Santa.  He needs to remember he's only 9 and not 19!  He is also asking for an ipod.

Randy couldn't charm his way out of getting a lump of coal.  I also had a turn on Santa's lap and asked for the thing I ask for every year, world peace.

The Griff's and Santa

That Mrs. Claus looked very familiar.  She was so hospitable and provided hot chocolate for all of us.  It ended up being the perfect holiday activity.

Operation Attend Christmas Program

Since Dry Creek Elementary is new this year, they decided to have a students only Christmas program.  No parents allowed.  Let's just make one thing clear.  You don't tell this mama she can't come watch her kid's Christmas program.  The kids have been working on their songs for weeks now.  It was literally driving me nuts that I couldn't watch them sing.  I may have problems.  Good thing my buddy Batman was on board to crash the school Christmas program with me.

When we got to the school to deliver Max's lunch he "forgot", I just happened to swing by the gym.  There were plenty of chairs set up for parents like me who couldn't follow the rules.

Max is in the blue and white shirt.  He sang every word perfectly.  I'm so happy I got to witness his cuteness.  You're only in 1st grade once.

The minute he was finished singing, the reindeer hat came off.  Can't be messing up his perfect hair.  Hank was darling too but I couldn't position myself good enough to get a picture of him.  I realize I'm crazy but watching these Christmas programs is one of the highlights of the season for me.

Glad I have the cutest little accomplice ever.  My partner in crime.

Wankier Christmas Party

Well, the Christmas tree is up and Raphael is protecting it so I suppose it's time to get in the holiday spirit.  Perhaps the unseasonal weather is making it harder for me to get excited for Christmas this year.  Or perhaps it's just the fact I don't really like Christmas.  There, I said it.  The part of Christmas I love is all the family togetherness and it started with the annual Wankier Christmas party.

We came prepared this year with a song to share.  My awesome dad wrote a song about what Christmas means to him.  The kids learned the words so they could sing it with him.  This is a picture of our first rehersal.  I got so emotional.  The kids will never forget this song and singing with their gramps.

They did such an amazing job.  Hank even sang!  That just shows you how much he loves his grandpa.  It was such a special addition to the party.

 

Prior to their song, my dad sang a song he'd written earlier this year about his grandpa Walker.  He also sang a song dedicated to loved ones who've passed away.  I'm so proud of my dad for having the guts to share his music with all of us.  You can feel his sentimental, kind heart in all his songs.  I can't wait to do a duet with him.

After the singing, my grandparents spoke to all of us.  There aren't two better people in the world.  We are so lucky to have them in our lives.  They are so generous to provide the food and presents for this party.  I can't imagine them ever not being here.

After their tender words, the night took a bit of a turn.  Hank provided some comic relief with the dress up heels he found.

I think he may have been enjoying them a little too much.  I love this side of my family.  We can laugh for hours and hours.  It was the perfect way to kick off our holiday festivities.

Winter!

After a very unseasonably warm fall and early winter, it finally snowed!! We barely got a 1/2 inch but the kids couldn't get their snow clothes on fast enough.  I knew it would be melted by noon anyway.

Cutest little snow bunny ever.

The snowy tramp  became and icy wrestling ring.  The kids were soaking wet when they were finished but they had a blast sliding around.

Someone needs some new snow gloves.

Frozen snot, yummy!

I'm still trying to get in the holiday spirit.  I thought maybe making a gingerbread house would help,

Turns out the kids just wanted to eat it.  They could have cared less what it looked like.  I gave up my control freak ways and let them decorated it how they wanted.

They were pretty proud of their messy, falling apart house.  We weren't interested in making it pretty.  They just wanted it in their bellies.

It looked like this for about 10 seconds before it was devoured.

It didn't do much for my holiday spirit but the kids had fun!

Warriors

Basketball season is in full swing for the Lehi Warriors.  They are off to a great start and so fun to watch.  These boys have come a long way since they started playing together a few years ago.  Hank can always count on a supportive cheering section.  It was a real treat to have Grandpa Sherm come to a game.

They're playing in two leagues this year.  A local bantam league and a super league in Salt Lake.  They are in the upper division of both leagues and doing really well. 

Hank is getting much more confident with his shot.  I love to see him just step up there and drain his free throws.  It's been such an action packed season so far.  I can't wait to see him play more!