Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve tends to be a long day.  The kids were so anxious and excited for Christmas.  Randy had the genius idea to go to the park and play football in the snow.  It was the perfect activity to get the kids energy out.  We pushed through the frigid temps and had a blast. 

The kids loved playing against Randy and I.

Somehow our game turned into tackle mom every time she touches the ball.  Hank and Max probably tackled me 20 times.

They were in heaven.  I was sick of getting schooled by my little boys.

Don't worry, I stiff armed Hank pretty good and put him in his place!

Griffy was romping around in the snow the entire time.  

Jeri had us over for the annual Christmas Eve dinner that night.

Hank couldn't believe he was seated at the kids table.  He thinks he's such a man these day.

After watching some Jib Jab videos and singing Dominique the Donkey, it was time to open presents!

I'm very grateful for such an amazing family.  I love our holiday traditions.

It's safe to say it's going to be a white Christmas.  The snow was really coming down as we were headed to bed.  Tomorrow is the big day!!

Tucker Christmas Party 2015

We made it from Vegas to the party just in the nick of time.  Look at these grown up boys!  Santa really outdid himself this year. He knew something about each kid.

He also let the kids man the bells as we sang Jingle Bells.

Randy had the magic touch with baby Russ.

As always the Cox family showed us all up with their incredible talent.  Let's not forget Tucker and Sam's little song and dance routine.  Too bad I don't have a picture of that.

We don't get together with everyone often but it's always a good time when we do.  It was great to catch up with the family.  My mom always does such an incredible job hosting the perfect holiday party.

Vegas Bowl

When it became apparent there was a possiblity the Utes would be playing the Cougars in the Vegas Bowl, Randy and James hurried and snagged tickets before they were gone.  After school got out for the break, we picked Mary up and headed to Cedar to see the Bromley's before the big game.

Mary endured a car ride with our crazy boys and bonded with Sam.  Once we got to James and Darcelle's home, he cuddled right up to her.  It was such a fun night catching up with our dear friends.  They are adjusting to life in Cedar City very well.

The next morning, James, Darcelle and Jimmy drove with us to Vegas for the game.

We were all decked out in cougar gear...

except for Hank.  He decided to remain neutral and wore gray.  I like his attitude toward the rivalry, Switzerland if you will.  

Our seats were two rows from the top, but that wasn't going to stop us from having a good time.

What was stopping us from having a good time was the Utes scoring 5 touchdowns in the first quarter.  Sam was beside himself.  He is a die hard Cougar fan as you can see.

Come on Cougs!  Look at that face.

Well, they must've gotten the memo because in the second half they staged one of the best comebacks I've ever seen.

Even Hank was cheering!

To see Max focus on anything so intently is a pretty special thing.

Sam dried up his tears and cheered his little heart out.  In the end the Cougars couldn't pull off a win but came pretty close,  losing 35-28.

We have missed the Bromley's so much.  It was awesome to spend the weekend together.  They headed back to Cedar that night and our little family stayed the at Circus Circus.

We spent a small fortune on carnival games with the kids.  These games are as rigged as the slot machines.  We were trying our hardest to get them a stuffed animal.

They're not the biggest stuffed animals but they'll have to do.

Sam and Max enjoyed a hotel bubble bath before we headed home.

The Tucker Christmas party was in a few short hours so we didn't have time to linger in Vegas.  What a short but sweet trip.  We even got to take Mary back to Saratoga Springs so Sam was happy about that.

Christmas Parties and Programs Galore

Bear Hollow helped us kick off our Christmas celebrations with a party and a program.  Sarah and I  had the chance to help with the Christmas pajama party.  Look at these adorabale cousins!

My favorite part of the party was watching them practice for their upcoming program.  Sam took this dress rehersal very seriously.

The things this kid will do for a gummy bear blows my mind.

This face melts my heart.

Experiencing the chaos of Bear Hollow parties with my sis is a dream come true.

We had time for a brief rest and then it was off to the mall for the Christmas program.

Lined up and ready to rock.

These little whipper snappers didn't miss a word or an action.  I have to admit I got a little teary eyed watching my baby up there.  I can't even imagine next year.  I'm going to be a mess.

Santa was very impressed with the program and gave each child a present.

Sam loved having grandma and grandpa cheering him on. 

Randy sadly had to work but Sam's big brothers were there to support.

 This picture needs to go on a Christmas poster somewhere.

Sam wasn't the only one participating in a Christmas program.

Man do I love a good Christmas program.  Makes me so nostalgic.  Max on the other hand isn't really a fan.

I can't get over how grown up Hank and his friends look.

Only one more Christmas program for Hank-man.  Unbelievable.

After a sugar filled Christamas party for Max's class, I believe we're all ready for a long Christmas Break!