Kreesmas 2016

How can Christmas 2016 be here and gone and 2017 happening tomorrow? This year seemed to go by more quickly than years past- maybe it's the kids, maybe it's our crazy schedule, maybe it's having Mark back. Who knows, this year was one that I wasn't as sad to see go as 2015. 

We crammed a TON in the month of December! We started the month off with the MoTab Christmas concert with the Blackhursts and Nguyens. For once, they didn't do a lottery system and I actually got tickets. The concert was great and we had a fun night with these crazy people- I daresay we even converted Aish to liking Vietnamese food. 

Mc's Christmas clay Williamson family

One of my favorite things to do during Halloween/Christmas is to drive around and look at the lights for Family Home Evening. I always remember Winder Dairy's lights and since we were out that way, we drove down Winder Street- NOTHING like I remembered (like two houses only had lights) and then we stopped by 4233 Charles Drive. Lots of good memories and Christmases playing Nintendo all hours of the night in this little house. We also did the drive through lights at the Olympic Oval with Grandma Mary Ann while daddy was in Blanding.

Santa at Heartland. The kids and I stayed after the last day before Christmas break and got to see Santa, do some crafts and have snacks. 

We went bowling with the Thomases and Ty Ty, Cash, Jade & Noah. The kids had a blast and my bowling game is a little rusty. 

Mc had her Christmas dance recital. She did AWESOME! She looked so grown up and I love her costume.

Ornament Day at Mary Ann's- one of our favorite crafting days (Enzo, not so much). Mark's ornament made it one second on our counter before it met it's demise. I was super stoked about my Nightmare Before Christmas wreath, Mc did an excellent job painting and Kingston made about 15 peel and stick ornaments. 

The kids had specific things they wanted from Santa this year. Mc wanted an American Girl Lego house, Kingston a remote control monster truck and Enzo, a garbage/dump truck. Santa sure delivered and so did Alex (Legos, stuffed cats), Mimi & Papa, Mary Ann, G & Chris. Our kids are sure taken care of at the holidays. We were excited to get a renewed Thanksgiving Point pass, a day of sledding in January,and new books. 

Christmas Jammies. 

Legos from Alex. The ghetto blaster and parrot were my favorite. Kingston was pretty proud of himself (Thanks, Alex!!)

Letter to Santa, oreos, carrots and lego reindeer. 

We did catch Santa again this year! 

All their wishes came true!

Christmas morning we woke up to layers upon layers of snow! It was awesome! It was a Sunday this year so we had church at 10 for an hour. The kids woke up at 7, presents were opened by 7:23, Mark started shoveling the driveway and the kids went out to play while I made head sized cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate and Enzo played with his garbage truck.

Sacrament meeting was so great (being only an hour helped). The songs were perfect. Bishop Whiting gave a 5 min talk about the Savior and his birth/sacrifice for us. My heart felt full and it was nice to be there, where were supposed to be, worshipping the Lord on the day of his Birth.

SNOW

Christmas Kiddies all ready for church. Also, Mc's glasses. 

Sunday Selfie- while Enzo screams "noooooooooo"

Christmas Day we went to Mary Ann's after church for breakfast casserole and presents. She always gives the kids new books which I love. Kingston wasn't sure about "Walter the Farting Dog" but he has learned (like any boy) that it's hilarious.

Then to Mom's for white elephants (we gifted a pillow case with Mom and Dad's face swap from the cruise with a "Sweet Dreams" caption-winner!), more food and spoiling. The kids got to watch a movie, play games, listen to Mimi read a story and eat reindeer cookies.

New snow gear from Mimi & Papa

COUSINS

2.5 hours and 75 pages of directions and the Lego house was completed. 

Kingston was super excited to tell everyone he got his own glass bottled Sprite. Mc & her Lego house (again with the glasses). Enzo and his garbage truck- I am pretty sure this will be naptime for a while. Mark made me this Tsum Tsum tower and surprised me with the Tsum Tsums I wanted from Disneyland. I love it! Mark got his track day and all is right with the world.

 

Christmas has been boxed up and put away for another year- I am hoping that this was the last Christmas we celebrate in this house (fingers crossed the house goes up on the market again next week) so it's great that it was such a good one. We didn't do a ton because we went to Disneyland and I think it was just perfect. On to 2017! Who knows what this year will hold but that is part of the excitement as we wait to see what the Lord has in store for our little family.