Christmas Eve...

Too amazing not to post immediately! The festivities began when Drew and I both finished work and headed straight to my mom's house. We started out with a great dinner. And then were surprised with a visit from on of my dad's very best friend. Jerry performed for us The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. And he was phenomenal.

I love Cookie, our nephew, just lounging on the ground.

The captive audience. Jerry was a much bigger hit then last year when my parents had a 'Norwegian Santa' come and stomp around the living room. He was a little intense!

Jerry was so animated it was better then watching the movie.

The grandkiddlets were mesmerized.

And a Christmas Miracle that Meghan and Wes both made it home for the holiday!

After Jerry left my dad spoke to the family about Jerry and what a truly remarkable man he is. Very inspiring, not only is he a lawyer but is a very successful business man in the Salt Lake valley, but last year at the age of 61 he went back to school to get his nursing degree so that he can serve medical missions for our church.

Then we started our Christmas Eve program where Nick, Drew and I played, We Wish You a Merry Christmas on our iPhones! Beautiful.

Then to really bring in the Holiday spirit the boys performed Poker Face for us! Wonderfully done! Then as always my mom played a slide show of Christ, with beautiful pictures and great music. Then my dad read to us from the scriptures. It was terrific to say the least.

Then it was time for wrestling and tickle torture! Always a good time!

This is why Drew is the best uncle! I can't wait for him to smash our kids heads with pillows! Ha ha they LOVE it! Anyway, then it was time for Drew and me to scamper home to open our Christmas Eve presents! Pajamas! The next few pictures will show you why Drew is my best friend and my Mr. Wonderful! He is the best sport and up for anything!

Our onesie pajamas! So terrific!

How great are these? Sock monkey and reindeer feet! Drew was SO excited! After donning out new PJs we headed out to drive around Christmas and Bible Street.

Driving around Christmas and Bible Street in your new pajamas has been a tradition in my family since I can remember. It is fun to continue the tradition with out little family.

Christmas Street as always did not disappoint!

Bible Street is where all of the homes have scriptures in front of the house that tell the Christmas story. It is one of my favorite traditions. It is fun to go with Drew even though he was jealous I had more scriptures to read on my side of the street to read!

Terrible picture but my favorite scripture (I am a little biased) Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace good will toward men." Then Drew wanted to start a new tradition, and I am always up for that! We went to Maverick to get hot cocoa. And Drew insisted that we stay in our onesies! And that is why I LOVE him!

Our pajamas were a huge hit! And can you blame people?

I cannot tell you how much I love Andrew!!

And my version of hot cocoa... Diet Coke! Just as amazing, and just as Christmasey! Now off to sleep and really celebrate Christmas... I just don't know if you can top our Christmas Eve.

In-Laws....

This is what I married into! And I couldn't be happier!

My Sweet Grandpa!

He never ceases to amaze me! Even after he is gone. I go to my granny's once a week to buy her groceries and clean her house! Today she found a card from my grandpa. It was too sweet not to share!

My grandpa from the time I was tiny made his own cards! He was a wiz on the computer! And I'm pretty sure the first person ever to have the Internet. Anyway I digress, he made his own cards and this one was made for my granny after she became really sick. We all thought we were going to lose her. This is what the card said.

How sweet is that?! That is true love if I've ever read it! I love the little nicknames. Marcie and Maxie! Too sweet.

Oh and just to snazz it up, my grandpa threw in a hula goose! He couldn't be more adorable!!

And on the back just like a Hallmark card he put his signature! Something awesome like "you know who" or "that old guy" but for my granny... She got Maxwell! (not my grandpa's full name)

Oh What a Weekend!

To celebrate my dad's 42nd birthday we headed up to the cabin for a surprise party! We made it there just fine there was some snow on the road, but Drew's truck breezed through. Then Drew headed back down the hill to go pick up my some supplies from my sisters car that couldn't make it up the hill.

And this is how it all ended! Yikes Drew was driving down the hill and saw some kids sledding so he was going SUPER slow! But lost traction and slowly drifted off the road! Even the kids sledding couldn't believe how slow he was going and how slowly he drifted off the road.

Here are the boys surveying the damage.

Brad, Drew and Nick.

Attempting to pull out the truck! It was a vain attempt.

Stuck!

Just to prove how stuck he was.

Finally after 2 tow trucks this guy pulled him out! His huge truck almost tipped it was crazy! Thanks to everyone for helping!

We made it just in time to see my dad blow out his candles. Well the kids got to it first!

Then after all that fun, we headed home to find out our water heater pipe burst! Oh what a weekend!

Happy Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving! We like to celebrate in style!

Paying tribute to the pilgrims! My sister Kami and her cute kids ( or maybe just Kami) made our festive hats!

Mike and Hillary!

The little Natives listening to Papa's Thanksgiving address!

Dad still addressing the council.

Looks as if mom was the only one contributing! This picture only mildly displays the chaos at family dinners! I love it!

Some of the boy nephews! Happy Thanksgiving!

Ocho's New Glasses!

This is my nephew Ocho, or Owen for the people not in the "circle of trust", ha!

And he sure looks handsome! Chocolate Milk mustache and all! On top of that, he performed in his Primary Talent Show (all by himself) as a mime! Still waiting on the video... Michael! I love this kid!

Crochet!

Drew and I went to my grandparents house to learn about the stock market! My grandpa is quite the Guru in this area. After our detailed lesson about day traiding my grandma took me upstairs and taught me how to crochet.

We started on a burp cloth and recieving blanket. And I just finished both! I love it, my neck was sore and my fingers were stuck in a semi curled position, but it was addicting!

Pretty safe to assume if you have a baby in the near future you will be recieving a blanket! Act surprised!

Obsessed!!!

Why does this girl make me so happy? (quote courtesy of Steph!)

Look at the focus in her eyes!

The determination in this fantastic donut-on-a-string eater! And yes not only is Megan my lifelong friend (known her since we were babies!) but for the last almost 2 years we've been cousins! Yep, you know your jealous!

Proof that family can never be too close! Megan and Adam!

Oh and Drew's pumpkin! Yep it's a Great Dane!

Happy Halloween

This weekend my mom had her annual Halloween party. And as always, it did not disappoint.

Hillary came through for us with some AMAZING costumes!!

Yep! Batman and CatWoman!

The shoes were the best part!

Mike and Drew having some together time!

The haunted graveyard cake!

Yes my mom just got back from her latest Disney trip, and brought back the cake toppers from 'The Haunted Mansion'.

The decorations were as always AMAZING!

My moms house transforms for the holidays!

The drinks were even decorated! Courtesy of Kami!

And how cute is this kid!!!

Sweet Max turns 1!!

Playing with the broom!

No Halloween party is complete without 'sniff the broom'.

AMAZING games and stories were brought to us by Alissa.

Drew as always... giggling!

And to wrap the night up we got into out snugly pajamas and relaxed. At least Max did.

He loves his uncle Drew! Thanks mom for the festivities!