CHRISTMAS 2010

Taya was so excited Christmas Eve... She loved hearing the story about how Santa flies all over the world in his sleigh and brings presents down the chimney.  I told her if she listened really close she just might hear the sleigh bells, she was so excited she was shaking. 

Luckily she did fall asleep by 11pm.  3 hours past the normal time. 

Come Christmas morning she was so excited to jump up and get Tanner and me out of bed.  She absolutely loved going through her stocking.  Santa brought Taya just what she wanted,

Hiccup and Toothless.


Paige loves her new little Toy Story Car.

Half way through opening presents each girl had a meltdown. 

Here's our little family all dressed up.

Merry Christmas

On Christmas Eve, we were able to carry on a tradition at Amy's house. 

We each opened 1 present, NEW PJ'S.  The girls had a great time ripping through the paper.

Here's the girls in the cute polka-dot pajamas. 

I typically don't go matchy with them, but I loved these warm fuzzy jammy's.

Portland for Christmas

I'm still blogging December! Ha!

We went to Tanner's sister's (Amy) house for our Christmas Holiday. 

Tanner was really worried about how the trip would go.  I must confess, I was a bit concerned myself.  But this is what we got most of the 6 hour drive. Needless to say, we did not take any stops.

The girls ate snacks and watched Christmas movies.  They were AMAZING! 

We would definitely take more trips if they were all like this!

While there the girls got the chance to run around with their 4 cousins.  We even went to this play land where they could go CRAZY.  It's like a McDonald's Play Land but TIMES 10. 

They were exhausted afterwards, so was I and I was just watching.

Taya and Mackenzie

Paige loved all the kiddos running around.

Don't Turn Around

As a mom, I feel I often need 2 extra hands and surveillance cameras in my house. 

I guess we just have to work with what we've been given.

This is Paige's FAVORITE spot to terrorize when I'm not watching.

Please Hurry Christmas don't be LATE

Taya loved the whole experience of Christmas this year.  She's at such a fun age...

We have a Santa hat hanging around and of course, Taya loves to pretend to be the Jolly Ole Soul.  She let Elmo sit on her lap and tell her what he's wanting for Christmas. 

We also got the chance to see the AMAZING nativities displays at the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Blaine Street. 

They had HUNDREDS of displays from members of the community.  These are a few of my favorites.

We also were able to dress up as figures from the original nativity scene.  The girls are ADORABLE!  I look like I just gave birth! Haha

Doesn't Taya look like a little Angel!

Taya didn't want to leave the "baby."  And she's convinced that this baby is NOT Jesus.

We had a great time walking around as a family talking about the birth of our Savior and enjoying seeing pictures of Temples. 

Gingerbread House

My mom is a elementary school teacher, so naturally I grew up making/decorating gingerbread houses almost every year of my young childhood around Christmas. 

This year I got the chance to do that same activity with my husband and 2-year-old, Taya. 

I bought this house pre-made at the grocery store, Highly recommend this. 

Then we got out 2 packets of frosting and a ton of candy and went to town. 
Taya had a great time sampling all the candy and especially the frosting! 

Here it is afterward, our messy little masterpiece.



Doesn't Taya look like she had maybe a little too much fun!

Paigee did not get to help with this one, to many chocking hazards!

Christmas Stockings

I have several things to post from December! 

 I'm playing catch-up. So excuse the month delay!

I went to one of my favorite stores, Prune Orchard, in Pullman Washington.  They had really cute stockings and of course I wanted them, but they also were $16 each.  To much for my small budget.  I tried to find a cute knit pattern, but didn't find any I liked. 

I decided to buy some linen and make my own. 

I didn't want them to be to wide, because I wanted them to fit well on the stockings board I just made, so I made them long.  I drew them out with a pencil, cut them, and sewed them with felt inside for support. I spent $10 all together.

I wanted each of our stockings to be unique but look good all together. 

And of course I love the Shabby Chic, vintage inspired look. 

I added bits of plaid and burlap to each to give them an older look. 

I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. 

Tanner's, Mine, Taya's, Paige's and Abby's

I just need to add our names, any good ideas?  Right now I'm thinking about using pre-cut letters that are one a thick card stock and painting them with gold glitter.... Sound cute?