Week 2 - Winter Break

O.K., so we did officially make it all the way through December and into January with NO snow. Its sad because its not ever really gotten to be winter yet - just dirty and chilly - I am so ready for snowy, sledding, firebuilding weather!

Here are the last shots we have of our 2011 Christmas break and some of the things that we did included:
Temple Square visits
TraxTrain rides
Basketball practices
Lunches with friends and family
Parties
Playdates
Figuring out of electronics for the kids high tech presents
Playstation
DS
Computer
WII
Gone With the Wind Marathon
Studying
Math Midterm - mom

Here are some of the pictures of our family out visiting Temple Square - in years past we breezed thorough the square because we were all so cold, but this year we took our time. They boys played and chased each other around the lights and we really enjoyed some of the nativities they had set up.
Mom and dad ready for a night out with the kids to see the lights and have family dinner downtown. McKaleigh and Colton picked "The Blue Lemon" O.K. for bigger kids and adults, but Alex was not really impressed!
Riding the train makes you really really sleepy -
Here we are waiting for the train - we missed the first one. While we were waiting the kids loved it when Brett quizzes them on train times and stops, and whether or not they could make it around on their own. I really think Colton could figure this out all by himself if he had to!
A final shot leaving the square - Dad and the kiddos- with out pink noses!

We always video record Christmas morning with the kids, but it is really hard to remember the camera and take lots of pictures of the event. This year Alex was the first one up and was really excited that he got to go and wake everyone else up. The bigger kids would have slept late if given the chance, but by 7:15 everyone was up and ready to open. We try to hand out one gift at a time to savor the moment and see what everyone has gotten under the tree! It always seems to go so fast, no matter the opening method!

They boys with the latest NERF gun. It is really powerful and has to sit on that stand type thing to shoot. They built all kinds of Lincoln Log towers to shoot down - I will seriously be finding darts in different parts of this house until I die!
Colton with some of his faves! Skullcandy headphones and a 3D-DS
McKaleigh picked out her faves! The Nook and a 100 piece makeup set.

After all of the festivities at our house, we got ready to go to Grandpa Rod's and Grandma Deb's for more fun, family and lunch. Here are the kids with cousin Tyler ready for another round. They really made out like little bandits with all of their loot from everyone!
Just before Christmas this year grandma had a knee replacement, here she is with her walker - and grandpa watching all of the kids open gifts.