Christmas 2011

These three pictures pretty much sum up our Christmas this year. The kids woke up a little after seven in the morning to this wonderful sight, Santa had come! They got right to it, opening their stockings and gifts. I would say they all got the most excited when they opened the Kinect for the X-Box. Karter's face was especially priceless.

 We were so happy to have Christmas on Sunday and get to attend a great sacrament service with beautiful music and touching testimonies. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve 2011

It has become tradition to spend Christmas Eve with my family. This year was no exception. Last year, my sister started a new tradition of matching pjs for all the grandkids. She spends lots of time finding enough fabric and making a pair of pants for each of the kiddos. Thanks, Steph!

 After a prime rib dinner we had lots of fun with a variety of activities. From lego building, ornament making and, most importantly, the nativity to playing carols with chimes and bells, we had a packed night of fun.

 It is a Hallsted tradition to do a flame with Christmas dessert. My mom was even able to find apple shaped bowls just like the ones my grandma (her mother) always served it in.

Ahhh, tradition!

temple lights

 Friday we had dinner with the Hallsted family. My uncle had this old car out front, covered in lights, with Santa hanging out in the front seat. Karter and Koltyn were loving it.

Afterwards we headed to the temple to see the lights. It was beautiful as usual and the kids couldn't get enough. I especially enjoy seeing all the nativity sets in the visitor's center. As we walked out the lights were shut off and the kids were pretty sad. We have never closed out the temple lights before.

rustler's rooste

 Wednesday night we met up with the Johnson family at Rustler's Rooste for dinner and gift exchange. During dinner, a balloon artist came by to make anything the kids wanted. He was very talented to say the least. Kimble got a Rudolph, Karter got a Spiderman and Koltyn got a monster truck. There was also a slide inside the restaurant that the kids could not get enough of. Fun, fun, fun.

 After dinner, they let us use the patio for our gift exchange. It was an awesome view of the valley. The kids absolutely loved the gifts that they were given. We are so lucky to have such a generous family!

sedona: day three

Wednesday morning we woke up and starting packing up when Kimble spotted this balloon out the window. Love it!

 On our way back home, we stopped in a the Anthem Outlets to see this amazing tree. It is hard to tell just how tall it really is in this picture.

sedona: day two

Tuesday, we decided to take a drive through Oak Creek Canyon to spend the day in Flagstaff. On our way we found snow! It was amazing just how excited the kids were to play in the wet stuff. A quick family picture and snow ball fight later, and we were off the movies (and some Christmas shopping).

sedona: day one

Monday we made our way north to beautiful Sedona! Kevin is now half way through his masters program and definitely needed to de-stress. It was the perfect get away. The kids were thrilled to walk through the door and find this guy waiting for them, too.

 After dinner, we went to see thousands of lights at the Red Rock Fantasy light display. It was worth the small entrance fee. While it was a little nippy, the kids loved it. Here are just a couple of our favorite displays (plus, Mr. and Mrs. Claus).

december 17

Saturday night we got together with the Johnson family in Surprise for a night of Christmas fun. We had a yummy dinner, nativity, lots of crafts, games and even an appearance by the big guy himself. Julie did a great job putting it all together!

 Koltyn spent most of the night in Landon's room. Can you see why he loves it so much?

 Julie found this game for the adults to play. We had to roll a special number on a die, put on a pair of oven mitts and attempt to unwrap a gift, which continually got smaller and smaller. It was hilarious, lots of fun!

 Santa finally found the house! The kids were super excited to see what Santa brought them, hence the willingness to sit on his lap for a picture.

karter's last game.

Karter has learned and improved so much since he started soccer six weeks ago. Today he made 5 goals! We are so proud of him and hope that he will continue to do his best. Way to go Karter!