Christmas Break--Lander (part 1)

We left for Wyoming on the morning of Dec. 26th.  Rusty took Ethan to the bus stop in IF (& had Ben & Callum).  The rest of us met them in Ririe so we could go to Pamela's house.  Rusty wanted to have an afternoon at her house so we could finish watching "Survivor"--we had watched the whole season except the last 6 episodes.  We made it to Pamela's around 11:30 am only to discover that I didn't have the right keys to her house.  And the hidden key (at her house) didn't work (in either door).  So we ended up going to Maverick (to gas up & have a bathroom break) & heading straight to Lander.

We arrived in Lander around 4:30--just enough time to unload the vehicles & eat dinner.  

 We took some time & went to the church to goof around one afternoon.  Zane & Rusty shooting some hoops.

 The kids had fun running around (Callum in the back left, Alyssa--Laurie's granddaughter--& Ben).

 Kailey (Laurie's other granddaughter) & Emmalee are playing with the big pink ball.  It was great to have a place for the kids to run around & get some of their energy out!

 "half-court" shot by Rusty!  Zane played a game of Around the World with me--and barely beat me.  But I did make it to the last shots before he did.  I guess I still can shoot (a little).

 Ben putting one of his new puzzles together.

 Daddy helping Ben with the puzzle (Sponge Bob)

 Playing "White-Elephant" BINGO.  When you get a bingo, you open a white elephant gift.  Then the next person can either take your gift or keep the one they open.  

 Callum & Alyssa

 The white-elephant presents.

We all had fun playing.  And we all fit into the kitchen!!

Christmas Day

 Santa filled all our stockings--and left us some fun presents!

 and so did Aunt Pamela--the stack of presents from her!

 And look at all the presents around the tree.

 Santa brought Ben a moveable Spiderman--"it looks like he's running!"

 Even Zane was spoiled this year!

 Emmalee didn't just get 1 My Little Pony--she got 2 (from Santa).  And according to her--"this is the best Christmas EVER!"  She also received a Play-Doh ice cream maker.  She didn't come out & ask Santa for this (because it was an "expensive present") but she secretly told Snowflake (our Elf on the Shelf) so luckily the message was delivered!

 Callum with his new suspenders & bow tie.

 Ben opening presents.

 Zane all comfy by the pile of presents.

 Ben was super excited to find a present that was taller than him--and it was for him!  (a mirror for his bedroom)

After opening this present, he had to try it on.  He loves the minions!

It was a great Christmas--as always, we were spoiled.  Everyone received what they wanted (and more).  And even better--we had everyone home & didn't have to pack up the vehicle to leave for Wyoming.  We decided to take Ethan to his shuttle bus stop (in IF) the morning of the 26th & leave for Wyoming from there.

We had omlettes for brunch, & then I made salsa & guacamole for a dinner/snack.  (We also had grilled cheese sandwiches).  It was a great day!

Christmas Eve

 Our kids draw "Secret Santa" names each Christmas time.  The "rules" are:  the gift must be homemade.  They can buy the supplies, but them must personalize themselves.  (in the past, the kids have bought wooden object/toys, & then painted it)

 So on Christmas Eve, after we drive around looking at lights, we open the Secret Santa gifts & guess who gave it to them.

 Emmalee was so excited!

 Ben got a batch of cookie dough truffles (made by Zane)

 Brienna baked Emmalee's favorite cookies (soft-ginger snap cookies) & put it on a pretty plate.

 Yay--a box!  He got a sock dog & a picture made by Emmalee.

 Callum took over my sewing machine for a couple of days & made something for everyone--Zane got a pillow with his name on it.

 Ethan wrote Brienna's name in cool art & then made his own definition of how awesome she is ;)

 Ben made (with Brienna's help) buck-eyes for Ethan.  Ben first thought he had Brienna so while we were shopping the day before, Rusty helped him make a gift for Brienna.  So on the 24th, 

we had to scramble to get something made for Ethan.

My kids love this part of Christmas & try to keep what they are making for each other a secret--right up to when they open their presents.

Elf on the Shelf--Part 2

 She's a trapeze artist here--using her favorite candy--the candy cane!

 Looks like she took a ride on my nativity (from Germany)--naughty elf!  Nativities are for looking at, not riding on!

 She must have been feeling homesick & missing Santa, because she was in this Santa's sleigh all day!

 Babysitting Baby Jesus--how adorable!

 Oh my, oh my!! Look what Snowflake did this day--she TP-ed our Christmas tree!

 but it looks like she is recycling some of that toilet paper on this day--she is reading a magazine...

 While she is sitting on the toilet from Emmalee's dollhouse!!

 She is watching all of the animals from the Little People play-set.  Snowflake must have her crop-dusting pilot license because she was flying their little plane! 

 I wonder how many hours of flying she has?

 we caught Snowflake trying to open one of her presents.

and the next day she had opened her present (a candy cane) & had "bribed" the bear flashlight (with the candy cane) to give her a ride.  

 She left us tons of kisses--from the North Pole of course!

 This is what we woke up to on Christmas Eve morning--the last day with Snowflake.

 I guess it was only appropriate that Snowflake the Elf was making snow-angels!  (in a pan of flour)

 When I was looking at pictures after we opened presents Christmas morning, I found these last 2 pictures on my camera.  She left a note in my "I Believe in Santa Claus" book along with a cute letter.

She said goodbye to the kids & told them to remember the baby Jesus--the reason for the season.

The kids can't wait for her to come back next year!