Christmas Eve 2014

This year we have enjoyed rather warm weather. By Christmas Eve there was no snow on the ground! Tyler was able to slip out and take a beautiful shot of the sunset this Christmas Eve. I kinda get why people like Utah, they do have beautiful sunsets here.

But let me back up to earlier in the day.
As per tradition we were sick at my house. Topher started December by having the stomach flu. He then shared with Madelyn then Caroline then August then back to Maddie Mae. Who then shared with her Gramma and cousins. I wouldn't mind if this tradition ended. But here is a picture of Maddie Mae Christmas Eve day recovering from a rough night. Grandpa I guess had a rough night too!

Pat, Katie, Jenny and I each prepared a soup (Clam Chowder, Cheddar Broccoli, Potato and Chili) and Annie brought rolls and dips. While we cooked everyone had a chance to talk and play. We also had all the yummy treats laid out as well.

After a yummy dinner we opened our Christmas Eve gifts.

Topher got slippers and a triceratops.

Maddie got Elsa jamies and a pegasus.

Caroline got Anna jamies and a pegasus.

August got snowman jamies and a monkey.

Gramma and Grampa, Annie's family, Jenny's family, Katie and Savannah, and Tyler's family were all over for Christmas Eve.

We then had to hustle to bed so Santa could come!

Annual Sugar Cookie Decorating

We hosted Christmas this year for Tyler's family - we had with us Pat and Larry, Jenny, Phillip, Isaac and Cordova, Katie, and Ivy and Jim (Phillip's parents). In addition to those staying with us we had Annie and Chris's families coming and going. 

It made for a full house. It was fun.

Everyone arrived by Sunday before Christmas so we kicked off the celebrations with sugar cookie decorating.

Off course too many sprinkles were used! 

After we frosted with our unnatural colors and covered with sprinkles we enjoyed a cookie.

Sisters

I didn't grow up with a sister close in age, though Holly came close to filling that role. But I watched Lori and Lisa grow up and they were always playing together. Dogs a lot and sometimes dress up the cats or birds. Sometimes I don't know what they were playing but they seemed happy doing what ever they were doing. My girls are like that. The first hour in the morning is a little rushed for us. I get breakfast going, get ready, take Tyler to work, come home and pack Topher's lunch, and take Topher to school. But after that first hour the girls get to play while I get the house in order, pay bills, and put baby down for a nap. They have a lot of fun during that time. Play varies from princess dress up, star wars, forts, animals or house. They already share clothes and shoes! Rarely do I hear arguing from them. Kind of jealous they get to have so much fun with a sister close in age. Maddie Mae goes to school next year and I think Caroline will miss her; I think Maddie will miss her time with Caroline too.

They are so pretty!

And here are some random things - 

I dyed my hair.

August loves the nativity that Mimi made. Any time it is set up he loves to crawl over and spread it around the room.

We had our ward Christmas party. Girls had their faces painted. Tyler likes to "photobomb" his kids.

We are anxiously awaiting Christmas! 3 More days til Santa comes (if he comes!)