Christmas Morning!

Late to bed early to rise was Kourtney's philosophy this year. After tracking Santa and his reindeer it was off to bed later than we hoped. First wake up call came from Kourtney at 12:47 a.m.! I felt like we had just closed our eyes before I heard someone walking around. Are you kidding ! Not a chance so Kourt was sent back to bed! A few hours later I hear foot steps walking through my bedroom. I opened my eyes and saw a silhouette (Kourtney) tip toeing over to the alarm clock to see what time it was. I didn't say a word as I watched her turn around and walk back to Makell's room. She knew better since it was only around 3:00 a.m. Then at 6:00 Kourtney crawled in our bed with us and asked if she could wake everyone up. We made her lay by us until 6:30 before we let her wake the others. I wonder if she even slept at all? Everyone got up and crawled in bed with us. I didn't take long for the eyes to be wide awake with feet and hands flopping everywhere in excitement! We asked the girls what would happen if Santa didn't leave them what they had asked for? Kaitlyn said she would be fine with what ever he left her. Kourtney's response was the same. Makell on the other hand had a different idea. She told us that she would NOT be fine with it in her sweet little way! She made us all laugh! As everyone headed down stairs we quickly found out that everyone made the NICE list! Santa had left them what they had asked for! The morning was spent playing their DS systems and games:)!

Christmas Eve!

I can not believe that Christmas is HERE! The house is full of excitement and not only from the little ones;)! Santa left gifts on the front porch in preparation for Christmas morning! New pajamas! This is one of their favorite traditions! This year we decided to do things a little different. Earlier in the month I had read some fantastic Christmas Stories! I had an idea that maybe I would include them into our Christmas Eve since the girls LOVE reading stories together. I read a story from my sister-in-law Janette called the Dime. For me it was a tear jerker and really portrayed the true meaning of Christmas. I read the story to everyone and gave them a red rose and dime and asked them to think about what they would have done. Adam read another story to us called, The Best Christmas Ever! It was quite a long story but sooooo good and the kids sat there so still & quite listening (even Makell). It helped us all feel the Christmas spirit so strongly! After the stories the girls prepared to reenact the nativity. As Kourtney and Kaitlyn gathered and put props together Makell crawled onto my lap and fell asleep in a matter of seconds! I guess all the excitement wore her right out. As Dad read the story from the scriptures Kourtney and Kaitlyn played the rolls of all and had many costume changes. Even with a lack of people they loved it! Finally it was time to leave a snack for Santa and the reindeer. Some how Makell heard and got a second wind. They decided to leave a different kind of snack(dirty snowballs) for Santa with milk & carrots for the reindeer!

Christmas Piano Recital

The month of December has been a busy one! There have been many different events and parties! Tonight was Kourtney and Kaitlyn's piano recital. They have been working on Christmas songs the past month to be able to perform in front of everyone. I have loved hearing them practice and it has really made it feel like Christmas at home! Each of the students played two songs. Kourtney played Joy to the World & Deck the Halls. Kaitlyn played Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy & Angels we have Heard on High . They were both really nervous and did a fantastic job! They had lots of support from grandparents, aunts & uncles, and friends! Shortly after the recital had started Kourtney leaned over to me and whispered that her school teacher had come to listen and watch her play! She thought that was the neatest thing ever! It's been so exciting to see their talents develop and take shape with the help of the teacher Jake! He is awesome!

Kourtney & Kaitlyn with their teacher Jake.
The group of students. I think a few were missing...?

Visit with Santa!

We finally made it over to see Santa. After waiting in line behind several dressed up dogs and cats we over heard it was pet night with Santa. Makell was a little confused. She looked up at me with a puzzled look on her face and said I didn't know cats and dogs get to sit on Santa's lap and get toys...? Actually I didn't either! Obviously not pet owners. After we signed an allergy waiver it was finally our turn! Kaitlyn was first and she asked for a DS and webkins. Makell asked Santa for a DS, Wordwise computer and a Polly Pocket roller coaster. Santa asked Makell what she was planning on doing with those things and she looked up at him and said, " PLAY WITH THEM"! Of course Santa! Kourtney asked for a DS and the game scrabble! Santa was really impressed! He gave her a quick spelling bee and then asked her to spell Hippopotamus! She thought that was so funny and I wish you could have seen her face! He asked them what list they thought they were on. They all in unison replied "NICE list". I guess to really find out what list they made we will have to wait until Christmas morning!

The Nativity

A few days ago a sister in the ward called and asked Kaitlyn if she would be willing to be the angel in the ward Christmas party. They were going to read the story from the scriptures and have a little nativity on the stage with a few children from the primary. Kaitlyn was ecstatic! One of her favorite things at Christmas time is to reenact the nativity scene! She was even more excited when she found out who she was going to do it with. Some of her really good friends! They looked so cute and the spirit was felt so strongly!

After the story several of the primary kids sang Christmas songs.

Kourt's Christmas Choir Concert

Kourtney had her Christmas Choir Concert tonight! The choir group did such a great job! The fifth and sixth grade students make up the school choir. Kourtney's third grade teacher is over the school choir and Kourtney absolutely LOVES her which makes it even more enjoyable for her! I have been amazed at the work and effort that goes into putting something like this together with 70 + fifth and sixth graders! The group has been practicing before and after school two days a week since the beginning of the school year. Mrs. Peery has really created a learning opportunity through music for these students. She has taught them songs in sign language which were some of my favorites! She and the group have performed at Christmas events and parties in town. In February they will have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at a college sporting event!
It was exciting to hear these songs come together after hearing little bits and pieces from Kourtney singing at home. I love the music of Christmas and the feelings that come along with them! Kourtney we are so proud of you! Great Job!

One of the songs performed everyone wore a Santa hat and scarf! It was sooooo cute!

Grandma and Grandpa came to support & watch!

Kourtney's awesome choir teacher! Kourtney absolutely loves her!

Our New Friend "Peter"

We have a new friend that will be visiting and staying with us through the month of December. It's our "magical" Elf on the shelf, Peter. Peter is one of Santa's helpers. He watches during the day and leaves every night to report back to Santa on who has been naughty or nice. Every morning he returns in a new spot. The kids LOVE hunting around for Peter to see who will find him first but if anyone touches or moves Peter he looses his magical ability! There have been many mornings that certain little ones have been up at 5:30 trying to find where Peter's post will be for the day!
Makell has been so funny! If there are situation between siblings starting to head south Makell will remind them that PETER IS WATCHING! Adam and I are wondering if it is possible to have an Elf year round;)?