Mommy and Daddy got spoiled this year...

Sara surprised TJ with pieces of art he has wanted ever since he served his mission in South Carolina in the mid 90's. Portraits of Christ and the Prophet Joseph, both by Ted Gorka. TJ knew the artist personally, since he served in Columbia, which included Brother Gorka's ward. While TJ was serving, Ted passed away and TJ was honored to be a pall bearer at his funeral. TJ also got a bronze statue of The Martyrs: Joseph and Hyrum Smith.


Boy did TJ spoil Sara! With a Cricut Expressions Machine... She won't have any time to lay around this holiday with all the fun paper crafts she can now create!!

Santa Came to our House!





Lydia's new baby doll nursery will be put to GREAT use!! It even rocks the baby and the swing moves back and forth...

Who is that hiding under the Hannah Montana wig? I think it's Mercedes?! On her new dance mat with the DVD that teaches her all of Hannah's dance moves.


Yeah!! High School Musical dolls and Sharpay's car! Wow, Jiana, you must have been a good girl!

TJ didn't want to be bothered with pictures... He was busy playing with his new Thomas Train Set! It came with a remote that moved Thomas around.




It was definately a WHITE Christmas at our house!


Grandma and Grandpa came over with even more gifts... It was fun to share the day with them.


Christmas Eve Activities

We had so much fun decorating a Gingerbread house (and getting all sticky!)... We figured out it was easier to spread the icing with our fingers rather than knives! It tastes better that way too.


The girls each decorated thier own sides, while TJ and Lydia kept eating the candy!


Then the girls put on aprons to make some Sugar Cookies for Santa!


Getting Ready for Christmas




The kids watched The Barbie Christmas Carol while we put up decorations. TJ's favorite part was the Polar Express we put around the tree!

Family Christmas Party





We celebrated Christmas together with a yummy dinner at Grandma's house a little early this year. As the kids get older, it gets pretty crazy around Christmas time! Celebrating early was less stressful and helped make the season last a little longer, I think...


Opening Gifts from cousins...

Breakfast with Santa in our PJs




























The Lights at Temple Square

Grandma and Grandpa took Mercedes and Jorjiana to see the lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. They had a great time even though it was cold!


Happy 2nd Birthday Lydia!







Grandma and the grandkids all piled up






Eating Birthday cake and blowing out the candles



She LOVED her new baby doll high chair and baby bed! She played all night with her new toys.


Her favorite cousins came over to celebrate...
Saylor
Braxton and TJ