HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

The first snow of the season, had to get out there...Always a H.S. friend get-together in December...I love these dear girls, it never changes with them...even Mark was there cuz he loves us so. We missed you little rascals that didn't make it.
Journey to Zion, I mean... Bethlehem, at the Baptist Church in Layton, Heidi talked us into going, but it turned out to be really neat I thought. You just have to get thru the wait...
We LOVE having Jami B. and Brett home with us from Ohio...
We had a surprise baby shower for Jam, the night of our couples party...so we had to play a game that the men would enjoy too... so obviously we picked the pooh game...and let me tell you...
Poor Jared was solo, someone forgot to set up his blind-date...while his wife was out of town in Virginia...
Lincoln (Ruby's cousin) is 18 months younger than she... can you tell?
Great-super GMA Wilson...We love you!
Grandpa Anderton as Santa...Beautiful Gma Anderton and her famous singing reindeer...AHHHH, the open ROAD , out to CALI for Christmas...!
this is obviously a REAL picture, like I would look that way for a set-up...i know i know, nice double neck i got going on...Marty ALWAYS takes a picture of me when I'm sleeping in the car...is it really that funny?
Cousin-time with Jeremy , he loves Ruby and she just follows him around like a puppy. Dipping choc. pretzels, one of the many treats we enjoyed... the two babes together again...little loo-hoo and buddy-bud...Liam, Ruby and Lucy sharing a little intimate time... Ruby spent oodles of time with her very 'breast' friend in the whole world, Auntie Kimby... they were laughing so hard in this picture, i wish the camera captured it better...so precious...
The stocking for Jesus, a tradition i learned from my Sis, Ruby looks like she's headed off to war? Making cookies for Santa! Christmas morning, the reindeer came and ate all their carrots and apples! Bud's favorite gift...
it coos and barks and waddles it's tail...perfect, beats a real dog for now... lookin suave in his new knitted sweater from Di...Ruby and I got knitted sweaters this year too....! hoorah! lOVE them
Rube's favorite gift...she had to close her eyes while Dad brought it in from the shed...Santa couldn't fit it in the chimney...
who knew an ipod could make someone sooo happy...p.s. wasn't from us, we weren't that smart to think of it... Lucy-loo in her tu-tu ...Kim spoiled Ruby this year since she had our names...thanks! Ruby hasn't stopped playing with her toys. Guitar-Hero....oh ya... Babies watching...toddlers sleeping...time for a xmas day feast!
some bike riding time before we head back for snow-ville...We love going to California because we are so spoiled there, the weather and climate are so great...Diane lives in a cute little farm house in beautiful country, you have to stoke up a 'REAL' life fire for heat, we always eat really well there, we love to see family (although we missed you David/Vanessa, Ryan/Becca and Matt/Echo!) and Ruby and Liam get lots of attention, we get to eat fresh produce from the farm and we just LOVE to be with you all out there so Thanks for such a wonderful holiday!!!!!

That and This

Yeah! I had the privilege to take Meg's boys and Ruby to the Nutcracker at WSU. It was put on by Ballet West.? Anyway- a GREAT, very professional performance. Dex won free tickets from school and since Meg had Owen, she let ME take them. I was wanting to go anyway this season but decided against it cuz they were 18$ a ticket for the nose bleed section. I enjoyed it more than the kids I'm sure...but they did really well to sit thru 2+ hours of dancing and Ruby was impressed with a 'movie that was real'.

It did get a little crazy at the end, I wished I'd brought more bribery foods. They got just a wee bit restless...

And Megan stayed at MY house while we went, since Liam was asleep... what a great sister!!! This is what I came home too...a quiet little house with everyone snoring.
THANKSgiving Day......involved a kid craft...

A little football...
Dad carving the roast beast...(and Jared P. watching Simpsons of course,... gag)
A little lovin...
and the famous 'swing shot'...
Ruby passed out looking at herself in the mirror the following day...I sent her in my room to go 'check out her hair' and came in to find this 5 min. later...what a crack up...
We saw the tree lighting at Gateway Mall the next night with Marty's family. Jon Schmidt was there live to perform (though we only saw the last number) he is an incredible pianist/performer...excitement filled the air...for all ages...(like daughter, like father)
Ruby was a little nervous for Mr. C., and on the way home she exclaimed-"Mom/Dad I forgot to tell Santa about the pedals! I just said a bike!" It's alright Rube, most bikes come with the pedals attached...dear girl.