CHRISTMAS 2009 HAPPENINGS

Laurel and Paisley flew into Salt Lake on December 12th. Laurel worked at Farr West Elementary with Mrs. Fawson in the counseling office to increase her hours towards her 600 hour requirement for her Master's. I was lucky enough to take care of Paisley while her mommy was working.

Paisley is so frightened of the camera now. We weren't

able to take many pictures of her over the holidays.

Brady missed his baby girl, Paisley and we were grateful for ichat. Paisley could still have Daddy sing to her, even though he was in Pittsburgh taking his finals. Brady arrived on December 19th to start his school and holiday break.

Johnny and Brittney flew in from Portland on December 23rd. So our house was becoming noisier and fuller and LOTS OF FUN! Emily and Greg and their boys drove from Idaho Falls on Christmas Eve afternoon. We all met them at Maddox for a delicious early dinner. We still had our Christmas cookies to paint and we all had a great time painting together on Christmas Eve.

Brady, Laurel, and Paisley went to the Mock Christmas Eve party.

This was the first year that Colton and Cannon really LOVED painting the cookies. They sat for at least an hour and a half meticulously painting their cookies so they would be beautiful and ready to bake. I was very impressed with the finished product.

Colton and Cannon did a great job!

Grandma Veronica always does the rolling and cutting.

Crew LOVED eating all the sprinkles and candy for the cookies. Brittney is so good with all the boys!

Creed will be painting next year.

This was the first Christmas where we all ate breakfast before we opened presents. Laurel actually woke Paisley up at 7:00 am which is when we normally open presents. By the time we all opened presents, Paisley was ready for her morning nap. Greg, Em and the boys had been up in the night with a crying Crew and so even though Colton had his iTouch alarm set, (Emily turned it off) they didn't wake up till almost 9:00 am.

Paisley doesn't look too tired yet.

Crew LOVES Mickey Mouse Club on the Disney channel. Crew was excited to open his Mickey Mouse ClubHouse.

Crew is trying to be patient while his clubhouse is assembled.

Johnny couldn't hide his Excitement??? for the LDS Children's Songbook from Dad and Mom.

We had Brady and Johnny both anticipating the Rose Bowl since their teams, Ohio State and Oregon were playing each other. Johnny and Brittney gave John Sr. Oregon pj's for Christmas. Laurel gave Brady and Ohio State shirt. So the three men had to show their allegiance.

Brady was happy with his surprise gift from Laurel.

While we all were getting ready, Paisley and Crew watched Barney in the crib. These two cousins love Barney and both received a singing Barney from Grandpa and Grandma.

We always have Christmas dinner at my mom's house. We look forward to being together with GREAT food and even GREATER company. After dinner, we watch Grandma Char open her presents and we open ours from her. We also have yummy desserts.

Laurel and Paisley ready to go to Grandma Char's for Christmas dinner.

Grandma V loves her little Crew

Grandpa and his pal, Cannon.

Emily and Greg

The cute girl cousins--Kenzie, Jocey, Ashlyn, Eleanore, and Gwen

The fabulous hostess, Grandma Char

Our family loves to laugh together---Mindy and Rod cracking up

Great uncle Lorin giving Cannon the business

Rod, Mindy, Dylan and Braxton

Emily, Paisley, Brittney, Santa (I mean Johnny) and Brady

We decorated Johnny as we unwrapped gifts

Jocelyn was keeping track of the boys

We all loved our time with Grandma

Emily looks like she could be my sister, Mindy's, daughter

Paisley was ready to call Christmas over and go to bed

We had a wonderful Christmas day together. We missed Megan and Todd who both worked at their hospitals. Megan was operating on people who gave each other gunshot wounds for Christmas and had a 30 hour day. Todd was busy taking care of the orthopedic emergencies at his hospital. We count our blessings and give thanks for our dear Savior who gives ALL meaning for the reason we celebrate Christmas.