Christmas 2010

We got together at the Wynn's on the 23rd to celebrate Christmas.
Hadley was super excited to get a muff and headpiece that used to be Grandma's.

Christmas Eve w/Aunt Molly

Christmas morning - we let Gentry keep sleeping but she was very excited when she woke up to all the wrapping paper.

Later at Grandma & Grandpa Cooper's

I've been pretty much sick since the 9th of December so I was trying to take a rest and watching SNL with Brig but Gentry found me anyway.

December Haps

My parents came out to watch the kids so I could go to Relief Society. I love the picture I came home to of all of them contentedly (esp Gentry) watching Home Alone.

Lauren had her Nutcracker dance recital that even Daddy got to come seeBy the way - if she looks cold in this . picture it is because she was. It was freeeeezing that day but the girls all insist on wearing dance clothes. I think Lauren was barefoot too. Note: they were told to bring little baby dolls to dance with but Lauren insisted on bringing Hadley's 'White Bear' from when she was a baby. That bear gets a lot of love in this household!

Aunt Molly came out for the day for Christmas shopping and to see Vincent's preschool performance! The girls were excited to wear their holiday dresses that evening and I kept asking/suggesting that Vincent might want to wear something nice too. I gave up eventually though b/c he hates dressing up and he said it wouldn't matter. I admit I was a little nervous that all the kids would be up on stage in their nice clothes and wondering whose parents the boy in the pants and an airplane t-shirt belongs to. What slackers.

Lesson learned. Vincent also made it a point to tell me how it didn't matter what he wore that night.

We also went to a fun cookie-decorating party. Brooke went all out and even put lights up in her garage b/c it was raining that day. Fun fun and I've made her promise that it become an annual tradition.

Creche Festival

It wouldn't be December without a trip to the Creche Festival at church. The girls' favorite stop is the live nativity where they get to dress up. I love how they always seem to capture the reverent spirit of the holiday when they are in costume. Lauren mostly just wanted to hold the baby Jesus.

Afterwards we stopped by the bakery in downtown and discovered we were in time for a holiday parade. Here we are for an impromptu but cold celebration!

Santa's Visit

We had a great time with tons of friends again this year waiting for Santa's sleigh to come visit us. The kids ran and ran and ran on the front lawn while we waited to hear the sirens announcing his arrival. Very exciting! Every child gets to go on the sleigh and get a candy cane.
This little girl was having nothing to do with the man with the beard.

Thanksgiving 2010

We stayed home for Thanksgiving this year as family was all getting together the following day. It was great because Chris was home with us & we decorated for Christmas & put up lights. It was a chilly and windy day.
The two little ones were content to sit on the porch and keep warm.

While Chris was planting some plants, Hadley & Vincent tried helping taking out another tree in the front yard. Can you see Vincent in the tree? They had a great time playing in the huge root ball of this banana palm tree we've tried trimming back before.

The following day we went to Gma & Gpa Tigger's house for fun and games with the much anticipated COUSINS! Grandma had some awesome games planned for us, yummy food, movies, jokes, fire pit, etc. As always, these are the only pictures we took so that is what you get to see.

1. Pumpkin bowling. (followed by pumpkin smashing)

2. Donut on a string. (followed by 'Tear -turkey-shape-from-a-napkin-behind-your-back'. I don't think we'll be playing this one again next year though)

Lauren wondered what the big deal was all about or why everyone thought it was so hard. She just stood there and ate her donut calmly.

After a fun-filled day including a talent-show around the fire-pit everyone was tired but mostly this little one who fell asleep half on half off the couch.

Girls Nite Out

The stars aligned one night & I got to take my two little girls on an impromptu little girls nite out. Vincent & the baby were asleep & Chris came home early so with gift certificate in hand, I took Hadley and Lauren to Mimi's Cafe. I love Lauren's cute little pose. She was ecstatic to be able to come with us.

Uncle Brig

Uncle Brig does lots of things to get entire posts devoted to him. See http://justjohnsons.blogspot.com/2010/09/uncle-brig-friend-to-us-all.htmland and justjohnsons.blogspot.com/2008/06/brigs-sweet-skills.html for some of those good times. But when he isn't skiing on our grass or giving my son a mohawk he is making them giggle. Look-alikes?