Christmas and cousins

Christmas came and went and in a way was a little overshadowed.  Earlier in the year, the kids had agreed to swap a trip to Disneyland for birthday parties and their big Santa present.  So, as Christmas neared, we kept reminding them and they all seemed to still be ok with the idea.  Between moving the store, having Ron gone more than usual, and a little less under the tree, Christmas morning came with a few gifts meaning more than ever before.  The most anticipated were the 6 mismatched, wrapped presents under the tree from their cousins.  Sam kept trying to figure out what Trevor could have possibly thought of, Maggie was sure she could guess, and we all wondered what Nick could possibly have managed for Zach.  The morning came and individual cousin presents were what they all wanted to open first.  Each gift was treasured.  Han Solo was given to Casey to try and bribe a switch of allegiances, not sure it worked or not, but Han is now part of the Clone Wars figurine mix.  We all got a good laugh when Sam read the note from Trevor attched to the Mountain Dew chapstick.  We got to hear some awful jokes from Zach, and Maggie and Jill colored and painted nails later in the day.  But, one of the best pictures of the morning was this one of Anna snuggled and content with her lovable cuddly from our new Hannah.  What would we do without cousins?  Being so far away has really made us all appreciate every one of them more.  They are each amazing individuals with strong standards and goals.  We have so many fun memories of Sunday cereal, Wii playing, beach trips, weddings, Christmases, birthdays, shopping, baptisms, and lots of laughter.  I am so grateful for each one of my nieces and nephews and the examples they have set for my family of 6.  We really could not ask for anything more.  So, thanks guys for making our Christmas morning a treat. 

Officially a snow day

They cannot be contained.  The kids hit the snow at 7:30 this morning, but it only lasted for a few short minutes.  The wind is whirling and is bitter.  So, back in they came for some early morning hot chocolate.

Moving time

We are "head over heels" because The Medicine Chest has officially become Health Mart.  After long months of planning and troubleshooting, Ron opened his new store.  

Treat from Teddy

This was an early Christmas present from Teddy.  He was so proud when he left a surprise on the front porch.  Where do I live?

Walking Anna

Anna is officially a walker.  There is no more crawling for this girl.  She broke the Jensen walking record and is a very good walker at 8.25 months.  A physical therapist in our ward told Ron that a new study shows that early walkers are uncoordinated later in life.  So, for a while Ron did laps with Anna around the house, but now she thinks that is for the birds.  The video is not the best quality.  

Halloween

Maggie was thrilled to be a peppermint

Casey was Obi Wan for the third year in a row

Anna was a beautiful ballerina

Zach was a standard garden gnome

Jill was Snow White

And, Sam did not dress up but enjoyed carving his "constapumpkin"

Maggie Birthday/Baptism

 For Maggie, the highlights of turning eight were the tweety cake created by Ron and getting baptized.  We were so glad that Grandpa, Nana, and Papa were able to come be a part of Maggie's special day.  Zach lead the music at the baptism.  Sam and Papa said the prayers.  Nana and Grandpa both gave the best talks I have ever heard at a baptism and Jill sang a special song all by herself because none of the others would join her.  I hope Maggie always remembers how much she was loved that day and the special spirit that we all felt.