2nd Annual 12 days of Christmas...

Logan had been talking about it since July....how he just couldn't wait until the 12 days of Christmas this year. Man, the pressure!! Hoping I didn't disappoint! We decided to make sure we had a little bit of "JOY" this season. Making sure we thought about

J- JESUS

O- OTHERS,

Y- YOURSELF

And I think we did just about that!

12th Day- We wrote our ward missionaries, Brandon and Jacob...missionaries in our family, and sweet little Maddi who was in the hospital ----Christmas and get well greetings. We made homemade cards, sent them money, and sent packages to those in the states.

11th Day- We "attempted" making gingerbread houses AGAIN! But, in the end only Ayden and mine were standing.

10th Day- We went and watched McKennah's choir concert at Layton High. It was quite the holiday concert combined with the Orchestra and Band. McKennah loves it and did awesome! We then came home and read the Elf on the Shelf.

9th Day- Darren's sister Beverly, and her daughters: Brooklyn and Maddi were in a pretty bad accident on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving. Bev, and Brooklyn came out rather unscathed (minor, bumps, and bruises) Maddi was in critical condition for about 3 days, she was in the ICU at Primary Children's for about a week. And is now in recovery. She is not near 100%, she is although now alert and has knowledge of about a 9 month old. We were able to take the kids up to visit Maddi. Stayed a good hour. Brought her up a stocking and donated to her fund. We love you, Maddi!! We will see you soon!

After that sombering visit, and refocusing on just how blessed we are...we made the 2 hr drive up to Heber City to ride the North Pole Express! Obviously a popular thing to do this time of year because I have attempted to do it the last 3 years, and every year it has been SOLD OUT! It was cute, the kid's even at their ages were so000 excited to go, Ayden was bouncing in his seat.

Mrs. Claus came by to hand out Santa's favorite cookie recipe. We sang Christmas carols, read the Night Before Christmas, and then the big guy himself - Santa Claus - came on board to visit and gave each child a toy. A little sad to see these kids grow up!

8th Day- McKennah had another recital...this time it was for piano. She is doing really well! We were supposed to come home, make cookies and carol to some of the elderly in our ward...but came back a little tooo late. Darn! Maybe next time.

7th Day- Was a family favorite. We went and took the kids out of school early and they were all wondering why. We finally told them....to go and do some service at the Food Bank! They were all sooooo excited! I love a family that likes to serve. But upon arriving at the Food Bank they said they already had 20 volunteers. Too many at that time, and were about to send a few home. Disappointed my kids were sad they couldn't help. So on the fly we stopped by the Deseret Industries to see if they could use some extra hands...and they did!

We color coded and sized racks, placed items, and cleaned out the out of seasons. The kid's said it was the best day so far, and can't wait to do it again!

6th Day- Was the Estoque Family Christmas and what a fun one it was!! We did a $5 gift exchange this year, played spoons to get the gifts, and then a dice game. I think it was a hit! We all came away pleased with about 3 gifts each. Played some Mah Jong, and ate good food.

5th Day- We had our Scott Family Christmas! And besides Jacob on his mission, and little Maddi in the hospital everyone was able to come. So happy, and so wonderful. How lucky we are to be surrounded by great family.

4th Day- Painting ornaments....we switched it up this year, and painted some stained glass ornaments, and glass bulbs. I loved the creativitiy, and besides the Utes, and Jazz bulbs. I think Darren might have won the creativity contest. (The Utes should always win!)

3rd Day- We shopped for friends and the family gift exchange. Juggling the 4 kids and making sure they are all surprised without the help of dad is always a challenge, but we managed! We came home, wrapped them to be the first gifts under the tree--then made the rounds to all of our friends and neighbors! We also watched the Las Vegas bowl game Boise State vs. Utah-- ok, ok...we lost again! 28-3. Wow...I can't wait until 2011. Pac 12 here we come!

2nd Day- We made a trip down to go see the Temple. It was the perfect foggy night. A lot of people, but the spirit so strong. Last year we had only gone to the Ogden Village. Never again. If we do any other lights, we will STILL also do Temple Square. We love it down there.

This is a display that is in the South Visitor's center of what the inside of the temple looks like.

1st Day - Christmas Eve - We started a tradition a few years back where we wrap all the kids gifts in their own wrapping paper. We don't put names on the presents and it has been fun for them to guess which ones are theirs. They get to find out on Christmas Eve when they open up their jammies if they were right, or wrong on their guesses....

They were ALL WRONG! MUUUHAAA HA HA! Here McKennah is holding Jaret's, Ayden is holding Logan's, Jaret is holding McKennah's and Logan is holding Ayden's.

The kid's also get to open their gift exchange from each other...the 1st few gifts of Christmas!