Christmas 08

I'm assuming it's better late than never to post some pics and details from our Christmas. If 2008 is already old school for you, then just know this is for my journaling purposes...read on if you care:

We enjoyed a fun Christmas vacation with most of my family and a few stragglers (M.T. and cousin Roberto)... Sarah and her family weren't able to join us this year, although it was very nice to set up the webcam and have them be apart of the Christmas Eve festivities and for some of Christmas day. It was pretty cold, but we enjoyed lots of fun activities.

We enjoyed a night of caroling to some family friends and the highlight of that night was visiting our dear friend Ann and singing carols to her and other people at the assisted living center on her birthday. Such a tender moment for me singing to her and seeing the joy on her face as she listened.

The Branch Christmas party was fun. The kids participated in a nativity. Dames is a sheep in case you can't tell and he was definitely the highlight!

Christmas day began around 4am when "some people" woke everyone else up...won't mention any names here, but it was quite an early morning. :) Our family was surprised by Santa with Rock Band and we've been having a blast with it!

ready for Santa

Santa pulled through with some great gifts for the kids!

Damian had more fun with Sydney's present then his own.

Mom and Dad also got them some SWeEt cowboy boots, pajamas, and handmade aprons by Gramma B.The siblings all draw names and this year Parker had my name and he made me a Mancala game modeled after one my Grandpa had made our family. Thanks PJ!!!

Carter and Mike built a snowfort one night. Carter informed me that he had built a "throne" and it had two cup-holders.
my mommy and me

We did some ExTReMe sLeDdINg and I was pretty impressed at the dare-deviledness of my kids! These pics don't even do this jump justice, but lets just say most of the adults were afraid to attempt this jump and Carter and Syd went at it full force!

Ice-skating at the local rink was a blast!

Don't you just love Mike looking like a "conehead" here. Pull your hat down goofball!

I will say that I am having "withdrawls" from dueting "Love Song" by Sara Bareillis with Madison. We were just getting really good when it was time to leave! I'll have to fine-tune my piano skills on that song and this summer maybe we'll open for her in concert...

And to end this post, here is Syd, my dad and me making the "Sydney face."