We had a low-key, but fun Christmas Eve. Garry had to work, but got off early and was home a little before 4. The kids and I were watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Our suburban had been in the shop for two days because it didn't pass our annual smog test, so we ran to pick that up before they closed. Talon and Tiffany were delivering last minute gifts. Talon got back at 5;30 and we started our festivities. We had our usual snack type foods for dinner: Potstickers, little smokies, chips and dip, cheese ball and crackers, soda, etc. Then we played some games. I had bought a bunch of little items, about 14 (things like candy, magic tricks, silly putty, stress balls etc.) and laid them all out on the table. We each had a grocery bag and a die. We took turns rolling our die and when we got a 6 we got to take something from the table and put it in the bag. As soon as everything was gone, we continued rolling the dice for 5 min. and everytime we got a six, we could steal something from someone if we could remember who had it and what it was. I had bought a bunch of things at the $1.00 store, several magic tricks, so that kept everyone busy for awhile trying them out after the game was over. Then we had a family relay. We always like doing them for FHE activities, so we made one up to do on Christmas Eve. Talon, Taz and I against Tanner, Garry and Cynjyn. This is what we had to do. We had to line up and pass the lifesaver to our teammate with a toothpick in our mouth, then back to up the line. Then the first two people in line (Talon and Taz for us, Garry and Cynjyn for them) had to "wheelbarrow" the littlest ones to the stairs. Then they ran up the stairs to Taz and Cynj's room and had to print their full name on a piece of paper, grab a stress ball and bring it down to the next in line who in turn had to run up and sign the paper with the stress ball and bring it to the last in line. Well, Garry and Talon were the last leg and it was hilarious how they were keeping each other there until Tanner and I returned to even out that last leg. They were pulling, pushing and shoving all the way up the stairs and down. It was a fight to the finish and I'm happy to report no one was seriously hurt while playing this game. I don't even remember who won as we were all collapsed on the couch laughing hysterically by the end of the relay. After that, we played the chocolate bar, dice, gloves, hat and scarf game and then 5 of us went in the jacuzzi while Talon wrapped Tiffany's presents. (Tiffany's cousin was in town, so she was out with her.) After we got out of the jacuzzi, we read "I do Believe in Santa" and then Taz, Tanner and Cynjyn got Santa's goodie plate together and by then it was 10:00pm and everyone scurried off to bed! It was a great night for us all. Well, my camera dock somehow got unplugged, so later I'll post some pictures of Christmas day. Now, I'm off to attempt to clean up the aftermath, or maybe I'll just curl up with a good book...um, that seems to be calling me!! Enjoy your day everyone!
Now, some of you may recall last spring Cynjyn was taught how to ride her bike. She hasn't touched it since that day. (too many bruises I guess.) Well, I ran to Sam's this morning, and when I came back, look what she was doing!!
It took her awhile, but now she LOVES her bike! Good job girly girl!
Last night, Lawson and Sean Borla spent the night. When it got dark, Taz, Lawson and Sean went outside and created a "crime scene". They then called me outside and I had to solve the crime. The above picture was of the murderer. I deduced that he commited the murder with a hammer (good of me huh!).
The other victim was a bike rider...now who was who??
And Taz...the biker dude! Mystery solved!
So, I guess I'll start with the few Christmas Eve pix I took. Here's the said goodie plate with cookies and milk for Santa and 9 carrots for the reindeer. Notice Cynjyn lovely note to Santa, why can't any of my kids spell??
They place their stockings on the couch so Santa can fill them.
Talon came right down, but wanted us to get on with the show so he could go back to bed.
Talon finally got his birthday cake. Luckily it was an ice cream cake from DQ, so it lasted until Thursday!
The end of the week was a busy one for the kids. Tanner had his band concert Tuesday night.
Cynjyn's class did a little performance of the Littlest Christmas Tree. She was the main character, the littlest tree and so that was fun to go to a watch. I'll spare you the 8 + minute video of the performance, only a mom and dad who love their daughter would watch that.
Here is the littlest Christmas Tree.
The same day as our train ride was the ward Christmas Party. We had to dress biblically and go around to the town shops to get our food. We had chicken pitas and an assortment of fruits and vegetables and cookies. We had to pay taxes (a non perishable food item) to get into town and then we were given a money bag to purchase our needs for the night. We ate on blankets on the floor and they had a big well in the middle where we could get bottled water. We ate to the sounds of crickets and farm animals and when everyone was about done eating, the program started. Mary and Joseph wandered through town looking for a place to stay, but of course, all the inn's were full. They ended up on stage reinacting the Christmas Story. I was the piano player and Taz was a shepherd.
Cynjyn brought her friend from down the street Alexa and Becca ended up in one of our "costumes" and came to the party with her family, but came home with us.
Cynjyn with the ticket.
Waiting patiently to board.
Waiting patiently for the train to take off and Santa to come. We were in
the very back car of the train and so we had the icky seating, but Santa and Mrs. Claus started in the back car and so Cynjyn and Taz were one of the first to meet them.
What a jolly picture! After meeting Santa, we got to just sit back and enjoy the view. 
Yes, this is the lovely view. Isn't Vegas so pretty!:(
Taz know that one of Tanner's top 10 fears in life is going over bridges, so he took a view of the road beneath us as we went over the bridge.
So, you've heard by now that LV got snow! On my way to preschool at 9:45, there were little, sporadic flurries. At 12 when preschool was over it started snowing harder. It was a slushy rainy snow. When I came home at about 1:30 from Toni's this is how it looked. Talon and Cynjyn were loving it at this point.
This is the road in front of our house at 8:00pm when I stopped taking pictures for the night. School is closed today. The kids are so excited. The snow is melting fast now though and will likely be gone by the end of the day. We found out at 10 last night that schools were closed today and Talon immediatly said, "Does that mean work is cancelled too?" He wishes!!
