Christmas Day

The kids didn't get up until about 7:30. Chloe was the first one up. She ran into our room, and said,"Wake up, it's Christmas!" I told her she had to stay in our bed until we got Ian up. Ian was pretty easy to wake up, but was pretty out of it while we opened up presents. Santa left all sorts of great gifts for us all. Ian got a giant bean bag, Chloe got a Barbie with a horse that actually walked and each one of our stockings were full of treats.
Santa left a note for Ian & Chloe. Chloe was really surprised to see that he drank all the pop and ate the cookies.

 

 

After we got done opening presents we got breakfast ready. Matthew's parents and brother Jacob came over to eat with us. They brought presents for us all to open as well.
Once we got all ready we headed over to Asay's for a little bit to see the family that was there before heading to my parents for Christmas lunch.
We got to my parents, and I helped out getting the rest of the lunch ready. We had a great lunch full or amazing food. After we had stuffed our faces, it was almost time for my brother to call.
I was so great to get to skype with him and she how happy he is serving his mission.

While Jake was still skyping with us, my mom had Matthew and I and the kids open up our gifts from them. We also had my mom open up her gift from all of us. We got her a vacumn. She was super excited because she needed a new one bad. We all went in on a large framed picture of Christ for my dad. Now he has something to hang on his bare walls in his bishop office at church.

 My mom got Chloe a kitten for Christmas. She loves it too. She named it Boots, and loves to go out and play with her kitty!

 

The kids were pooped after a long day of opening presents and eating lots of food. After we left my parents we rushed back to the Asay's. Michael and his family were only there for a little while, and we wanted to be able to see them. We stayed and played cards for a while as well.  We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you all did as well. 

We are especially thankful today for our Savior and for his perfect example for us to follow!

Merry Christmas 2016

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year 

Matthew, Charlene, Ian & Chloe!

Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve we had our annual gnocchi dinner with the Asay's. Everyone was there but Daniel and Kasi's & Michael and Emily. It was fun. We had a whole new crew rolling the gnocchi noodles. Even Chloe helped out with rolling them. She had a blast doing so. We stayed and hung out for a while after, and played cards.
When we got home the kids opened up their Christmas jammies. Then they threw out oats for Santa's reindeer. I decided this year to start doing this. Ian's teachers at preschool sent home a bag of oats with sparkles. I think we will do this tradition every year now. Both the kids really loved it. After that Chloe put out a diet mt. dew and cookies for Santa, we sang a Christmas song, had family prayer and we were off to bed.
We totally forgot to read the story of Jesus's birth in the scriptures. I felt really bad. Next year we wont forget.

 

Sunday Christmas best!

We only have a few more Sunday's of going to church at 8. It will be so nice, especially for before church pictures. Ian is not a fan of it. I got them all dressed in their Christmas church clothes the Sunday before Christmas. They look so cute. Even Ian with his hands over his ears. He did not want to listen to me :)

VIP Christmas Program

Ian had his preschool Christmas program today. They practiced on the songs for a few weeks before performing for us. I just love his class this year, and of course the teachers! My mom and sister Bethany were able to come watch. Ian did amazing! He stood there so well, jiggled his bells and smiled lots. It was the sweetest thing when his friend Sara introduced him. Made me cry. I love that he has so many friends as school.

Ward Christmas Party

This year I was in charge of all the decorations for the ward Christmas party. I recruited my friend Jenn Wright to help out. I think that it turned out pretty cute. I'm sure glad I asked Jenn to help me out, or it would of taken me forever.
The kids did really well. They had super yummy food, and a great play put on by the youth. They did the night in Baby Jesus was born.
As always they had a Santa come for the kids. We got right in line first, so that Ian wouldn't have to wait so long. Ian did great and so did Chloe. The only thing is Ian never stopped moving, so the picture I got was not great. It makes me laugh though.

Arizona

Matthew's, Aunt and Uncle have a house in Apache Junction , AZ. A few months back they invited us to come for a weekend with them. We decided to go because the flights were cheap. I am so glad that we got a weekend away in the sun. It was so relaxing and nice to have a kid free weekend.
We flew out early Thursday morning and landed in AZ about noon. We headed to the store to grab some things for sandwiches. We spent the afternoon in the back yard soaking up the sun. It was about 75 degrees during the day and 40 degrees at night while we were there.
Thursday night we drove out to the reservation to a casino that served all you can eat crab legs. It was delish. I have never worked so hard for my food. Super yummy though. Matthew's cousin Heather came with us as well. It was fun to visit with her.
Friday morning we got up about 7 and got ready to head to the famous swap meet. It was full of hundreds of vendors. They were selling all sorts of things from clothes to tools! We had a blast filling our bags with goodies. After a couple hours of shopping we headed to Gillbert, AZ, not far from Mesa. There is a little community called Agritopia there. They have a little farm there where they produce all sorts of veggies and fruits. We saw pigs and I am sure they have other animals around. They also had this great little restaurant where they use everything from their gardens and farm to run. We had some super yummy burgers for lunch and walked around the gardens afterwards. The community even has their own little school there.
Friday afternoon Sherie had to catch as plane to Provo. Her cousin passed away and the funeral was Saturday morning. Friday evening we went to this great little China buffet and to the movie Everest. Super good movie.
Saturday we slept in and then around 10 we headed out jeeping. We drove around in the desert most the afternoon. It was a beautiful drive. I have never seen cactus so big.
When we got back to the the house I headed out to soak up some more sun by the pool and the guys headed to Home depot in search of something.
That evening we drove to the Mesa temple to check out the lights. It was very pretty and it was fun to see all the nativities they had up as well.
The next morning we got up bright and early to catch our plane home. We had a blast and hope to go again. Thanks Dave and Sherie for a great party in AZ.