Fun at the old Snow Fort

Logan and Ashton got to have a camping trip (sleep over) at Grandma Lu and Grandpa Chris's house on Friday night. They were really excited to try out their new sleeping bags and flashlights that they got for Christmas.

In the morning they made (Chris made) an awsome Snow Fort in the back yard. Logan was a little nervous that it would cave in, but Ashton was fearless. They all had a really good time until boring mom came and picked them up. I am so thankful for wonderful grandparents who will play in the really cold snow so I don't have to!

Merry Merry Christmas

Once again the highlight of my year was Christmas. There is just something about the glow of the lights on the tree and the anticipation of gifts to make you feel like a kid again.

And once again we were abundatly blessed with many gifts under the tree and many excited faces. Logan was excited about the Nerf gun Wii game that he received. Ashton wasn't sure about the Gorilla Mountain animal set that he got, but since then he and Maren have spend a lot of time playing with it. Ashton has also enjoyed the Dora Wii game that he got.

Maren must have wished for a cleaner house since she received a toy broom, mop and vacuum. You can find her busy around the house trying to carry them all in her arms.

After our family Christmas we headed off to my parents (all of next door) for breakfast and more presents. The boys were more than excited to open Ninendo DS game systems (but I must admit that I have been playing them too). Maren received a Little Mermaid ride on that she really enjoys.

Ryan and I also enjoyed opening our gifts of towels and rugs, video games, gift certificates to restuarants for dates (something we really need after all the stress of the house), calendar, and books.

The best gift, I think, was the Japanese outfits that my parents brought back for the kids from their trip. My uncle had brought back me a Japanese outfit from his mission when I was much younger, and so it reminded me of that. The kids were so cute.

After all the festivities, we went home for a long winter's nap. The only down side was that Ryan had to go to work that night. But we are extremely grateful for his job, especially at this time, so we won't complain too much.

The kids never have enough time to play with their toys on Christmas, so they have enjoyed the Christmas break. It has been fun playing their games, watching their shows, and playing with the toys they got for Christmas.

Wells Family Christmas

Due to crazy schedules, we usually have Christmas with Ryan's family before Christmas. This year we had it on the evening of the 23rd. We had it at our house since there is more room. We had a nice dinner that Lu prepared and then we exchanged gifts. I am always amazed at the thoughtfulness of Ryan's family in coming up with gifts for our children. Logan got a chess board. Logan has taken up chess this past year and will play anybody who will play with him repeatedly until they tell him they can't play anymore. Ashton received a scooter. He had one that was too small, so now he will be able to keep up with Logan as they zoom around the block. Maren really liked the fish book that she received. She makes us read it to her often. I am greatly blessed to be part of such a great family.
Logan also received a fishing pole from his grandparents. This is his dance of joy after getting it.

Unexpected visitor

We had a very unexpected visitor come today. Santa Claus came bursting through our door about 8:00 p.m. He had reindeer antlers and blinking red noses for the children to put on. Then we all sang "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer." Maren was so excited and Ashton was a little star struck. Logan thought he looked ridiculous but didn't want to offend Santa.

After singing, we each got a chance to sit on Santa's lap and tell him our last minute wishes for Christmas. Ashton told him that he didn't need anything else but me for Christmas. How sweet! Logan went on about getting another Wii (we already have one) and some Bakugan stuff. Santa said that he would have to see about that.

I wished for a clean house or something like that and Ryan wished for tools (he actually didn't get any tools for Christmas, he must have been bad this year). Maren didn't wish for anything, but got a candy cane and that was the best gift he could have given her.

We all had a great time and when Santa had to leave we all watched out the back door to see if we could see his sleigh and reindeer fly off. We must have missed him, but hopefully we will catch him next year.