Christmas Eve 2011

Justin was so excited for Christmas Eve. He asked at least five times every single day for a week if we could open a present on Christmas eve. They know the drill that they will get new jammies for Christmas Eve. It still doesn't seem to dampen the excitement!

This is the second year that we have opened sibling gifts on Christmas Eve. I am not sure if I like that or not. The jury is still out. None the less, Justin was over the moon with his Yoda that Emily got him! He had seen it in an add and we lucked out and found him!

Justin wasn't the only one present on Christmas Eve but he was the only one pictured! We had had a lovely dinner of soup and rolls with Grandma and Grandpa Carrigan joining us. Next year, however, I am going to try and have a larger get together. We totally forgot to read the story of Christ's birth out of the scriptures. I want my children to remember joyous celebrations! We must start them if they are to remember them!!

Justin reminded us to put out treats for Santa, and the reindeer. We put out Daddy's traditional Scottish shortbread, a popcorn ball and some milk--and some diet coke--just in case he was sick of milk!

After all the kids were in bed I set up the tripod trying to get a good picture of our darling tree. I love to just sit in the glow of the Christmas tree and reflect of the Savior's birth. We are all so blessed by His love and sacrifice. I wish that I was more capable of understanding the fullness of the gifts He has given us.

Sledding at "Boys Town"

Sledding at Grandma Dalley's house is always a blast! This year we headed out to the Sand Dunes to hit the big hills. As we approached the sledding hill I noticed the snow drifts forming. We all piled out of the car and realized that the famous Idaho wind had started to howl. Mitch and Zack made it up one time and we all got back in the car before we died of exposure!!

We decided to go back to "Boy's town" and see if we had better luck there.

It was fun to watch the kids get more and more brave. Little Caden was very very nervous. Betsy is such a good Mom and started going down the hill to show him it was okay. I got to use my new zoom lens and take pictures--until my fingers were about frozen!!

While we were there another family came to sled-as they were getting out of the car I realized that it was my cousin Kassie and her little kids! Emily and Samantha had a ball sledding together.

Mitch and Zack kept trying to make trains but seemed to crash every time. Justin was a little die hard! He climbed up that hill over and over. He kept turning backwards on the saucer so he never knew when he was going to hit the little jump--and then fly and crash! He got up laughing every single time!

We are always trying to get good family shots. This is the first year with baby Bentley. Weird to think that sweet baby Christa is a Momma. He is such a sweet little tiny thing!

The LeCheminant's

Christa, James, and Baby Bentley

The Carrigan family wasn't too excited about their family shot. Justin was nowhere to be found-at least not willing to stand for a picture!!

Christmas Morning 2010

Santa Arrived!! During the night of Santa's visit he and his Elves moved our Christmas tree into the family room! It must have occurred to Santa that the piano room isn't big enough for a tree, presents and six people! There also isn't a chair for Daddy to rock in!

Justin was so excited about his Star War lego sets. He is quite the builder.

Ashley and Mitch were struggling being awake-Ashley said that her room is NOT the sleepover room ever again! Emily and Justin Started asking if it was time every half hour at 2:30am!

There always seems to be a crazy mess! I hope we didn't lose anyone in there!

Ward Christmas Party

When we were getting ready to leave for the church Christmas party Justin became very serious, "Mom, I need to put my suit on, to look nice for the program." Ok, my little man! He certainly was a mighty fine dressed young man right there on the front row!!

Father Christmas came to talk with the children. He visited with them and then gave them a sack of treats with an orange in the sack! The kids all thought that was great. I remember when we used to have an orange in the bottom of our stocking!

While we were waiting to eat dinner Justin pulled out his front tooth! Just in time for Christmas! The tooth fairy was one tricky gal! She hides that money so well that usually Mom has to go in to help find it!

Getting our 2010 Christmas Tree

While is was still November we made our annual trek to get our fresh Christmas tree. We have had a fresh tree forever. It has become a ritual for Dave and I. The little kids still love it, the big kids-not so much. However, this year I told Ashley that she had to come with us because it might possibly be the very last time that she ever goes with us to cut down our tree. She balked but in the end was the one that found our lovely little tree.

We go to a local tree farm that has been owned by this elderly gentleman for years. He is only open a few days now, if can't get there you are out of luck! We didn't go to Idaho so we were in town!

Emily helped Mitch with cutting duties and Justin helped with his cuteness! Mom has to remind everyone that we can't have a massive tree. We have to use my shortness to actually make sure we don't get more tree than our house can handle!!

We were sad when we realized that Mr. Knapp was not well enough to run the farm this year.

In the end we brought home a darling little tree.