Ho Ho Home for the Holiday

It had been such a dry winter, no chance of snow, until I planned the Egbert family Christmas get-together. Then it snowed the day we were set to go. Luckily, although late, the roads cleared up, and we made it anyway!

We had a lot of fun playing games with all the cousins, siblings, aunts, uncles, grand-parents, etc... Here's a small group playing exploding kittens.

More card games for the older kids.

And the adults played, I'm thinking "Jungle speed?" Which resulted in a few damaged nails and small bloody scratched fingers. I am proud to say I won one round, so the cuts were worth it.

The cousins worked on unwrapping a present with oven mitts, and were rewarded with a big bag of Hi-chews to share.

Everyone had a good laugh at April's dog Bailey. I think Lizzy must have been making fun of her too, because Bailey attacked her, and Lizzy left her alone the rest of the night.

We had some delicious foods, snacks, and treats. Then a talent show with the entire family (Brian via Skype). Emma played the piano, Jake told a joke, and Luke whined. He's pretty good at that. There's a lot of talented kids in this group!

As I was perusing the snacks, I noticed Luke by the platter of cookies, and he was putting a cookie he had just bitten back on the plate. I quickly picked it back up, and told him no, when I looked at the plate and saw there were several cookies with one bite in them. Little stinker. So as not to put them to waste, we wrapped them up and put it in the white elephant gift pile because a couple people forgot theirs. It was perfect.  

Then our traditional adult white elephant gift exchange. April ended up with mine -- an emergency Santa kit. It had a red Santa bag, homemade Santa beard, candy canes, a couple toys for kids, a balloon, and a pair of maternity pants to stuff the balloon in. April pulled off the look spectacularly! We all had a good laugh!

Dec 23, 2017

Santa, Singing, and Snow

Ward Christmas party -- we got there a few minutes late, and happened to see Santa just sitting in his chair with no line, since everyone else was getting food. So we snuck in for their pictures! Lucas had been obsessed with Santa in all his little TV shows, but I was still a little surprised how willingly he jumped up on Santa's lap. It may have been just for the candy cane though, because he wouldn't get near him for the group picture. He got what he wanted. Jake asked for Lego Dimensions, Emma for Lego Friends hospital, and Luke for PJ Mask's Owlet. 

And then to breakfast where they at least 4 whole (big long) tables covered in cinnamon rolls. Emma was in heaven, and stuffed her face.

 The 4th and 5th graders did a marvelous Christmas concert, which really did get me in the  mood for Christmas. It was so fun to see her up there dancing, singing, and having a good time. 

 Our first snow of the winter! Not much at all, but the kids (and dog) didn't let that stop them from having a good time out there. 

 Dec 2017

Trying New Things

Emma had spent a couple years now begging for an "Elf on the Shelf." I don't see the need to buy an expensive stuffed toy that causes even more stress around Christmas, and more clean-up. We compromised and turned our stuffed snow-man into a magical Santa spy that she gladly helped with. We had a zip-line, ripped presents, fun finding where he hid the night before, and some snow-man poop, which Jake said tasted ALMOST exactly like marshmallows...

Emma and Jake did a basketball camp twice a week for about a month with Hoop Dreams, and it helped tremendously with their dribbling and other skills. Brad usually attended Emma's time slot because a friend of his was their to chat with, and apparently he didn't grab a picture. We're ready for the next season of basketball!

Jake is giving Tang Soo Do a try, and is so far liking it pretty well. 

I'm art mom for Jake's 1st grade class, and this month they traced their foot and hands to make some fun reindeer cards for their moms/dads. I really enjoy being able to be in the classroom every once in a while to know the teachers and watch how my kids interact in a different atmosphere. I'm still getting used to being called Mrs. Wight -- especially when I'm at the kids' sport games and one of them recognizes me and says "Hi!"

I made a TON of rolo pretzels to give to friends and for our family Christmas party coming up. They are SO delicious.

 And the kids made some Christmas tree crafts to take to Carol, our little old lady across the street.

 Dec 2017

November

We went to the Meridian Temple open house with Amber and April's families. Lucas found his favorite, Hannah, and stuck pretty close to her. Brad had to work very late and was unable to come, and I was surprised at how well-behaved the kids were. It helped to have older cousins there helping to guide them in the right direction. I had the perfect picture of the kids and I with their temple backdrop. Everyone with a smile and looking in the right direction. And it's gone. I can't find it anywhere. It was raining and dark that night, so I have no outdoor pictures either. But it was beautiful inside and out. 

 Emma had a movies themed piano recital, and worked so hard to learn "Let It Go". It was the first song she really had to practice and work on, and she played beautifully! 

 Angela stops by every once in a while when she's up here for work, and the kids always ask what she's bringing, as she always brings them some sort of treat. Smart aunt winning their hearts with goodies. This time it was jelly beans, and the kids enjoyed finding the flavors they wanted to try.

Luke's favorite snack/activity in the winter months... movies and popcorn. 

 Another delicious Thanksgiving with red meat, fried noodles, and Bill and Judy. This year I snuck in some pretzel jello salad, cheese ball, and deviled eggs for myself. They ended up liking the cheese ball, and thankfully, Emma loved the pretzel stuff so I didn't have to eat the whole thing by myself... but I could have. Yum.

 Judy enjoyed sitting with Emma while we played some games. We enjoyed some delicious pies, and called it a day! I may have snuck off to do a little Christmas shopping that night... I love a good deal.

Sometimes I find little surprises in unexpected places that gives me a chuckle. I love kids :). 

November 2017

My Cute Kids

I realized I hadn't taken pictures around the kids' birthdays, and it was an absolutely gorgeous fall day to venture out to Brad's work (Scentsy) to take advantage of their beautiful landscaping. 

Emma -- age 9 1/2 Growing up into a lovely young lady.

        

 Jacob -- age 6 1/2 My handsome young boy. 

Lucas -- age 3 My joyful little buddy, who can be the sweetest or most pesty little boy, who just kills me with that adorable smile. Luckily, I was able to catch some good ones while I was trying to keep up with him!

 Oct 28, 2017