Christmas 2011

This Christmas was great. December wasn't too busy this year so we had lots of time to spend together as a family. We were able to help contribute to the Children's Home here where we filled stockings for  children in foster care, gave presents to Toys for Tots and gave Christmas dinners and gifts to some families in need. It was fun to see our boys so excited to help other people and choose gifts to give away. We have also been the recipient of lots of fun Christmas cards, neighbor gifts and many fun presents well before Christmas from our cousins and Tippets Grandparents. I hate to say we are spoiled, but it's the truth! We are so grateful for the blessings we enjoy everyday!

 Little Sissy's first Christmas- so cute in her Santa dress!

I also had time to decorate this year.. it was fun. We had wrapped presents everywhere!

We had a few visits with Santa this year. They continue to only ask for a candy cane, which they immediately get. 

Afton and Santa

Bridger and Sissy

 Carter just got done playing with Santa's beard and is looking in the bag of candy canes asking for one. 

These are the our friends the Rutters or "wuttahs" as Carter calls them. 

We love them and they love our kids- they brought by a special gift that was an instant hit. 

 Christmas Eve party with our friends We did the nativity and we only had one girl- who refused to be Mary (I thought every girl wanted to be Mary!) Anyway, we convinced Carter to be Mary with his little glow doll, Glowy, he was fine with it until the manger scene where he ripped off his head dress and refused to go on. Maybe needless to say, it was not our best reenactment of the nativity scene with no Mary or Baby Jesus to center everyone else around. 

Carter as Mary riding the donkey, Chase.

Carter- now refusing to be Mary

Wisemen still came to see..... something

We still sang Christmas carols and the show went on.. at least the narration

Happy Miss Siss in her elf outfit

Bridger came in our room at 2 a.m. and yelled," Mom and Dad! I had a dream Santa came!" Apparently   or luckily he missed the tree and just spent the night in our bed. When he woke up again at 6:30, he ran out to the tree and just started digging through the presents and throwing them everywhere. He didn't get to open any until he woke up Carter and Sissy. 

The boys got lots of rodeo stuff- which was a hit! 

This is a bucking horse that bucks by itself. Carter got the bull.
 They love them!

Christmas mess

Couch of gifts

All done with opening- now time to play!

Siss was very excited about this little walker toy! And brothers like to push her on it

Mom and Miss

Happy Little Lady!

 Rodeo sets were enjoyed by all.... many times

Tool sets and Boise state gear, or as our boys call it, Bronco state