Christmas (Part 1)

Ok, so every other year we go to visit Tom's family for Christmas, which means that we get to celebrate several times. Therefore, there will be several posts, but because we just got back last night, and life is still crazy, those will have to wait at least a little while.

For now, enjoy our attempt at pictures before we left for church the Sunday before Christmas...it was so sad. We were running early, then Liz threw a fit, the timer wouldn't work, Owen crawled away, mom lost her temper...this is what we ended up with.

Christmas Concert

We were graced this evening with a one time performance (and by that, we mean that it is a one time 4 day long performance) of the two most beautiful...butterfly, ladybug, flower, Christmas, princess girls. Costumes, script, and choreography by Tori and Liz. Don't be jealous.
Ok, so this is a funky clip because my battery was dying, but too funny to leave off the post.

Old friends!

We are so lucky that the Tuckers found a good flight into Denver this year! Thanks for making your trip a lot longer than it had to be. I know it probably wasn't easy for you, but it meant a lot to us, adn Juj, thanks for hosting! Last time this trio was together we were all pregnant--with the older siblings to these three little studs!

Krissy and Kent Tucker, Heather and Ethan Lear, and Jenn and Owen Peterson

Stockings

Lizzie: Mom, what are these?

Mom: Stockings--what are they for Liz?

Lizzie: (Long pause) We put them on our feet and then we dance!

Mom: Yup --TOM GET THE CAMERA!

Christmas Traditions

We are like most families around Christmas time--constantly juggling activities while trying to keep traditions alive, and the REAL reason for Christmas in our hearts. Well, here are a few of our traditions--some in their second or third year, some are decades old. (This will be an ongoing post, so take what you will and leave the rest...)

First of all, of course, is the tree. Set it up the minute Thanksgiving is over and leave it up at least until the new year!

Every year when we were little, my mom used to give us each an ornament. Often times the ornament would remind us of something important that we had done during that year. When we all grew up and moved out, we took our ornaments with us, and now we continue the tradition with our little ones.

My Grandma started a tradition just a year or two ago--gingerbread houses. She gets each family a kit and then we pick a night and make the gingerbread house for family night. The kids love it, and we all have a lot of fun!

COOKIES! Last year Tori and I baked tons of cookies--something like eight or ten different kinds. This year we get to include all the girls--Tori, Lizzie and Mommy.

Snow days!

I never seem to post unless I have pictures to document the event, so you will have to forgive me when I have way too many pics. Here are some from our first real snow with Tori and her cousin Marlee.

Since Liz was napping while Tori and Marlee played last week, we let her have a date with Daddy--and a shovel!

The Salon

We spent the morning in the "beauty shop" with some...interesting results.

The best part was when Tori accidentally did a great twist in Aunt Manda's hair, held in with only a ribbon--that she didn't know how to tie. (She also tied a perfect bow later, though she couldn't for the life of her figure out how she did it.)