A White Christmas

We got to spend Christmas with family this year in Utah and it was a very white Christmas!

The girls had a blast playing in our suitcases while we were packing. They pretended they were cars and even buckled up with the straps inside.

 We went sledding with a bunch of cousins and I made the mistake of sending Bridgette down by herself for the first run and the sled turned around backwards and freaked her out.  She spent the next while refusing to go down and Penny cried on my lap most the time.  True California girls I guess!

 

Poor Penny totally looked (and acted) like Randy the whole time.

Harrison at least was happy and warm.

 Christmas Eve family photo attempt.

 Christmas morning was so fun!  It was just us and my parents there, so we could take our time opening and playing with things.  This is Bridgette coming out to see what Santa brought our family.

 

Going through the stockings.

Bridgette's favorite present from Santa was this jumper like a pogo stick.

 Penny opening her Little People Zoo. (wearing a dress-up skirt she got)

 Bridgette also got a new leotard for dance class.

 Harrison was there too!

The girls snuggling their favorite dog Bronco!

 Penny with all her presents.  She loves her new Ariel shirt!

 Bridgette with her presents (on the couch- she wouldn't sit up there because she wanted to be with Bronco).

Sweet little guy with his stash. 

That night we had a family dinner and tried to have a Nativity with the kids.  Bridgette got to be Mary with Eli as Joseph.  Harrison slept right through his starring role as Jesus!  Penny refused to put on her sheep costume, in typical Penny fashion.

 We got to see both of my grandmothers.  Grandma Melville.

 Grandma Tucker.

 The day after Christmas, we spent down in Provo with the Moore Family.  We exchanged gifts and got to meet baby Knox.
Uncle Luke let the girls ride their horses which was a HUGE hit!

 Daddy and Penny.

 Penny warming up with Grandma.

 Mom and Bridgette riding around.

 Harrison got to meet everyone for the first time.  He was a hit!  This is with Gigi.

 The girls got books, stickers, Minnie Mouse blankets, and darling Princess dress-ups.  Playing in their dresses later with cousin Sophie.

Monday, I took Bridgette down to the new Church History Museum my mom is a docent at.  She loved seeing Grammy there and enjoyed the new children's area, especially making the tangram scripture pictures.

 Tyler got to go skiing and left me and my parents in charge of watching seven kids 4 and under.  It was crazy but we made it through.  Coloring time.

 Popcan telling stories with all the kids snuggling on a blanket.

We loved having Anna and Gauge come.  Anna became our baby whisperer and took care of Harrison for me!

 

Wednesday, we braved the 20 degree temperatures and went to the zoo with the Gauge and the Cates.  It was cold, but not too bad and the girls loved it.

We attended a party with my group of High School friends, complete with a hilarious white elephant gift exchange.   This is the second year we've been able to come, and it's fun to catch up with everybody.

New Years Eve was our traditional family party.  This year Bridgette actually hit the pinata, we had an awesome dance party in the garage with glow sticks and had chocolate fondue.

We had a great trip and loved seeing all our cousins and family.  Merry Christmas!!