Christmas Time

Talan making some candy-canes and reindeer for his tree.



He has been so busy making decorations for his tree next year we will have to get him a bigger one/

Saturday we decided to venture out to the Festival of Trees. It was fun to see the trees but way too many people for my taste.

The boys loved this cars tree.

The festival had a gingerbread town. Someone had even made the White House out of gingerbread. 

Jason is trying to talk me into doing this tree next year.

Go Raiders. I am laughing thinking that Jason almost had me talked into naming Talan, Raider instead.

I loved the colors on this tree. I wish I could just come up every year and take home an already decorated tree. One less stress for the holiday season.

On night we decided to just spend a relaxing night watching the Polor Express and enjoying popcorn and Hot Chocolate.

The Polor Express was so cute. I can't believe we had never watched it before.

 

Linx was busy playing football.

He would throw the ball behind the tree and giggle while he crawled under it to retrieve it.

Linx pretending to be a puppy.

 

On Sunday we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Christensen's to make a Christmas Count-down with Brayden.

The boys had a fun time decorating the signs with stickers.

Everyday they will get to take off one Hershey Kiss.

Cutting off the first Kiss.

December is always a busy month around our house. We try and squeeze as much out of the season as we can. We have been busing making crafts for our tress, visiting the Festival of Trees and making a count down. Now when Talan wakes up he wants to know what today's activity is. Such a fun season, I hate to think that January is just around the corner. Can you say Blah and boring. 

Its Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

We have had fun week getting every thing ready for Christmas. Both of the boys have been decorating the trees in their rooms

 Lincoln had been really good about leaving the decoration alone.

One night while Jason was at school, Talan and I decided to make some more decorations for his tree. So while we were painting, Lincoln was having fun playing with the bubbles in the sink.

Linx will stay entertained for a long time just filling his spoon with bubbles then rinsing it off.

Talan working on painting his Christmas tree decorations.

Working so hard to keep the paint in the lines. It surprises me how long his attention span is. He can stay focused on a project for a long time.

After 2 straight hours of painting, Talan finished his project. His determination is a quality that I admire in him.

Talan painted these 100% by himself. Artistic ability runs in the family but it must have skipped me and went to Talan. He did an awesome job for a 5 year old.

 When the decorations were all dry and we were going to hang them on a tree, Talan told me that he painted the Christmas tree for Lincoln's tree. It makes me a proud mom to know that Talan thinks of his little brother.

This week we found Mrs Peeps in a pile on candy. She is being more mischievous this year than she has been in the past. Who know what kind of trouble she will find.

Santa's Little Helper

Our little elf is back. This year she brought a treat with her.

When Talan heard the doorbell ring he ran to the door hollering "I got it". I followed behind him to see who was at the door. Talan peeked out the window then walked away. I asked him who was there, he replied Mrs Peeps. I asked him why he didn't open the door and he just shrugged his shoulders. Even after 3 years of her visiting us Talan still is not to fond of her.

Lincoln was brave enough to go out and grab his drink, but he to didn't want to get too close to Mrs Peeps.

Once we brought in Mrs Peeps we sat down to read the letter she brought with her from the North Pole.

She was sent to our house to report to Santa whether we are naughty or nice.

I love this picture, neither of the one of the boys wanted to get to close to the elf.

Having to sit this close to an elf is pure torture. Just ask Talan.

A few minutes after Mrs Peeps arrived Talan came to me and asked what happens if an elf doesn't come to your house, do you have to go and sit on Santa's lap? I started to giggle and he looked at me and said I would rather have an elf at our house than have to sit on Santa's lap. Once she is here the boys do have a fun time waking up in the morning and searching the house to see where Mrs Peeps has decided to sit for the day. She is a fun little addition to our home.

Spanish Fork Lights Parade

 Before the Light Parade we stopped in Buns and Brew to get some Hot Chocolate to help keep us warm during the parade.

 The kids were so excited for the parade even if they couldn't put their arms down because they were so bundled up.

The whole group waiting for the parade to start.

Maybe Linx would have enjoyed the parade more if he could have seen it.

Talan had his enormous bag in hopes that they would throw a lot of candy. Unfortunately he only got 2 pieces.

 Linx taking a break from his Angry Birds game. We are seriously going to have to enroll him in Anger Bird Anonymous.

 Linx had the best seat.

 The train that had fireworks coming out the the top was every ones favorite.

Just the girls enjoying our hot drinks.

The Spanish Fork Light Parade is always a great way to kick off the holiday season, even if it feels like it is -10 below. The kids have fun see the lights and Santa. We have only been going for the last couple of years but I think it is turning into a family and friends tradition.

Thanksgiving

This year we went to Grandma and Grandpa Christensen's for Thanksgiving. Nancy and Shaun joined us for dinner.

Talan was excited to bring over our singing Turkey. He is always the highlight of Thanksgiving.

Lincoln snacking on some chips before dinner and deciding what kind of mischief to get in.

Nancy brought the boys a gift. Talan got a motorcycle.

Lincoln got some bubbles.

After a delicious dinner Lincoln decided to find a place to curl up for a nap. I love that Thanksgiving gives me the opportunity to reflect on all the things I am thankful for.