Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was fabulous! No frantic baking or shopping went on at our house. It was very low key and peaceful. Conor and I spent the day skiing at 49 Degrees North and we had a perfect day on the hill. Kevin and the rest of the gang hung out at home and Kevin took on the task of making the chili for our Christmas eve traditional dinner. He opted to try a new recipe, and made chicken chili that was delicious and a very fun change.
When Conor and I got home the crockpot was simmering and the chocolate milk and egg nog were waiting. We checked with the Norad santa tracker frequently to check Santa's location and then we gathered around the tree for our traditional presents of Christmas jammies and a special Christmas book. We were given a special package of reindeer food so the kids ran out to sprinkle it on the driveway. Conor actually wanted to go to bed to try and make Christmas come sooner. He was so excited! So off to bed went my 2 excited children and Lincoln stayed up with me to see if he could catch Santa.

Conor and Josie in their new jammies

Sprinkling the reindeer food-(Unfortunately the reindeer weren't all that hungry when they got to our house)

Days before Christmas

Josie and Lincoln hanging out together after nap time, sharing Christmas wishes

Dipping and decorating yummy pretzels to share with our friends

Lincoln's new favorite seat in the house, just right for watching all the action between the kitchen and family room.

Late Deer Hunt

Merry Christmas to me! I will soon be the proud owner of a new front end on my mini-van...why you ask? Take a look.

I always complain about the deer population in this region and I hate, hate, hate those sweet little bambi's when they eat up my garden and flowers, so...I took matters into my own hands and did what I could to reduce the population. It cost me much more then I wanted, but I got myself a 4 point buck. Fortunately my car wasn't totaled, but nearly. I still don't have the car back, and the encounter was over 2 weeks ago. I had that crazy experience where you are eye to eye with a stupid deer who isn't smart enough to run, literally deer in the headlights-I hit him dead center. Sadly, both van and deer were removed from the scene not of their own free will.

Gingerbread Houses

Here are a few pictures of our annual gingerbread house decorating. They ended up pretty sad looking, but it is for fun right? No Martha Stewart awards will be given, that is for sure. I have the picture of the kids helping, then I have the picture of the adults "finishing" up. We were trying to hold the roof on. Our gingerbread house didn't even make it to Dec. 19th. Next year we plan to break out the hot glue gun.

Conor-Elf #3

This year Conor was given a speaking part in the 1st & 2nd grade Incredible Reindeer Christmas program. He was Elf #3 and did a great job. He practiced his lines at school a few times and that was all the help he needed. Conor sometimes surprises me when it comes to his ability to memorize, he is really quite good at it. The program was very well done and Conor had a great time participating.

Conor the Elf

Happy Conor

These great pictures-without someones big head in them are courtesy of our excellent seats. The music director decided she didn't need a diabetic emergency on her hands during the program so she saved us these fabulous seats right in front of Conor. One of those rare rare moments when having a child with diabetes has its perks.

Santa

Conor telling Santa that he wants a remote control helicopter-we might be able to arrange that.

Josie telling Santa she wants a Horsey-hmmm...not so much. I think she meant a My little Pony, but she really doesn't even get that she can ask Santa for anything and he just might bring it. Next year we might worry that she will be upset when there is no horsey under the tree. Conor on the other hand has it figured out, so he thinks. He told Kevin the other day that he needed to make his wish list longer because it isn't every day that someone brings you free toys.


Lincoln with his Santa...why I didn't put him on Santa's lap? I guess I didn't feel like waiting in line behind the entire primary for a photo op. -now I regret it.

Lincoln Blessing

Blessing Morning

Daddy and Lincoln

Conor, Lincoln and Josie

The Family

Everyone who attended-
Grandma & Grandpa Kellogg, Shawn, Darren and Stephanie, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen, Conor, Lincoln and Josie

Sunday, December 5th, 2010 was a very special day for our little Lincoln. He was given a very special and beautiful blessing by his Daddy in the Colbert, Washington ward. Both grandpa's participated, as well as 2 uncles. Lincoln was a perfect little angel and didn't make a sound. I love blessing days for my little ones. There is such a sense of wonder and awe at the precious gift I have been given to raise, and to help realize the potential that is revealed in the blessing.