Christmas 2010

Christmas really started the week before the actual day for us! Family came into town! My sister Jodi and her family then my brother and his wife Katey! We played all week! It went by so fast and we had a blast!

We had FHE Monday night all together - very nice! Abby had a sleepover for a few days and spent every minute with her cousin Samantha. They were so cute together and played constantly! Weds. we went to the 'Children Phoenix Museum' which was really fun for the kids.. We had never been there and the kids really had a good time. Weds. night we brought Samantha and Tommy over for a sleepover at our house! They seemed to have a fun. The next morning I made pancakes, eggs and chocolate milk then I took them all to the dollar store to each pick something out! I was trying to be a fun aunt! I hope I passed! Ben went on a mountain bike ride with all the 'guys' and then In and Out for lunch. We all went for some good Mexican food which is tradition in the "Hill" family!

Friday was the big Christmas Eve day! The girls had a nice lunch all together before the big night! Abby and Samantha came and they both had a good time.. Abby was so tickled about being with the girls! Ben got to see his parents and Grandma for a bit with the boys.

Christmas Eve is a big night with lots of food, the 'Christmas Program', and fun! We had ham and roast, Mom decorated all the tables so nice and I always enjoy eating at the tables--it feels so festive and nice! The kids even eat at tables too! Santa came for a visit and the kids all got sit on his lap! The garage is always open for bike, scooter riding too! Abby and Samantha sang "Picture a Christmas", the kids sang quite a few songs, we read a Christmas story and the kids dressed up for the Nativity! Then it was off to home for Santa to come!

Christmas morning was so special! It was just us and the kids at our house but we enjoyed it! The kids were so excited for the gifts and I soaked it all up with every gift they opened. We just relaxed most of the day! I made a big breakfast of french toast, eggs, sausage and orange juice!

All in all it was a fabulous Holiday!

December Keeps Mov'n!

The kids have 'Cottage Fair' every quarter! We have always tried to support and go. They show off what they did that quarter. It is kinda fun because Ty and Abby are doing different things each time.

Abby has been learning all about ROCKS! She built a volcano and the class that night sang for all of us -- 'A ROCK Concert'! It was way, super cute of course!

We had to split up because Abby and Ty's class cottage was at the same time. Ty's class was doing a play on the Mayflower/Pilgrims. Ben was filming his and I took pics of Abby. So, no pics of Ty's this time!:(

Also, we've been reading a Christmas story almost every night this December and we just read Polar Express and gave the kids a bell! More fun things to come!

Dance -- Sweet!

This post is mostly about Abby's dance! She has been taking dance from a friend who does it out of her home. She turned a room into a dance studio. It is close to home and Abby's friends do it with her! Ms. Amber has experience which is a plus--she is also really good with the kids! Abby was so excited for her recital. She had her Aunt Jessica and Bentley come and her Aunt Tami, Uncle Jake and Scarlett/Bella (her cute cousins too). She told me she felt special and that made feel good that she could feel that way. She will need these feelings all throughout her life! It is important no crucial for kids to feel special. It gives them a much needed self esteem boost!:)
Also, there is one picture of all the kids that are bundled up which doesn't happen here very often and we were off to see a Nativity play! Afterward, we came back from yummy hot chocolate with whip cream and marshmallows!