Christmas 2011

Of course there are far more pictures than this of Christmas 2011, but here are some highlights...for the sake of time and sanity.

Making Gingerbread houses with Grandma Jardine.

The Mortensen Family (Like extended Mortensen family) Party

Nativity Scene at Mortensen Family Party

Christmas Eve.  We started letting the kids open one present of Christmas Eve, in the MORNING.  That way, they can enjoy it all day, and not just open it, then have to go to bed.

Brigham wasn't sitting by everyone else, so here he is, with his new blue ball.  That he loves.

Breanne's Nativity Scene!  I love this!  She created and executed this idea all on her own.  I was just asked to tape it up.  I kept it to put up next year too.  Super cute!

Christmas Eve Nativity Scene at Grandma Mortensen's

On Christmas Eve, we were all surprised and delighted by Cheryl and Erics good news!!  They gave this to my parents as a Christmas Eve gift.  What a great idea!

And then she took off her coat and revealed her awesome t-shirt.  She is due in July, and should find out the gender soon.  Can't wait!

An attempt at a family pic.  Plus we sang "Angels we have heard on high" as a family.  "Glo...........ria!"  The kids love that song!

Christmas morning!  Isn't that just such a magical time of life.  Here's Brigham.

Eli and his batman toy

Josh and a video game

Scott and a robot

Breanne and her much wished for Snow globe

Mom, and a fun scarf I got.

Dad and a fun idea mom had for him to put in his office

Christmas Morning at Grandma and Grandpa Mortensen's

Christmas Day at Grandma and Grandpa Jardine's

I love Christmas time.  This year we were a little put out due to illness, but managed to still have good visits with everyone.  Plus we were able to give, and receive lots of fun things.  

Babies! Advent calendar! and Santa!

Just too cute!

I made this Advent calendar this year.  I think it turned out pretty cute.

Seeing Santa at the ward party.  Jared had a political meeting, so he wasn't able to be there.  What a treat it was to meet Santa!!

More Christmas Pics to come.....  One thing at a time..... 

Joshua turned 9!

He wanted a Phineas and Ferb cake.  We all love that show!  I think it turned out cute!  

 And of course..."Perry the Platypus" Cupcakes.

 We did lots of fun things for Josh's party, but one of the activities was to make our own contraptions, or "inators" as they call them on the show.

 We also did some experiments.  And made a balloon blow up with chemicals.  Cool.

 Some of the presents this lucky boy received.

I got to go to Josh's school and do a little thing about him!  Plus he passed out his favorite treat of Mint Oreo's.  

We love Joshua!  He does such a good job at being "the big brother."  I'm sure it can't always be an easy job to fill.  But he sets such a good example.  He is so helpful and kind.  I can't believe he is already nine!  Time just flies.  I remember bringing my sweet baby home on Christmas Eve nine years ago.  It feels like yesterday.  Happy Birthday Joshua!  

Scott turned 4!

 He wanted a Boots Cake.  I think it turned out cute.

Then he had a "Cars" party, and these were the cupcakes.

 At the party, the kids colored the car, then we got pics of each one behind it.  

 Some of the presents this lucky boy got.  He had a fun birthday!  This is only a fraction of the pics I took.  But for the sake of time, and the attempt to get caught up, I'm only picking the best of the best to post.  

Anyway, we sure love this guy.  He is the comedian in our house.  And is always good for saying something funny and clever.  I wish he could stay 3 forever!  It was a good year.  But I know he will be just as enjoyable as a 4 year old, and can't wait to see what he comes up with next.  We love you Scott!

ThanksGiving 2011

Breanne wanted to make these hats to wear for Thanksgiving.  Good thing for Google.  I was able to make them quickly and they turned out cute!

The meal with the Mortensen's.

The meal with the Jardine's.

Josh got his WOLF

Josh recieved his WOLF for Cub Scouts.  He did a great job.  He loves scouts and has the best Den Leaders.  Good Job Josh!!!

Barbie Furniture

Joshua had to make something "useful" for cub scouts.  So instead of the customary bird house, I had him make Breanne some furniture for her new Barbie house.  He did a great job, even sewing the cushions, and she LOVED it.  She has put in a request for more as a Christmas present.  Super cute!

Halloween 2011

I have a new camera now, but at the time, I had a broken camera so I wasn't able to get very many pics of Halloween this year.  But here are a couple.  At least I got some.

The kids "parade" at school.  Breanne was a Mummy! 

 Josh was a wizard.

I got help with the party in Josh's class.  It was so fun.

Carving Pumpkins.  Yes....On Halloween.  I can't remember why, but it seems we were really busy, or sick, or probably both, and didn't carve them the week before, like usual.  But it was actually a good thing, because our pumpkins looked so nice and fresh for all the trick or treaters to see.  Instead of moldy and saggy.

"Trick or Treat!"

Scott went dressed as Winni-the-Pooh.  Oh what a cute costume.  I would just smile every time I saw him.  And couldn't help but poke his belly a few times. 

Tuckered out after trick or treating.

So I threw 2 Halloween parties this year.  One for Primary, and one as a family /friend thing.  But didn't get one pick.  I need to get some pictures from my sister.  But for now...That was Halloween 2011.

He won the BIKE!!!

The school has a contest for kids who read a certain amount every day of the week.  Every couple months, they have a drawing, and someone wins a bike...and blow me away....Josh won!  It was super exciting!

Fall, Leaves, and Fun!

Part of growing up is playing in leaves.  I love days like this.

 (The little girl in the pic that no one will recognize is the neighbor.)

Did you know I'm a yellow belt?

 Yup!  I'm a yellow belt in the art of Kenpo Karatee.  I have always wanted to learn karatee.  I'm loving it!  I'm hoping to get my Orange belt soon, and just continue on as far as I can.  I feel so blessed to have the chance to learn right now.  Hopefully I will never need to use the self defense I'm learning, but it is impowering to know that I can do things now I couldn't do before.  And that I will stand a greater chance, if ever the need arises.  Anyway, that wasn't even the reason I started.  I really have just always wanted to learn.  So this is pretty cool.  Now, I just need to find more time to practice!  :)