Christmas

The kids were so excited on Christmas Eve! They were on their best behavior to insure a visit from the big guy.

We love going to Grandma and Grandpa Rice's every year for Christmas Eve.

The talent show was fun with some serious talents and some funny talents (thanks to the aunts and uncles).

I love ending the evening with the Nativity because the birth of our Savior is the pinnacle of everything wonderful about the season.

After the traditional opening of the Christmas PJs the kids were anxious to get in bed so Santa could come. However, falling asleep was another story- they were up talking and giggling for quite a while. Finally, we had to resort to threats about Santa skipping our house because kids were still awake.

Fortunately Santa did not miss our house and the kids loved opening all their gifts.

Kempton was more interested in chewing on toys then playing with them. His first top tooth finally broke through.

We made it to Logan in time for brunch and more presents. Lance and I enjoyed sporting our new gloves.

Christmas dinner at the Needham's with my mom's family has been a tradition since I was a little girl. It is crazy to reflect back and now I am there with my children. It was a very nice Christmas.

Christmas Parties

Happy Birthday to my Dad! We all met for dinner and lights and had a fabulous time. Nana Anita has a special activity every Sunday in December from a family devotional, chocolate fountain, to our present exchange. Kempton will open any present or undecorate any tree he can get his hands on.

All the kids got the chance to let Santa know what they wanted for Christmas. Peyton and Lexi let Santa know exactly what they wanted down to the color. Kempton didn't know what to think.

The kids loved ice skating at the annual Rice cousins party.

Kempton was just happy to be there!

Lexi and her four year old cousins.

The Christmas pinata is a tradition they have been doing since Lance was a little boy.

We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Tis the Season

Tis the season of lights, parties, shopping, dinners, programs, and get togethers.

As you can see from our little cousin Gordon, it often gets a little crazy. The best part is being with family and seeing friends whom you may have not seen for awhile.

Once we got to the lights everyone was thrilled and excited to see all the decorations.

It is so fun to experience Christmas with these two. It is always a party with Peyton and Lexi.

All the Rice cousins made the annual shopping trip for St. Nick.

Wrapping is a lot more fun when you have so many people to talk and laugh with.

Lexi was very persistant and helped me wrap every present we were assigned.

Peyton loved finding gifts for a boy just his age.

Last year we went to Zoo Lights but with it being so cold we thought we better just go during the day.

Elf on the Shelf

Nana Anita surprised the kids with a fun new tradition they love. Elf on the Shelf comes with a cute story that tells how the elf watches you everyday. Then at night the elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa your actions of the day. In the morning the elf appears at a new spot in your house.

These are a few of the spots our elf has appeared. The first thing the kids do when they wake up is run around the house to find where their magic elf has landed.

Family Pictures

Glad to have them done!

Halloween Fun

Our little Chewbacca, Dorthy, and Clone had a fun filled Halloween. Lexi did a great job in her preschool program complete with songs, actions, and introductions. Peyton enjoyed his school parade and class party. Kempton looked cute with a little extra hair on top.

Lexi and I had a fun delicious time at our friend Hillary's cookie party.

Peyton got to play the doughnut game at Nana's and Lesli's party this year. He has the technique down!

Uncle Jason thanks for the Halloween shirts. My extended family has coordinated shirts, hats, or scarfs for every holiday, reunion, and trip courtesy of the Logo Shop.

Boys Will Be Boys

Lance grew up playing sports with all his cousins. This fall they all played on a softball team together. However, they are all a little older and slower. Go wowzer cats! There are some definite advantages to having an ER doctor live next door. We had a few of our neighbors over for dinner and Peyton was playing when he got a bloody nose. Next thing I know Dr. M had ran to his house to retrieve this contraption to stop the bleeding. It worked!

Every year Lance goes on a Golf trip with a group of his friends. These intelligent successful men turn into crazy outrageous jokers.

Dr. Yates I hope that snake doesn't bite or you might have to rethink how to make your living.

The remainder of a rabbit carcus that a coyote had for dinner, was a nice treat Lance's group left for their second group of guys to find.

End of Soccer and Flag FB

Peyton finished out the season with his first touchdown pass. Way to go! But what happened to our talk about playing Defensive Back not Quarterback. All the neighborhood kids had a blast playing soccer with their fun coach, Sam. Lexi seems to be a little more focused on the dance floor than the soccer field. It was fun to have my family come to cheer the kids on for a crazy sports filled Saturday.

St. George

We all headed down to St. George to cheer on Aunt Chelsey as she ran in the Marathon. She did awesome! The bike trails in Coral Canyon are a new found favorite for Peyton.