December fun

It was hard for it to feel like Christmas around here without any snow, but it was a lot of fun to have George home from work and to go out and celebrate. We got to enjoy several parties and Max would always ask where the next party was. I love being with family and seeing how much fun Max and Lauren have together. We went to the Riverwoods to see the lights with Kasey, Audrey and Mason and it was sooo cold. We got to see Santa, which Max loved and Lauren hated, and then came home to have hot chocolate. It was great!

We had a crafty morning with the Stocktons and made christmas crafts. It was messy but fun! I love seeing the kids have fun with friends.

On the Sunday before Christmas we had our family progressive dinner and it was a lot of fun and yummy! We started at Cynthia's and then went to Mike's and ended at Nana's house. I love being with  everyone. It was weird to have the nieces and nephews bringing boyfriends/girlfriends. It makes me feel old. Haha

On Monday night, we went swimming for family home evening. Max and Lauren loved it! Max was a new man in the water. They giggled the whole time. I love seeing them have so much fun!

On Tuesday, George got home from work early so we went and met up with cousins to go to Gardner Village to see the elves. Max was so excited to see elves. He was so funny. Afterwards, we went to Temple square. It was so cold! But it was so much better being there before it got dark and so cold. Plus, we beat the crowds. The kids weren't great, in fact Lauren was awful, but it was still pretty fun.

kisses under the mistletoe

grumpy Lauren

 On Christmas Eve, we went over to the grandparents house for breakfast and to do a present exchange. We had Molly and we gave her a plunger shaped present and it was hilarious! George made it out of paper and cardboard and then we put our gift inside the shape. Max and Lauren got some awesome masks from Aunt Maurine. We are lucky to have some awesome family members! The rest of the day we just kept it simple. We ate waffles, sausage and smoothies for dinner and then we watched a Christmas story and then opened pjs and a game. It wasn't perfect, but it was still fun.

PS I wish I could explain the crazy placement of these pictures, but I am at a loss. Haha. Blogger had a mind of its own.