Christmas 2011

For many that know me, you will know that I am not a big fan of the Holidays. I guess in a nut shell it is because I feel to much pressure. I really feel like it is hard to focus ont he true meaning of Christmas when all I can think about is gifts I need to give and then I worry if the receiver will like what I am giving them. This goes for my friends, neighbors, relative, and yes, even my kiddos. It always ends up nicely. My kids are always thrilled, so I don't know why I worry so much, but I do. It's just me. So, here are a few pictures of our wonderful Christmas. Tera hosted our Prestwich Family party at her house. Calvin Requested a good Ol' Fashion VW Molasses Taffy Pull. I don't particularly love pulling Taffy, but It was a good memory to make! Tera did a fabulous job with the Cafe Rio dinner. Santa brought all of the kids a present and we did our traditional white elephant gift exchange.
On Christmas Eve we have a tradition to go to our good Friends Randall and Sharee Wise. They are wonderful hosts, and we just love them! It is always super fun!
Christmas morning we woke up at about 7:00 AM. I love that my kids still sleep in for the most part. Tim, Steve and Kassie came over to open presents and have our tradtional breakfast Quiche. Grandma Julie was super sick on Christmas, so we didn't get to see her and it wasn't the same without her. The boys seemed happy with their gifts. They all got a Trampoline from Santa. Kyle got a helmet Camera. Jared got a Kindle touch. Spencer and Landon got Remote control Helicopters. Later Jared said, it wasn't the most exciting Christmas we've had, but it was still good. I am glad that it is over!

The Boys on Christmas Morning...


Jared helping Tera hand out her GIANT candy canes


Jessica and Landon


Granny and Lisa


Cathryn and Lisa (Lisa is always behind the camera, so it was fun to get a shot or two of her)


The Slocum and Wise Kids....Wowzers!

Our Newest Family Member...

We were heart broken after Maggie died. It is so true how everyone says animals become a member of your family. As you can see we didn't last long without getting another dog. We weren't trying to replace Maggie, but it our home just didn't feel right without a dog here. So, we found little Ellie. Sometimes I think we are crazy for getting a puppy. It is definately a huge learning curve. But...she sure is cute!

Allof the pictures below are the first day we got her. She was super Tiny and snuggly!