Christmas With the Wilson Clan

This weekend we all gathered at Diane and Ken's new home in Bancroft, ID to dually celebrate Collen's return from his mission in India and Christmas. We had a rip-roaring great time and especially enjoyed Diane and Ken's house. It is big enough to accomodate all 40 of us comfortably, and that's saying something. They officially have the 'party house' as far as I'm concerned. They were terrific hosts. Hope you enjoy some adorable pictures of the family Nativity program. I was especially impressed with Joe, Amber, and Adam, who were wonderful sports and helped me out by playing key roles in the production. Just for the record, Amber was the cutest donkey there ever has been. :)

Brooklyn was a beautiful Mary.

Thanks Amber, you're the best!

The shepherds.

The wise men.

Jack was the littlest angel, and also the most uncooperative. He sat on my lap.

The beautiful angels.

All the kids (minus Dan) with Dad Wilson. They really are this crazy!!!

But they can be civilized when they want to be.

Grandpa with 21 of his grandchildren. He was one proud papa!! :)

See what I mean? Cutest donkey ever!

Nathan as Joseph.

Hee-Hee

Regan and Todd surprised and delighted us all with a hilarious Rap rendition of Jingle Bells. I love how embarassed Todd is as he beat-boxes in the background. Unfortunately, I only caught the very end of the act, but some is better than none!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Christmas Day

Brad surprised me with new wood blinds for our bedroom and even hung them that day. What a man!

Kate showing off her iDog and trying to find room in her room for all her fun new things.

Seriously, does life get any better than this?

Guess what Santa brought Todd? Oh to be a 10 year old boy. He's been out every day enjoying a little target practice and no, he hasn't shot his eye out ... YET.

Brad got a remote control helicopter thingy so he and Todd have been enjoying learning how to fly it without crashing it into everything. Brad has waited a long time to have a boy that is old enough to shoot BB guns and play RC with. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching them together!!!

Santa fulfilled Jack's every hope and dream by bringing him a train table and trains. We rarely see him anymore.

Kate asked Santa for a stuffed puppy since she can't have a real one (she launched into a lengthy explanation of her dad's and brother's allergies and how her mom doesn't want to clean up after a real puppy, etc., etc., etc.). Good old Santa really came through for her. She got several puppies in varying shapes and sizes, including an iDdog that acts as speakers for her mp3 player and dances and barks to the music (and turns off when you want it to). That's my idea of a great pet.

An actual RED RYDER BB GUN! Be careful Ralphie, or you'll shoot your eye out.

Santa must have been here because the milk and cookies were all gone!

Poor Todd couldn't sleep much at all. He woke up at 2:30 in the morning and finally gave in and came to wake us up at 5:30. I can remember being equally as excited (when I was 25)! I think I only started sleeping through the night on Christmas Eve after I had babies and was too tired to stay awake!

Poor little Jack-Jack had some pretty swollen eyes, but he was still totally excited about Santa. Really, the kids are at the perfect ages right now. Christmas couldn't have been more magical.

Christmas Eve at G&G Rose's House

Todd and Porter enjoying some bonding time!

Poor Jack had seriously goopy, red eyes, and felt downright yucky. Thankfully this didn't stop him from being completely elated with his engineers hat, scarf, and train whistle, as well as two completely awesome wooden Thomas trains from Grandma and Grandpa.

Todd was equally thrilled with his new watch. "WHOA .... AWESOME!!!" I believe were his exact words.

Kate is thrilled with her watch as well. She feels very grown up to have received such a "big-girl" present. She's working on being able to read it now! :)

Grandma J. is amazing! She just situates herself in the middle of the action and seems to enjoy every minute of it. We love her so much and really appreciate the effort she makes to be to as many family events as she can.

Jack with his trains.

Cutie pie Regan, always helping and happy.

Kaleb enjoying his new stick horse!

Lily-Love and Briggy on their stick horses. Definitely a HUGE hit!!

Grandpa talking to Matt when they unwrapped their "Rome Trip" from all the kids!

Jordy tickling Jack-Jack. He was in heaven!

I LOVE Mom's facial expression -- classic Mom! (Really we all had a hard time holding back the tears as they unwrapped their gift!) Grandpa teasing Jack and Jordyn!

Jack with the classic "too much Christmas fun" face.

Todd playing with Kamryn. He really enjoyed holding all the babies!!!

Kate's Nutcracker Performance

Here's a little video of the dress rehearsal for Kate's dance performance. Mother Buffoon doesn't have her dress yet so you'll have to use your imagination. :)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Own Nutcracker

The Tribe kids were over for a few hours today and the girls decided to put on their very own Nutcracker ballet. They talked Jack in to being the Nutcracker and proceeded to costume and choreograph the whole thing. Kate and Sadie got camera shy when I tried to take their pictures, but Jack and Emma posed for a few shots. Talk about great imaginations!

White Christmas

What fun to have snow all week! There's nothing like a true white Christmas. The kids celebrated their first official day of Christmas Break by building a snowman and a snow fort in the backyard. I didn't see or hear from them for several hours until they decided to come inside and thaw their frozen fingers and toes. Gotta love winter!