Christmas time

Every year we have our traditions that make Christmas time Christmas.  Like the famous cookie day. My sister Cassi started this tradition a few years ago where we take turns making aprons.  Well, it was my turn this year and let me tell you, it was not easy. I had 7 aprons to make and of course I picked the reversible pattern so I really had to make 14 aprons. I spent 4 full days at my mom's house and by the time I was done, I never wanted to touch a sewing machine again. Don't worry, I have since recovered but I don't recommend making 14 aprons in 7 days. They turned out really great thanks to the help from my mom and they were a hit with the sisters.

 Chloe has a hard time keeping her clothes on but she still looked ridiculously cute in the apron I made for her. 

 

Chole and I just warmin' up by the fire.

I was so much fun and we made lots of goodies including:white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, fudge, carmels, chocolate peppermint cookies and sugar cookies.  Really, I will be running off all the sugar for months.  

We also went to see the lights at temple square, there were a bajillion people there but the lights were worth it.

 

 Don't worry, I have not recently had a child, its my cute nephew Ryker.

 My dad brought a flashlight for Chloe, she thought it was so fun to look in all our mouths. Oh the things you can find in mouths.

We had our Christmas on Christmas eve this year because I worked on Christmas day.  My favorite part about Christmas is tricking Andrew and not letting him guess his presents.  I usually wrap them in unusually large boxes or put necklaces in so when he shakes them he doesn't know what they are.  This year, I told him his present was so big I needed his car to bring it home. I got an Ipod adapter installed so he could play his iphone in his car though his stereo.  He was so surprised and he didn't even guess it this year. I also got him some Birkenstock shoes(its an Oregon thing) and a razor to shave his face.  Do you think he will get the hint?  I was lucky enough to get a ski helmet and goggles and a fleece that I have been drooling over since last year. I have been skiing without a helmet for years and I get a bunch of flack from the people at work.  I see people in the er all the time who get injured and are not wearing a helmet.  So I finally took the plunge and decided to be responsible.  I must say I look really cool in my new get-up, I can't wait to try it out. 

 

On a side note, we of course always get a real tree. This year half of the tree died and we could not figure out why until we were taking it down. Andrew was putting away the tree skirt when he smelled it.  It smelled like dog pee.  Guess who had been peeing on the tree...but only half because the other half he couldn't get to.   Not only that but we caught him multiple times drinking out of the tree water. Why? you ask. I don't know, his water bowl was nice and full.

Each Christmas Eve, we go snowshoeing/hiking up millcreek canyon. It was as beautiful as ever and of course Henry had the time of his life.

 Trying to wrangle Henry for a family picture...

 Aren't they cute!

Alright, I have been working on this post for about a week now, a little here and there.  I guess I will let you folks have a read now.