Here Comes Santa Claus!

Last night at our ward Christmas Party, the most favorite of all guests made his grand appearance. Kyle has been so excited to see him and kept asking me all week if we'd forgotten to go to dinner at the church. None of the kiddos were afraid which shocked me about the girls but it was a fun night!

Kyle telling Santa he wants a horse trailer and little horses to go with it.



Aubrey just listened intently.



And Olivia was just happy to be there!

You know Dasher and Kyle and Aubrey and Olivia

The newest reindeer!







The kids had parties in their dance for the girls and tumbling for Kyle. I just thought these were cute (albeit poor quality cellphone shots!).

And the littlest Mrs. Clauses!

Well, I made another attempt this year at getting the kids to all look at me (at the same time) for a Christmas picture. I thought for sure this year would be much easier than last since they are older. It still proved to be quite a challenge. I guess at least this year we didn't have Olivia falling off a chair.

Instead, she kept looking at Kyle.


Or they were super cheesy.


But I think this one will do! At least they are all looking forward and smiling!


And for memories sake.....here's last year.

Now you see her.



Now you don't.


And the one we chose for our Christmas cards:


Indeed, it can be said.....what a difference a year makes!

Oh Christmas Tree

We went out and got our own Christmas tree this year. It was such a nice tall tree and our house is, well, not so tall so it looks a little silly but it's our tree and the kids love turning the lights on (and off).

All the Stockings Were Hung..........

By the chimney with care. This actually applies to us this year. I had to hang the stockings BY the woodstove and not OVER it as I was afraid one would take flight one night and we'd have a flaming sock. I finally got Aubrey's and Olivia's names on theirs this year so we should be good to go.

December already?

Wow--how time flies when you don't spend everyday on the internet....well, not really, I think it's the other way around but we'll just pretend.

Update on the Hawleys isn't all that involved. I guess of note is that Sage's hours have been cut at work. Not having been layed off is a huge blessing as there has been talk of that. He is working extra time at an autobody shop and I have been doing some work for my parents to make up for lost wages. It makes for crazy times but so far we're making it work.

A cute side note about this......the other day Aubrey asked where Sage was. I told her he was at work and she asked me why. I told her cuz that's what he has to do. And she said, "I don't see him anymore." Break your heart or make ya laugh or a little of both. I think it broke Sage's heart because he took the next day off at the autobody shop and it was nice to have him home.

We've got our Christmas tree up and presents under the tree so we are ready for Christmas. Kyle is excited this year and that is fun....except he seems to change what he wants everyday...or add to his list. The other day he told me he wants a robe and slippers. Little does he know that this Santa and Mrs. Claus have their shopping done but we'll let him experience the childhood joys of wishing and waiting. Should be a fun year!