Friday, November 23, 2007

Family Favorite Christmastime Activities

Okay, our family loves the holidays...playing, seeing family, taking pictures...It's all so much fun for us. So, I made a special list ust for this occasion on everything our family loves to do/play/see/ect...

1. "The Christmas Tree Ceremony" - the day after Thanksgiving, we put up the Christmas tree, decorations (our parents aren't "outdoor" decorators, so don't count on a big lights show by our house) and we make hot chocolate and watch the movie "Elf" (the Will Ferrel one that came out about 2 years ago...something like that).

2. "Lamb Family Name Game" - we always put everyones name in a hat (preferably a Yankees one, all of you Lambs against our Red Sox rivalry) and draw names until everyone has a different name. Then, sort of like "Secret Santa" but not so secret, we buy a gift for that person and we open them late on Christmas Eve night.

3. "Temple Lights Show" - when we were in Utah, we would always go down to the lights show at the Salt Lake City temple lights show and just walk around with our family and look at all of the nativities and, of course, the lights...

4. "Make-a-List" - we all sit around together at the table at the end of November and make a list (three things from Santa, and an unlimited list for our parents). It's really enjoyable.

5. "Family Talent Show"- nearing Christmas (whenever, really) have everyone exhibit two or three talents, make a list and a program, and have that show. We love doing this.

6. "Christmas Tree Sleep-Over" - if there is any room, pull up an air matress or just some blankets around the tree one night and let the kids (or everyone, if you have room) sleep-over in front of the tree. If you do have enough room, put up a little play tent or a fort!! :-)

7. "Sledding" - in Utah, we would always go sledding. Sledding can occur wherever you have good, packed snow on a light hill (too steep might actually be dangerous). If you know somebody who has a nice hill, call them up. It can be an activity for tons of people.

8. "Family Party" - a couple of days before Christmas, throw a small party with your inside family. Make a chocolate bafe and put up some party signs. Add your own unique style and flair. Do whatever makes you happy.

9. "Picture Party" - this isn't really a party. Just take a ton of pictures and take the family time to post them on your blog. Gather everyone around for this activity. It is a lot of fun to take turn with the cameras so that everyone can have their moment to shine.

10. "Service Activity Project" - fill a goody basket full of little things like candies, candles, cards, mini-toys, ect. and make them just big enough to fit into a basket of some sort and then send them to an elderly neighbor or a friend.

That's pretty much all of the holiday cheer that comes out of us. I hope you guys try some of these traditions in your home as well. Merry Christmas!! :-)

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Disney World 2007 (way too many people and too much money, but worth it...)
End of day one (can't move one more step - except for maybe Emma...)

We all get wet (very wet, making me the wettest...don't ask why)

Who does this man remind me of??

Some 3D action with the nerdy glasses

Buzz Lightyear (Something worth kicking in the shin)

Family Safari Trip (too exciting)

Grumpy Emma (stay clear...she'll blow)
Peace out from E (or V for Victory)

On the way home (gun in hand, bangs in face)
We had the most thrilling vacation ever. Ethan won two giant stuffed toys (one on the cart and the otehr hidden somewhere) on the exact game Talmage won nothing. Me and my mom went on Everst (the biggest roller caoster in teh park) three times in a row non-stop within about five or ten minutes with fastpasses!!! It was tragic when we were forced to go home, but the thought of missing school for two entire days was actually pretty cool. Anyway, we love you all and RECOMEND Disneyworld/land to everyone nearby. :-)

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Sunday picnic on front yard


Halloween

Talmage is a baseball player (again)


Cowgirl (by the way, this pose was forced by my mother, even though I made more than one suggestion for poses...)

Karate Kid (waxing off - I think)



It's all about the pink boots

Top scorer this season (18 total goals)

Birthday boy (6 years old)


Heading off to Baptist Pre-school

Field of dreams (front yard)


Middle School . . . getting older and closer to being a teenager


Ethan's twin (and admirer who lives down the street)



Off to school (first day of all day kindergarten) . . . mom is crying


Lady killer of the 4th grade