Christmas in Utah 2009

Warning- there are a LOT of pics to follow- we just had too much fun!

Our first day there we took all 18 children to Build-a-Bear in the mall and each one made and dressed a bear. Then we drove to nearby hospitals and delivered them to the childrens ward so be given to those who were stuck in the hospital for Christmas. What a cool idea Aunt Julie!


Christmas Eve was filled with tons of fun. After Build-a-Bear, we found presents left by the elves on Brinkerhoffs doorstep- red, Canada toques (beenies for you Americans) for all of us so we would be toasty warm on our sleigh ride in the mountains. We need them- it was COLD!!!!

Ryan and Ben on the sleigh ride trying to stay warm. Amber, Marin and I (and others) kept warm by singing Christmas carols during our ride.

My kids are not used to dressing in so many layers. It took them only once to realize that coats, etc were a necessity- not just a thing for mom to bug them about.

After dinner at Julie's, Santa came for a visit! Each child got to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. He also interviewed them a little about school, clean rooms, listening to mom and dad...everyone passed- even Logan who wasn't sure if he would! Santa gave them real reindeer size jingle bells and a certificate saying that they were officially on the "Nice List". After Santa left- he was pretty busy that night and had things to do- we opened pjs from Nana and Grandad and then tried to get everyone to sleep!

Christmas morning was fun and a bit chaotic! 18 Kids and all their parents trying to open one present at a time...funny!
Amber of course began reading her new books right away and finished 2 before bedtime.

After church Sunday- Reece and Grace in front of the tree.

Two best buddies- Spencer and Justin (we are excited to have the C's moving to So. Cal so they can see each other much more often!)

One of my favorite picks of the season- Grandad with Grace and Avery.

Poor Grace- too many late nights and not enough naps. She fell asleep at the dinner table around 5:30 pm and slept until 7:30 am!

The 2009 Untalent Show was a hit- I don't have pictures of Cletus or Ryan's Songs of Canada on the recorder... Amber seemed a bit too talented for the UNtalent show...this was their "American Idol skit"- can you guess who Justin is? (he needs a grey t-shirt I think)

One of Uncle Ryan's favorite things about the trip was all the snuggles from Natalie and Brookie!

At the American Fork Temple- it was so neat to be there all together as siblings and to have Justin, Amber, and Spencer join us for the first time!

Sledding was the biggest hit of all! In spite of the wipe outs and Justin's HUGE bruise! Here are the boys outside Nana's house.

Sisters at the BYU Women's basketball game!

Ben and Cosmo- it was so fun to have the Marriott Center mostly to ourselves! He looks like a Cougar in the making!

At the church with Granny for Natalie's baptism.

Visiting the other great grandparents- Grandpa Paul and Grandma Jeanne.

What a great vacation!!!! We have an awesome family! Happy New Year!