The Polar Express

For the Wheeler Christmas Party, Gawbie and Grandpa put together the Polar Express!  It was so fun acting it out with the kids.

Following the elves to the train

 

the conductor handing out the train whistles and jingle bells before boarding

Inside the train the kids took a seat on a pillow while Mrs. Claus read the story to them.

The elves delivered cookies and hot cocoa.  The kids got to make the sounds of the train.

 At the end, Santa Claus came to give them each a bell from his sleigh.

 

 

 

 

 

Then we exchanged our family Christmas gifts.

legos

 a new baby

 During the after party, the Wheeler boys got a little crazy. 

 

It was such a fun evening!  We were very blessed to have everyone together.  Thanks for coming!

Wheeler Family Pictures

Everyone from the Wheelers side came to visit us on Friday!  We had to get a few pictures since it is rare that we all see each other at the same time.

playing at the park until everyone arrives

 -the whole family-

Gawbie and Grandpa with the grandkids

Bobby and Jessica's family

Aunt Shannon and all her nieces and nephews

Danny and Laura's family (with one on the way!)

Brian and Maryn's family

Mom and Dad with their children

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas at our house.  I love the excitement that children bring to giving gifts.  I think Robbie loved giving this year as much as getting which was really fun to see.

coming to see if Santa came

 reading Santa's note

 checking his stocking

 Lydi now does a cute little smile when she knows you are taking her picture.

Mom's new Primary song book

 his new BYU fleece from Lydia

her new pillow pet from Robbie

 Daddy's new toy

 Robbie was so excited to have his own iPod.

Lydi spends all her time in her kitchen now.

Mom's fun toy was to get her bike fixed and get a trailer for Lydi.

It was such a great day!  Thanks to all those who sent love our way from phone calls, texts, and gifts!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we read the scriptural accounts of Christ's birth in Luke, Matthew, and 3 Nephi. Then we set out treats for Santa, wrote him a thank you note, and made him a magic key to get in our house (no chimney).

Then we did a little photo shoot in front of the tree.

 

 

 

 

 Then we checked google maps to see where Santa was and decided we better get to bed!

Brotherly Love

 These little cuties are such good friends.  We went shopping the other day and Robbie was so good to watch after her. She looks to him and follows his example.

That night he wrote us each a Christmas note.  Brian and I get to open ours on Christmas but Lydia could open it now.  Here's what it said:

 

(Thes is not aboat Chismis. Ti is aboat l-y-d-i-a. you are so cute. I love you az how muhc I like Star Wars. love, Robbie)

That's deep love, folks. Real deep.

Rice Krispie House

On Friday, we decorated Rice Krispie houses.  The gingerbread houses from the store are never peanut free and they seem like a lot of effort to make from scratch.  I found this kit to make houses from Rice Krispie treats and loved it. Next year we can just reuse the molds!

Lydia was in charge of one of the Christmas trees on the side.  She was not sure why we would put candy on it when the candy fit so well inside her mouth.

Making a masterpiece

We loved this activity!  It will definitely be a yearly tradition.