Christmas Eve Night

Christmas Eve is the taste of what Christmas Day is going to bring (that is if you have been a good boy or girl). In our family even when I was young we opened one gift Christmas Eve (pajama's), you put them on, went to look at lights, came home to read the Bible story and Twas the night before Christmas, put out cookies for Santa and then STRAIGHT to bed. Man even as an adult I love this part about Christmas Eve. It's even greater that we live by family that we can share this night with them as well.

Bob grew up watching the Christmas story and loves it so much he got his own shirt this year.

Meet Elvis. He is Santa's Elf that has been watching over the Bramhall children all of December to make sure they are being nice. He reports back to Santa each night and then hides in a new spot each morning for our children to find. The thing about Elvis is that he goes home with Santa on Christmas Eve (which was hard on Carter this year). But he promised to return next December, we can't wait.

Nadya's WALKING!

A HUGE thank you goes out to my little sisters Abri and Erin who have become the baby walkers. They were able to get Tysen to walk and have been working hard at getting Nadya to walk (we had hoped she would walk by Christmas). So after all their hard work here is their reward. She still prefers to butt crawl but is getting stronger and more confident each day to walk. Keep going my beautiful girl we love you so much. Christmas Eve 2011.

Christmas Eve Day Adventures

So Christmas Eve day seriously felt like it was dragging on this year for not only us as parents but for our children as well. We were waiting till afternoon nap time to go over to my parents for Christmas Eve dinner (Bob went early as he grills the turkey). So after naps were over we got all gussied up and went to my parents for a fancy feast before starting into Christmas Eve festivities. Christmas Eve 2011.

Road Trip

We headed out for a long day/night of visiting Grandmas, having dinner and seeing lights and the only thing that happened was seeing Big Mamma and Grandma Sally (not pictured because I forgot the camera) because Bob fell ill half way through our adventures. But hey this is how life happens not everything you set out in life to do will be accomplished sometimes it will and sometimes it will not but most importantly for us was that we were able to visit both sets of great grandma's on December 23, 2011.

Gingerbread House Tradition

Welcome to the 2011 Gingerbread House preparations and finale. This is a tradition that has been carried into our family unit from Bob's childhood, one that all of us enjoy and try at any age to get involved in (hence the twins sneaking into the drawer). This housing unit was completed on December 21, 2011 and has been going through some heavy damages lately (but according to Carter they sure are tasty).

Decorating the TREE!

So having an early December baby (Carter), we have decided that we will save decorating for Christmas until after his birthday unless he specifies differently (which has proven to be difficult for all of us even the birthday boy). So we finally got the tree up and the house decorated on December 14, 2011. A final picture of the tree will be posted in the Christmas day section.

Carter's MATER Party

On December 11, 2011 we celebrated Carter's birthday with the Utah residents and grandparents. Not posted for some reason is his Aunt Abri who gave him a Mater paint set. Thanks to all those who came and supported Carter on turning 4.

Carter was excited that he grandparents gave him Mater geo trax. Carter has fun racing Mater around and around.

Aunt Arla gave Carter stickers, which has become the hot item to do at art time lately.

Carter loves the flashlight that his Aunt Erin gave him (Cars related light in fact).

For awhile now carter has been obsessed that he needs a dog and has it in his head that if he asks uncle Eric a dog will magically appear. So for his birthday my brother gave Carter dog figurines that Carter loves. Still thinks that he just needs to ask Eric to get him a spotted dog and it will happen, but hey you only have one childhood so keep on dreaming my little man.

Carter was very excited that his Uncle Adam gave him a Pokemon card.

Aunt Amy gave Carter a Mater pillow pet that currently stands guard at his bed.

Nadya Mastered the STAIRS

On December 10, 2011 my little girl hit a milestone that I am happy and sad about. She has always been one to sit back and watch others doing activities until she is good and ready to do them her self. Well I am proud to report that she can climb the stairs now. I wish she would hurry up and walk but in due time I know that she will. I love you Nadya and am excited to see what else you can and will accomplish in your life. Please know that I and your dad are always here for you whenever you need us and don't ever forget that we love you so very much.

Ward Christmas Party

We had our ward Christmas party on December 9, 2011. It was alot of fun and the best part to me was that the primary sang songs for the audience as a surprise. I am so proud of Carter who sang loudly and proudly for us. When they were done singing he came down off the stage and asked if I was able to see him and hear him, he was beaming from ear to ear knowing that he did a great job and that he surprised his mommy. Man I love that kid he is always trying to make others happy and very much acts older than his age but in a good and humerus way. Merry Christmas.

My Bike!

Carter has been soo excited to ride his bike he loves bundling up and going out to fix and or ride his bike. These pictures were taken on December 8, 2011. You will also see pictures of the twins desperately trying to get out. Soon babies when it warms you will be let out again.

A Shared Surprise

Since Mary Ann turned shall we say 6 we decided that we would throw her a surprise party and were thrilled when everyone was able to come, not only that but Mary Ann was SURPRISED indeed. The last two blogs including this one were celebrated on December 7, 2011.

Carter was very excited to get his bike from his grandparents and has mastered riding it very well. Thank heavens the weather has been good so he can ride it outside.

This is a very special complicated cake that Bob made for his mom out of the Roof cook book.