Grandpa Blank

John went to spend time with his family in Utah and attend his grandfather's funeral. Somehow he came back with only a picture with CC.

This is how I feel about John being back home.

So This Is Love

Our aunts sent Amanda this unicorn pillow pet.

They instantly bonded.
Seriously, she played with it for a long time.
It may have replaced the jeggings as favorite gift.

She's such a silly girl.

But easily amused.

More Presents!

Amanda met us at home to celebrate again!

Her favorite gift may have been these jeggings.
She loved the comfort and flexibility.I tried, but my pants just didn't have the magic I guess.

John picked out these heart earrings to match my necklace.

He is such a sweet husband.

Then we went and visited my dad for a bit.

We came home to find nappers.

Poor Bret. There was no room for him in the inn.John followed suit and had a little floor nap.

Crapo Christmas

Christmas morning at Karen and Alan's house.

Julie and Christian wondering what this mystery box concealed.
This box was just the right size for Sadie!

Lucas wanted everything opened right away. I can't blame him because he had some neat toys.Sadie loved her make-up kit from Grandma.

John loved making faces at Lucas through the banister.

Madoc loved opening presents. Didn't matter whose they were, he would help if you needed him.Lucas loved trying out a marshmallow shooter on his mom.

Bret loved his new boots.

And Julie loved her bright snow pants.This was by far the most people I've ever spent Christmas with and I feel I've learned what "the more the merrier" means.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Brian and Annie invited us over for their annual Christmas Eve dinner and caroling. We had good food and great company.

Dallin, or Little D as Mark calls him, loved hitting his chime.

Sheri did an amazing job accompanying us.
We were a little rowdy, but had a lot of fun. It really helped set the Christmas mood.

Christmas in the Park

Tonight the whole family went downtown to see the Christmas lights and displays.

Sadie and I loved the ballerina exhibit.
Karen did a great job keeping the baby warm.

Siblings

Family has been slowly trickling into town.

John is in baby heaven.

New Niece

We met Charlotte today!

She is the tiniest, sweetest little baby!

John's Boxes

John's parents brought him two tubs of his old things from St. Louis. The best find? High school letterman jacket.

GQ shot.

Bakefest 2010

Sadie came over today to help us make Christmas cookies.

Madoc taste tested for us and enjoyed watching The Polar Express.
After work Amanda joined us.
She meticulously placed each and every sprinkle to form perfect decorations.

Job well done.

Our experimental treat this year turned out delicious and beautiful:

Peppermint sprinkled chocolate dipped Oreos.We had another fun year attempting to dirty every dish in the house!

Oakland Nutcracker

Karen and Alan are watching Sadie and Madoc this week, so tonight we went to see the Nutcracker Ballet. It was stressful making it up there in the rain and Friday night traffic, but the dancing and music were beautiful. Plus we walked the temple grounds afterward and saw the Christmas lights and Nativity.