Merry Christmas 2008

On Christmas morning we all went and got our stockings and then had breakfast. I had put myself in charge of breakfast for Christmas morning and I thought it turned out quite delish. :) I made the traditional Swensen Pull-Aparts (not to be confused with Monkey Bread...it's not the same thing) and a baked omelet dish. I'll have to put the recipes on Dinner on a Dime.

Wes giving his Donald Duck a smooch.

He wasn't too sure about his new stuffed friend.






Sydney had a stocking too!

A new teething toy...oooh...ahhhh.

Brooklyn got a learning table that Wes was happy to help her play with!

Aunt Janna got Wes and Brooklyn matching "Blackberries"...it was quite the hit!

It's hard to tell, but Wes is talking to Santa on his new cell phone - "Ho, ho, ho."

Wes is testing out another one of Brooklyn's toys for her.

Sydney had a good time opening presents too! (I think Kevin is super interested in Naomi's new ornament.)

We tried to take a picture of the cousins in the wrapping paper but Wes wasn't having it.

The Hanks siblings playing a little Lord Of The Rings Risk. I think it's entertaining that not one of them gave me a full smile with teeth and all. They must be related.

A Kaysville Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve - after running some last-minute errands - we had a Hanks Family Music Program. Each person had to particpate in the program. Thank goodness I didn't have to do a solo or anything!

We started the night off with a cousins bath.

Then our kids opened their Christmas Eve present - PJs!

Cute little blue eyes.





I love how babies have no idea what's going on, but it's important to us! :)






Cute kiddos in their Chirstmas PJs. Brian thought Sydney looked like a boy so I made her a bow after all the pictures were taken.

The 2 oldest cousins took turns picking a musical number off the board. It alternated between group songs and the individual performances.

Brooklyn's turn!

Brian and I sang "Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Brooklyn enjoying milk and music. What a combo!

For some of the group numbers, we played songs on the chimes.

You may or may not know that Brian plays the trombone, but he does! As do all of his siblings (except Janna apparently, even though she was in band in high school).

Wes chompin' on a spoon with Grandpa Hanks.

Sydney thoroughly enjoyed all the music and was content the entire time.

The "in-laws" had to read the music for this group song because we were the only ones that didn't know the words.

The women (+Wes) sang a number together.

Wes giving Sydney a goodnight kiss!

Pre-Christmas in Utah

We had a lot of fun and kept busy in Utah during Brian's break for Christmas. Brian and I went running mutiple times in the cold and snow, but it was nice to have someone to watch the kids so we could go together! (I also enjoyed one run with Kevin and Naomi!) Here are some pictures from our pre-Christmas adventures.

Brian and Janna took Wes to feed the ducks. The socks-as-gloves method reminds me of visiting my Swensen grandparents in Idaho.

There were a lot of ducks.

It's gotta be cold for them!







Ducks






Wes and Aunt Janna

Uncle Tyler giving Wes his first guitar lesson.

Grandma and Wes reading a book.

Naomi wanted to see if the snow would bother Brooklyn in her bare feet...

It did! (Shocking, I know.) :)

Sydney enjoyed hanging out by the Christmas tree when she wasn't being held.

Brian and I got a much-needed 24 hours without the kids, which was what I really wanted for my birthday. (Although I, and others, have thoroughly enjoyed my Nintendo DS.)

We stayed in the Hilton in downtown Salt Lake, saw a movie, went to breakfast at The Original Pancake House, I got my hair done (despite the snow storm), and we went to Body Worlds. (I was a fan, Brian wasn't so much.)

I have to say, I wasn't quite ready to get back to the kids, but I still love them! Thanks to everyone for watching them for us!

Sydney's Blessing

We blessed Sydney in Brian's parents' ward on December 21st. We did the same thing when Wes was blessed. It was nice to have so many family and friends there. She sure is a loved little girl! It was an extra special blessing since it was the ward Christmas program...which was quite amazing!

Sydney with her Great Grandma Swensen

Megan and Meghan - two of my greatest friends - with Sydney.

Great Grandma Smith, Mom (me), Sydney, Grandma Swensen, and Great Grandma Swensen







Sweet little girl!

Grandma Swensen with Sydney. My dad was there too, but somehow we failed to get a picture with him. :(

Great Grandpa and Grandma Swensen and Uncle Kirk with Sydney.

Great Grandma Smith and Sydney - she was such a trooper, but was getting really sleepy at this point.






Sydney with Aunt Naomi, Uncle Kevin, and cousin Brooklyn.

Sydney with Grandpa and Grandma Hanks.

Cute little lady.

What a pretty dress!

My happy little girl.

Sister and brother.

Me and Brian with our little girl.

Mother and daughter.