Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas!

This year we were woken up by the kids early in the morning. I think it was around 4 am. We decided that the day would not be enjoyable with the kids waking up that early, so we sent them back to bed. We're mean, I know. 

For round two the kids woke up a little after 7 am. Much more manageable at that hour! The kids were so very excited to see what Santa brought them and waited patiently for their turn to open the presents. After the gifts were done we had our traditional german pancake, sausage and orange juice breakfast! For some reason breakfast seemed a little lonely this year with not being with any family. It was sad to know that my family was all together in Utah and we were alone in Idaho. I think it was one of the first times that I have been homesick in a really long time. 

Taysom's First Christmas!

Christmas day was nice. The kids were so excited and played well with their new toys and with each other. We played games and watched movies. It felt like the day went by way too quickly. 

The day after Christmas we got a snow storm!! The kids were so excited! We got all bundled up and went to play in it! Tays and I didn't last outside in it too long, but the others were out there for quite awhile! If only the snow could have come on Christmas! Oh well. We'll take it whenever we can get it! 

Christmas Eve

For the past few years we have been staying home in Jerome for Christmas. We have enjoyed being home as a family and spending time with the kids. 

Total blackmail picture!!

They have been watching too many Dancing with the Stars! 

This is the first time since we've lived in Idaho that we haven't either gone home or had my mom come up. Because of the day that Christmas fell on, my mom and I decided it would be better for her to come up for New Years so she could have more time. If she had come up for Christmas, she would have had to come up on Christmas and go home the next day. No fun. So we had just our small little family this year and it quiet when the kids were in bed, but it was nice. 

We are grateful for all of our blessings and had a great year. The kids have grown and learned so much. I have loved watching them grow into their big personalities and develop their friendships with each other and with their friends. 

Jumping Taysom

Taysom's first time in the Johnny Jump! He loved it! He was so excited to be standing up on his own and be able to turn around and see all around him! 

Drewby, the Elf

This year for the Christmas play at the school, Drew was picked to have a speaking part. He was Elf #2! We practiced his lines and he assured me he was ready!

And he was! I was worried that he would get nervous in front of all the parents and families (it was standing room only), but he got up there and did an awesome job!! 

Madelyne, Drew and Aubrey

Happy Birthday, Drew!

This year on December 17th, Drew turned 7!!! He was so excited to go to school and for me to bring in root beer cupcakes for his class. He wanted macaroni and cheese for dinner and I managed to talk him out of that, but now I can't remember for the life of me what he ended up wanting. He said he wanted a chocolate cake and so I made him a german chocolate cake. 

Drew was so excited about all of his gifts! 

Most of all I think he was excited about the orange tie! It is his favorite color and he now gets to wear a tie just like his dad! 

Drew is doing awesome in school this year. He is doing great in reading and math and is learning things that I can't remember learning that young. He knows how to do some cursive writing and is getting really good at doing word contractions. And of course sometimes he is too smart for his own britches and gets into trouble for being a know it all!

Nutty!

Sam is a total nut!!

Grandma Bingham's 95th Birthday Party

My Grandma Bingham turned 95 this year! We are are so lucky to have her up here in Jerome close to us and we love seeing her occasionally and in the halls at church! This year my Aunt Ilene organized a birthday party for her at one of the churches and my grandma was so surprised! (At least that is what I heard. We were late and missed the big surprise, but I am sure she was!) 

Aunt Janice, Grandma Bingham and my grandma's cousin that lives up here in Jerome. 

Uncle Robert and Grandma Bingham 

Me, Grandma Bingham and my sister, Connie 

Mason, Grandma Bingham holding Taysom, Drew, me holding a very angry Samantha. 

 My mom and Taysom.

Grandma Bingham and Taysom 

Connie and Grandma Bingham

I am so very grateful for my Grandma Bingham! She is such a great example to me and I hope that one day I can be half the lady she is! She was a fantastic homemaker, cook and wife and I love her so much!!