OK here's the tree

I have been asked for pictures of this year's tree and the run-down on what came with it.

So here is the tree. It was called "He's Making a List."

And here are the gifts that came with it.
- The night before Christmas set
- Contract Interiors Custom wall art
- Dinner for two at DaVinci's
- 10 free day passes at NW kids
- Free Create a Memory Home photography sitting and free 11x14 photo
- Pottery Barn frame
- $100 Home Depot gift card
- $300 Teeth whitening
- Art cards and prints
- European facial
- (2) gel nail sets
- manicure and pedicure
- Corky's Daughter Books
- 13 free sittings and 5X7 with Santa Claus
- 1 hour pedicure and product
- 3 days and 2 nights at Eagle Crest Getaway
- 4 Karate for Kids lesson with uniform
- Skateboard
- Telescope
- Lobster Dinner for 6 at Salem Golf Club
- Clay handprints at Impressive Prints

Sisters

Is it just me or did we have this elf on our Christmas tree as children?

We received this box with the other gifts that came along with 0ur tree this year.
The Elf has a book with him and it tells a story all about how this elf is one of Santa's helpers and his job is to stay in our house all day to watch the kids to make sure they are being good and every night he goes home to the north pole to report back to Santa.
When he comes back, he never is in the same place. So, in the morning they have to look for him, but don't touch him or his elf magic mght get rubbed off and he won't be able to get home.
After all his hard work of reporting back to Santa, the little Elf will return home with him to the north pole on the night before Christmas

This is so funny.

Our Ward aka Church Christmas party

It was a pancake breakfast and so much fun. It was a little hard for Jeff and I to get up that early after such a late night, but so worth it. We got to see all our friends and have good food too.
Jackson was having a egg eating contest with the Bishop. That boy is so ready for boyscout camp.

This is my and Ainsley's buddy, the Primary Prez, Debbie.

What would you like for Christmas, Emery? Something to chew on I think.

What would you like for Christmas, Ainsley? I would like a baby dolly.

What would you like for Christmas, Jackson? Star Wars stuff.

I have to tell you about the conversation that happened right before this question.

Santa: "How old are you now Jackson?"
Jackson: "5 1/2"
Santa : "Do you go to School?"
Jackson: "Yes"
Santa : "Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?"
Jackson : "I want to be an attorney"
Santa: "Oh yeah? Do you want to be the kind of attorney that puts the bad guys in jail or the kind that keeps the good guys out of jail?"
Jackson: "I just want to make a lot of money."

I am not kidding one bit. That's what he said.

The Gala of Trees

I think everyone that reads this knows all about the gala, but if you don't, here it is.
The Gala of Trees is a fundraising event that the Boys and Girls Club does every year and Jeff and I have been attending for the last 4 or 5 years.
What do we do at this gala every year you ask? Well, we get to get all dressed up and I mean it when I say dressed up. It's like prom for old rich ladies. Jeff and I like to play this game we like to call "count the furs."
There is a silent auction in the entryway of small table-top Christmas trees and wreaths before dinner. That is alway a fun part of the night for us because they always have the most amazing hors d'oeuvres to snack on and decorations to look at. Shortly after the silent auction is over, it's time to go into the hall for a lovely sit-down, candle-lit, silverware that you're not quite sure which piece to start with dinner. It's fancy, fancy and I LOVE IT. Shortly after dessert is served, they start the live auction and this is when it gets crazy.
OK, so your bidding on Christmas trees. They all have themes and are loaded with some of the most beautiful decorations and that's just the beginning. They also come with some of the most spectacular gifts. The bidding is crazy and fast just like you would think an auction would be. After it's all over, a band comes out and we get to dance.
It is alway such a wonderful night out and one of Jeff and My new favorite Christmas traditions. It also makes me feel good that all the proceeds go to such a good cause.

Holy Hoover

Jeff had been telling me forever that "She's starving. Look at her. She just wants to eat. Don't you think it's time to give her some food." So we gave Emery her first taste of solid food today. Is rice cereal considered a solid? You can't tell by these pictures, but she was so into eating this rice cereal; there was like this sucking noise and everything.



As you can see, only one time did it escape her mouth and that was just because she got distracted by Daddy.

Thanksgiving #3 and the tree lighting

It seems like we find ourselves having three Thanksgiving and three Christmas's every year to accomadate all the families. But believe me, I don't mind that at all. Just more food and more happy moments for all.

This is Emery with her GG Lance

This is Brad and his girlfriend Kelly.
She hates me for always taking pictures of her

After dinner we went to Jeff's office for the tree lighting. I think everyone that wasn't watching the game was at the office for the lighting this year.

This is Brad and Kelly's little family. Oh yeah, and Jackson.

Did I mention that Ash came and spent the day with us while her mom and dad were at the game?

Ashlynn didn't like Santa until she saw the candy.

Em did not know what to think of Santa.

My kids and and Em is still trying to figure him out

Brad wanted Kelly and I to sit on Santa's lap so this one's for him