Koyle's Christmas Day!

We had a very merry Christmas, even though we couldn't be with our extended family, at least we had each other. The kids were so enjoyable in the morning, waking up at 6 am, (the parents didn't get up until 8). I let them open their stockings and they were bouncing off the walls, super excited. I don't blame them, they have wonderful Grandmas and Grandpas and a Nae-Nae to give them amazing gifts, some seen in the pictures. In the afternoon, we had some of Jared's friends from work come over for Suki Yaki and the kids were starting to act slightly over stimulated. Then, towards the evening, I put them to bed at 7 because they had enough (so did Mommy). Overall, it was a wonderful day, full of joy, the way Christmas should be.

Eli's Christmas Program

Eli's program was very special because it took place in the Methodist chapel at his school and the kids sung songs from all over. the world  Eli's class sang "I'm Getting Nuthing for Christmas," and "Suzy Snowflake." They were darling, cute and precious.
I don't know what is more entertaining, the kids preforming or the parents fawning over their kids.  When the kids preform, the parents have to get up close to take a picture, but I don't because I have a huge zoom lens.  I stay sitting in the back row and get a picture just fine.  At the end, the school director asked the parents to take a small moment to take a picture and then go back to their seats when the music started.  I had to laugh because a lot of parents had to be reminded (some a few times) to go back to their seats. 

The Birthday Kids

Eli shares a birthday with his friend Addie.  They both go to the same school and the same primary.  Her parents and myself get along great.  We got toghether and planned a party at school for the kids.  I made the cakes and she brought pizza and the party favors.

We were going to have a party at home, but Eli really wanted all his friends from school to be there and not all could make it, so we settled for a party at school and a family party that evening.  Riley asked if she could go and he responded, "Of course you can come, your my sister!" she was so happy that she was wanted that she gave him a hug. 

A Day Making Cakes

I spent an entire day making cakes.  I attempted to make a Barbie doll cake for Eli's best friend in his class, who shared the same birthday.  I ended up having to make two cakes for the skirt to be long enough and two cakes for Eli when I broke one of them.  Fortunately, the young women in my ward were interested in decorating the doll cake and when right to work on it.  The little girl loved it and was so proud to show her class.

I admit, with the pressure of getting them done, I might have been a little stressed (ok, it was a total breakdown).  I was ready to cry when I broke the blue one seen in the picture, I was near tears.  I asked Eli if he was ok with that.  His response floored me.  He turned to me with wisdom way beyond his years and said "Mom, What's Important?"  Startled, I asked him what was important.  He responded, again with maturity and said, "Mom, I love you.  That's important."  I was so inspired by his attitude, that I just made another cake.  Everything turned out just fine.

Out of Reach Cookies

So there were some cookies on top of the refrigerator.  Eli really wanted them.  He came up with a way to get them.  Even though he was naughty, I had to laugh and take a picture.

Decorating the Tree

We decided to decorate the tree today and both kids were faster than I was at hanging the ornaments. Usually, I am slightly on top of them and get them evened out, but with both getting everything out at once, I just left them. After we were done, Riley decided that she wasn't. She kept adding ornaments, like the wrappers and a chunk of hooks, her shoe. I don't think this year, the tree will be perfect. Oh well.

New Dress

Riley has been growing like a weed and so I have had to get a few new dresses.  I chose the gray one and she chose the red one.  It was so frilly that her car seat had to be adjusted.