Christmas

This year we were lucky enough to celebrate Christmas for a week!

We started last week when Kendall's sister Shannon came up from Utah and to stay with us.

They use to live in Amman, Jordon, in the Middle East. So they made us a traditional Middle Eastern meal.

As you can see from Madeline's face the taste of new food didn't quite suit all of us. She did enjoy the hummus though.

This is our niece Grace. She is the cutest little thing and she loves having her picture taken.

On to Christmas Eve.

We went to my mom and dad's house and had dinner and watched a movie.

Madeline opened the traditional Christmas Eve gift... pajamas.

Here she is sporting her new duds.

Derek was so excited to wrap Mom's present in duct tape.

He used half the roll just for her.

Later on we decided to pin my brother Landen down and wrap him up with duct tape.

We have some really good times! ;-)

Madeline thought it looked like fun so she decided to join in.

My brother and Derek and myself.

Madeline and the plate of cookies we left for Santa.

Christmas Day!

Madeline didn't wake up until 8:00 am!!! It was killing me! Kendall and I kept looking at each other wondering if she was ever going to get up. Usually she us up by 7, and sometimes as early as 6:30. But every Christmas she decides to sleep in! I do not understand. When I was a kid we were always up by 3 am.

Madeline asked Santa for the Barbie Dream House. She was worried that she hadn't been good enough for it, but apparently Santa thought other wise.

When we showed up at my parent's house we arrived to a crazy skinny man wearing Santa's undershorts and a gun.

Welcome to Hickville.

My mom has been so excited to give Madeline her gift. She has been giving her hints for MONTHS. Torture for a five year old.

So what is it?

Yes sir... it is a bird bath.

As you can see Madeline wasn't quite sure why she got a bird bath.

My mom thought it was hilarious.

Madeline was gracious and started thinking of good ways to use it.

It could be a barbie pool,

a toy holder,

a decorative stand.

The possibilities are endless.

And then she remembered that her Grammie had a bird bath and

suddenly it was okay.

Well almost.

My two favorite people.

Christmas at my parent's.... it is a mess because there are gifts EVERYWHERE!

Check out my new shirt that Madeline picked out.

Didn't she do an awesome job?

My mom surprised my dad with a "new" four wheeler. He loves it, but all the kids loved it more. He is hoping he gets a chance to ride it. Bring on the summer camping/four wheeling trips!!

And last but not least the best gift of all..

My mother in law received

a

Toilet.

And she loved it!

But Madeline was pretty sure that she must have been on the naughty list to receive such a thing.

A series of Madeline's photos