Christmas 2009

Christmas was so much more fun this year with a baby. I know he doesn't know what's going on, but its been a while since I was so excited for Logan to open presents. To be honest, last week is still kind of a blur to me because it was so busy, but I'll see what I can remember.

Christmas Eve was spent at our brother-in-law's parents house (get that?). There is always great food and great company. Logan slept for 2 hours while Benj and I got to eat and relax. That was a great early Christmas present. :) We played the candy bar game and I, once again, scored some major goods. If anyone wants some candy, come to my house.

When we got home, we noticed the elves left us each a present. We quickly changed into our pajamas. Who knew the elves shopped at Victoria's Secret?

This photo was our 4th attempt at self-timer.

We did our own little family thing in the morning and opened lots of fun gifts. Santa spoiled us once again.

Logan was so excited for Christmas!

We headed over to Benj's side for breakfast and more presents. The cousins got a Wii. Cameron kept saying, "Am I dreaming? I can't believe we have a Wii!" It was so cute. Colton (the younger of the two) liked to push the buttons, although he wasn't really playing. Heehee.


My two boys enjoying Christmas at the cousins. We went over in our pajamas, even though everyone else was showered and beautiful. Am I the only one who wants to stay in my pajamas all day?

Logan and Colton helped open presents.

Colton got a lovely space gun that made lots and lots of noise. We tried to hide it once and tell him it needed new batteries, but he was too smart.

We gave Marcy a family calendar. She was so cute and excited about it.

Logan trying out his little bike. Parental supervision required since he tends to slip off.

I don't have any pictures (yet) but later Christmas day we went to Benj's grandparents for the most amazing dinner ever. Grandma Mel is so fancy and the best cook.

The day after Christmas my family came down from Idaho and we went to my Aunt's house for a Christmas party. Again no pictures - I've got to get better! It was so much fun.

We visited a little at our house afterwards. Here's Logan with Grandma and Grandpa Croft.

Andy, Sam and his wife Jenni

Almost Here

I can't believe Christmas is 3 days away. I had good intentions to finish all of my projects before this week, but I took on too much. I just hope I can get everything finished. I'll make this post short and sweet. Here are some more activities we've been doing.

December 15th - Wear our Christmas attire. Ok, not going into details on this one ;)

December 16th - Listen to Forgotten Carols. This is a must. I have the piano music too. All I need is a piano!

December 17th - Watch Christmas Vacation. This was Benj's request. It's his very favorite Christmas movie.

December 18th - Make gingerbread houses. We did this with our friends Chris and Ashley. No pictures during the actual making, mostly because Logan was fussy and ready for bed. Benj ended up decorating most of the house. I got a kick out of the snowman and gingerbread man's eyes.

December 19th - Make a snowman. Didn't have good snow for this. Maybe today since we're supposed to get a few inches!

December 20th - Make sugar cookies. We originally wanted to make them since we've never used our Christmas cookie cutters, but our sweet friends brought some over. So we'll change this activity to EAT sugar cookies. :)

December 21st - Look at lights. If you live in the Bountiful area, you must go up to the temple. First, they have a Nativity scene on the grounds, and if you go drive on the street around the temple (Temple View Drive), you'll see the whole Christmas story. Each house has a scripture passage and beautiful painting of Christ's birth.

We also went to Thanksgiving Point and rode a horse-drawn wagon around the lights. It was fun but COLD! We went with Grandma Bradshaw, and Benj's sister and family.

December 22nd - Today we're having a candlelight dinner. This is a tradition of my family's, and we're doing our own since we're not going to Idaho Falls this year. I don't know what's on the menu exactly, besides shrimp and sparkling apple cider. Cheers!

December 23rd - We'll plan on doing a puzzle. :)

December 24th - Go to the Christmas Eve party and play the candy bar game (photo from last year).

Hope your family has some fun traditions too!

Merry Christmas!

Guess What?

I'm 8 months! I can stand up in my crib

I also have 2 teeth
I like eating biter biscuits and puffy stars
I like crawling everywhere
I like getting spoiled
I like to talk and growl at my toys


Oh, and I'm super cute.

Activities - Week 2

Both Benj and I agree that December has already been very busy! We also credit our activity calendar for bringing the spirit of Christmas into our home. Here are some of the things we did last week:


Dec 10 - Drink hot chocolate and have Tim-Tam Slams!

If you haven't had these before, you MUST try them. The original tim tams are made in Australia, but Pepperidge Farm has them too and they are very similar.

This ad is true.

Hint - there are 11 cookies in a package

Watch a how to video on Tim Tams here.

Dec 11 - Have a Christmas treat. We certainly did this. We went to our friends' house for cheese fondue and a chocolate fountain. My new favorite dipping is cheesecake bites. I could have eaten a whole cheesecake by myself!


Dec 12 - Visit Temple Square (we didn't make it. Mostly from poor planning and the fact that everyone in Utah was trying to drive into Salt Lake and the freeway was closed). We were "driving" for 45 minutes and never left Bountiful because of traffic. Insane. So we turned around, went to Domino's for pizza, and make out of this world popcorn balls.

Benj and his mom mixing the ingredients

Cameron (our nephew) adding some gummy bears for extra ooey gooey goodness.

Forming the balls (I put lots of butter on my hands. Mmmmm)

Logan's job: look cute and eat Cheerios

Cam and Benj with the popcorn pyramid

Mmmmm, delicious

Shout out to my hot hubby. Can your hubby grow that manly of a beard and still look good?

Dec 13 - Dance to "The Christmas Song". Michael Buble sings my favorite version. Best when done with the lights of the Christmas tree.

Dec 14 - Go a good deed. We got an angel tree ornament and will deliver goodies for the neighbors. :)

Christmastime is Here

Our family is doing an activity advent calendar. We started Dec 1st and here's what we've done so far:

Dec 1 - Read a Christmas story (we decided to reminise and look at pictures and read an article out of the Ensign)

Dec 2 - Decorate house

Our Nativity

Stockings (we need to get Logan's name on his)

Dec 3 - Put outside lights on

Dec 4 - Go to Festival of Trees

This was fun but way busy. I was going to get Logan's picture with Santa but the line was way too long. There were amazing trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths, and fun entertainment. Next year we won't go on a Friday night!

PS - For some reason all my pics turned out blurry. Darn camera!

In front of the Utah tree

A gingerbread CASTLE!

Logan on top of Daddy's shoulders. He did great.

Dec 5 - Shop for our Christmas tree - our tradition is to get a real one

Dec 6 - Decorate tree

I have a cute video of Logan looking at the tree that I'll post soon. We love our little tree. It sits in the corner and can't be reached by Logan because of our couches. It smells so good. As soon as this was decorated, Christmas felt like it officially begun.

Dec 7 - Make Christmas cards

Dec 8 - Watch a Christmas movie - We watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and Prep and Landing (a special on NBC)

Dec 9 - Today we'll plan on playing a board game - hopefully we'll keep the Christmas spirit and not get too competitive.

Are you in the Christmas mood yet?