Okay so I am a loser and didn't take any pictures of my kids opening their presents. But we did get it on video.
McKell was so proud of the cookies she decorated and maybe all that frosting was the reason we had such a hard time getting her to sleep. We decorated cookies at Uncle Chad's house with lots of our cousins.
We had a little "discussion" on whether or not Santa wraps presents or just leaves them out. This is McKell's pile and she almost ruined it. She came down the stairs crying while Santa was trying to get her stuff ready. Her dad went back upstairs with her to lay down with her. He fell asleep with her and Mrs Clause had the privelege of finishing by herself.
This is Kennidee's pile of presents. She had so much fun this year. She didn't care what was under the wrapping she just wanted to rip the paper.
I think Santa is goint to have a belly ache after all the frosting on those cookies!
This was McKell's school Christmas program. I have never laughed so hard ever. McKell had her hands shoved in her pants almost the entire time.
The mom's that knew me kept turning around and laughing and pointing at her. I will never forget this concert and you can be assured I will be using the video as blackmail in the future.
They had a Santa at her school party and she stayed consistent in saying that she wanted all the toys.
We went to BJ's cousin Colby's in laws house on the Sunday before Christmas to a Christmas get together. Where McKell got to see Santa. Kennidee didn't stand still enough for me to get a picture. My camera has been having issues. If you look at my pictures you can definetly tell.
Well that wraps up 2009 for us. A quick recap if that was an information overload. 12/19 we had the Dyer party I was in charge, also found out Shevlin had passed away, 12/20 Party with Colby, 12/21 School party, 12/22 Wyoming, 12/23 Wyoming funeral, 12/24 finishing christmas preparation and then it was Christmas. I didn't forget about New Years but that was a long enough post for now and I will post it another day.
So my mother in law gave aprons to all the girls in 2008 for Christmas and this wonderful specimen of a man became quite attached to mine. I took it upon myself to make him one. Thanks to Alisha for showing me where the discount material is in Joann's I made this apron for a $1.00. I was pleasantly suprised at how well I did. I also started writing my family newsletter for my mom, dad and siblings. I thought that the first one turned out fairly well. I have also been doing alot of bargain shopping and trying out new recipes. My favorite recipe has been the new Mexican Rice recipe thanks to Brian via Recipe Zaar. I love Recipe Zaar. Next month I will try and be more up to speed on my blogging duties as BJ would say "Neish when are you going to blog". My response Soon!
So I have been putting off writing about Christmas because I didn't know how pay tribute to someone who did so much in so little time. This picture is of BJ's cousin Shevlin wos was in his early twenties and passed away the Saturday before Christmas. We went to Wyoming for the funeral on Monday and drove home Tuesday and then we had Christmas. Shevlin's funeral was amazing. Their were so many people who were amazed at his wisdom that was beyond his physical age. BJ and I have a favorite memory of Shevlin where he and BJ every year they would only sit in the boat. BJ because of his hip and Shevlin because of his health (and come to find out he didn't like the fish in the lake like me). We convinced the adults to let BJ and Shevlin ride the water wienie because we couldn't be rough with either of them. Everything went great until BJ got a litlle bored with the slow stroll on the water and started bouncing on the tub. BJ out weighed Shevlin by a little and poor little Shevlin went sailing into the air and then into the water. BJ hurried over to Shevlin and was holding him up above the water. Shevlin told BJ that he was drowning him. I think Shevlin had a direct line to his heart at the time. BJ felt really bad but they were having fun on the lake. We love all the Whitakers and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
BJ and I were in charge of my families Christmas party and we all had so much fun. I decided we were going to have prime rib. It is pretty expensive so it was a really big decision for me and I went back and forth on it. I thought BJ would scream if I asked him one more time what he thought I should do. I made one prime rib and Chad made the other. It was unanimous mine was the most delicious. I was pretty nervous because it didn't look as good as Chad's but it tasted so much better. BJ and i walked away with a $50 gift card and a bunch of fantastic bakeware from the white elephant game. We are grateful to Grandpa Doug for being our special visitor.
