Christmas Treats 2012

Gingersnap cookies were one of our first treats this year (not including the O'Henry's and rice krispies that we've made all season long). So these were made last year and to those who like gingersnaps enjoyed them. So Bryce tried to make a batch with his friends and boy did it go wrong, the dough pretty much turned into a block of cement and they broke the mixer. A few days later Bryce and me decided to try again. We made two batches of dough with the same recipe as last year. Both batches tasted different and that didn't change after being baked. And so it was pretty much a bust.

So I use Pinterest like pretty much everyone else in the world. And one day when I came across this on there and I thought it would be fun to try. I went looking for snow flake molds and they had them on the Wilton website but they had been discontinued which was frustrating. They did however have these trees and gingerbread men and they were cute enough so I went for it or I should say that my mom and I went for it.

The step by step instructions can be found at the link above. Now below is a picture of the mold as I am pulling out the trees. It looks like a mess because I was not in the mood to be careful at that time, but it still turned out just fine.

This is not the best picture of the finished products but it is the only one I have. Now this was a little time consuming even though it didn't take as long as the instructions said it would, but I found them to be yummy and so did my family.

So we made sugar cookies again this year again. We won't be making them next year in the same way because we are burnt out. We usually make two batches of dough and then get creative, but no one was quite in the mood. So the creative decorating is going to become an every other year thing, but we will still make some every year but just one batch and one shape and one color of frosting to make it simple and quick.

So December 13th is St. Lucia's Day and traditionally saffron buns are made for that day. And we made some this year. Saffron is a pricey ingredient and it makes everything this weird yellow orange color with a taste I cared not for. My mom didn't like it either. Bryce didn't mind them. Abe and Nykol actually kinda liked them.  Even with some of our treats not being so tasty it was still fun to do.

Annual Christmas Party 2012

On the 8th of this month we had our Christmas party at my grandma's house. It went well and Kaylee had a blast and I'm sure Conner enjoyed himself too because he was held for like 4 to 5 house straight which like never happens for him.

Us all pretty before the party. Both Kaylee and Conner were asleep until the party actually started which was nice.

Kaylee like everyone else I have met is heavily enjoying the slush we make for the party. 2 cups sugar dissolved into 1 cup water, then add 1 bottle of cranberry juice and 1 large can of pineapple juice, freeze. Thaw half way and combine with sprite to taste.

Some shots of Conner enjoying himself by being held.

Kaylee playing around while the older people played a game. Kaylee loved having her cousins about. And when everyone left she kept say where cousins go all sad.

Kaylee did pretty good waiting for her turn on Santa's lap. And she even spent some time waiting on Grandma's lap.

Conner got to sit on Santa's lap first and he was out cold and it was way cute the picture doesn't look as cute as it did in real life.

Now I wasn't sure if Kaylee would like Santa this year because usually there is at least one Christmas where a kid is scared of Santa. Well this year wasn't her year to be scared. When Santa come in the room she was like hey what's up (which is something she does say and it funny to hear but she didn't actually say that at this point). And when her name was called she ran up to his lap and got right up.

As you can see in the picture above and in the video below that she is pointing at her present. Well Santa was asking her what she wanted for Christmas and she kept informing him that she would like her present and would point to it.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXtULi46-yA]

So the rule is no opening your present until everyone gets their present and Kaylee did a good job waiting. She opened it and loved what she got which was a Merida doll from Brave. I would have to say that over all it was a success.

Festival of Trees

So this year we decided to go to the festival of trees. It is a really good event. Every penny that they receive goes to Primary Children's Hospital, not just the proceeds but everything. I would never go again unless I had more money. It was so boring. I'm glad I went though and next year I'll probably buy tickets and just not go.

Here are two of the hundreds of trees that you could buy. Most all the trees were already sold when we showed up though. My mom had a fun idea; buy one of the trees and then give it to someone who would be in need of it. They had cuter ones but these were fun.

Outdoor Christmas Lights

Abe was putting up the lights on our house and Kaylee was helping.

We add a nativity to our outdoor decor this year.

Abe also did some of the lights at my grandmother's house this year. Not the ones on the house but the ones in the yard. I would say that he did well.

Kaylee Plays the Piano

Lately when we are downstairs, Kaylee likes to play on the piano and sing and it makes me smile.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe-84Up8OuI]

Kaylee's First Haircut

After two years Kaylee finally got her first haircut. She got like three inches cut off which was crazy. I didn't realize how long her hair really was. She did really good with it too. I was worried she would freak out because she had been having a hard time with Conner and being sick and was just trying to figure her emotions out. But she did really good.

Kaylee's Life

Kaylee the witch.

Look what I found in Walmart.

Kaylee enjoys coloring especially Spongebob.

This is what happens when you color your hands green and then take a nap afterwards. Also note that she is wearing her hat she picked out with puff balls.

Posing for Alex

So Conner was a sleep on the bed and Kaylee got up on the bed and pretended to be sleep like Conner and it was cute.

Turkey Dress

So Conner has this bouncer thing and the other day Kaylee turned it upside down and said it was her car and that she was driving to Walmart.

Santa Kaylee.

Tried to get a picture of them both together and happy and this is what I got.