For our Anniversary this year, Bryce and I got a babysitter to watch the kids and we went to dinner and a movie. We ate at Applebee's, where we both had steaks and mashed potatoes. Afterwards, we watch Sherlock Holmes II. The first half was slow, but the last half picked it up. It was nice to spend the evening together. I am thankful that I have been married to such a wonderful man the past 11 years. The kids and I are blessed to have him in our lives. We have survived our up and downs the past 11 years, and I am happy that I have had Bryce by my side the whole time. Love you Bryce!
This was Clayton's real first experience with snow clothes and boots. This was also his first time to go sledding. After we got him dressed, he looked like the little boy on the Christmas Story. He looked like he couldn't move in his big jacket and boots. 
Bryce took Cooper down the hill for his first and his last time. Bryce didn't have his boots on the sled all the way, so Clayton got "dusted" from head to toy with snow all the way down the hill. He didn't think that was too great! When he got to the bottom, he had lost a boot, a glove, and his binki. Needless to say, he was done sledding after that experience.
Cooper, on the other hand, had a complete blast. He would just cruise down that hill whether he was forwards or backwards or sideways. And he would go way down to the bottom. I didn't think he would like it because of the hike back up, but he kept going over and over again.
As soon as Paul pulled out his snow mobiles, Clayton got excited about that. He went on a few rides with Bryce and Paul, but decided it was too cold, so he spent most of his time in my arms. He let me pull him around on the sled for a few minutes.
I went on a short snow mobile ride with Shaylee and Brittney. It was too cold for me and I did not have a helmet or a mask on. Bryce enjoyed riding the snow mobile. He used to own one back before his mission and would go all the time, so it was nice for him to have the chance to go again.
Jaden, Addey, and Cooper had a great time going down one of the smaller hills. They would go over and over again. They were riding on a big sled, so all three of them would go down together. They would always crash at the bottom, but it was fun to see their faces as they raced down the hill.
When we got to the condos, we got everything unpacked and headed over to Stephs condo for dinner. After that, we took the kids over to the pools. I sat by the baby pool while Clayton played and had a good time. 
Bryce took Cooper into the big pool where they played and had fun. Bryce would toss Cooper and Jaden across the pool. They thought it was great! The boys really enjoy swimming so that was fun to give them that opportunity, especially during the winter.
That night, we went back to the condos and played games. We played "What If" with Paul, Steph, and the teenagers. The kids had a great time playing the "Cat in the Hat." The boys were tired when we got back to our room. As soon as Clayton hit the pillow, he was out! It was such a nice and relaxing day spent with our kids! 
At about 8:15 we woke Clayton up and told him that Santa had come to visit our house. After a family prayer (new Christmas morning tradition), we headed downstairs to see what Santa had left for us. The boys were so excited!
Clayton really loves trains right now, so Santa brought him a "Thomas the Train" train and tracks. He can control the train with a little joy stick. He also received a train movie in his stocking, which he has watched almost every day. He had a great time going through his stocking and "unwrapping" presents. He kept saying "more presents?" He mostly just wanted to unwrap so he ended up unwrapping for Bryce and myself.
Cooper came downstairs to find 2 baby frogs in a small ecosystem. He also got a transformer and some video games. We got him a bean bag to sit in while he plays his games. We also got him a rock and gem kit. He loved using his tools to chip away at the block of plaster to find 12 gems. Cooper received a journal in his stocking. Its a nature journal and he likes to write about things he learns about animals. 
After the boys opened their stockings and one gift, we had to hurry to get ready for church. We had a great program at church. The choir sang and the bishopric talked about the birth of Jesus. I was worried about going to church because many people knew about our failed pregnancy....and my emotions were still sitting on my sleeve. I tried to get out of their ASAP, but my neighbor caught up with me and I lost it. I cried so hard and it was great...
Back home, we changed our clothes and continued to unwrap the rest of the gifts. Bryce got me a Home Base for my Ipod and some wind protectors for my four wheeler. He also got me some clothes and a running sleeve for my Ipod. Bryce received some clothes, a jacket, and some new basketball shoes. We had a good Christmas morning. It was fun to watch the boys and the excitement in their eyes.
At noon, we headed up to grandma and grandpa Coopers. We were able to visit with them before everyone else got there. We ate a light lunch with them, and then went to the Douglas' for the rest of the day. 
Its the first time we have all been to the Douglas' in a long time. It was nice to have almost everyone there and to be able to spend time with each other. We ate lots of yummy food and played games. Afterwards, we stayed at steph and pauls that night. Merry Christmas!
We also got to see Brandon and Jill and their kids. In fact, when I sat down on the couch, I got bombarded by all the kids...I still win the award for Most Favorite Aunt....just kidding! But it was nice to sit and visit with the kids. 
We played the white elephant games, which is a tradition at this party. With there being over 40 people, it takes quite a while and can get boring at times. It was nice to have Kassie and Jaden keep me company. 
Clayton was excited because he got a Thomas the Train engine. He kept running back and forth between me, Bryce, and Papa. He would drive his train up our arms or legs and then run off to play on someone else. Cooper got a transformer. He played Hide N Seek with the kids. We had a good time that night and we look forward to it next year!
They used little milk cartons for their base and they worked perfectly. I helped get Cooper started with the frosting and then he took off and did a great job. He made the front door out of pretzels. He made a chimney out of some soft red licorice. 
Clayton had a fun time decorating the ice cream cone like a christmas tree. I put on the icing and he put on the candy. They had so many different types of candy for the kids to decorate their houses. Clayton didn't eat any of it until the very end. I was so proud of him! It was fun to sit back and watch them be creative.
The second time with made the houses was at Grandma Douglas' house. Cooper and Clayton got to spend time with their cousin, Hunter. After about 10 minutes, Cooper and Hunter were done making their houses, but Clayton worked on his for another 30 minutes. He had such a great time using the icing and putting peppermint candies on like a brick patio. After the patio was finished, he started stacking candy on top of the candy. 
This little project kept him busy and happy for a long time. I will have to do these every year or maybe a few times a year to keep Clayton happy. He loves to use his hands and he is very meticulous and OCD about how things should be done! Nothing like his mother!
The last time we did houses was on Christmas Eve. Clayton was asleep, so me and Cooper headed to Jacqui's to do gingerbread houses with Reese, Jaxon, and Landon.....and let's don't forget Jared! He made a gingerbread race car
We also played a guessing game with the adults. It was a Christmas song game. Afterwards, grandma had me read the kids a Christmas story and then she wanted us to sing Christmas carols. It was nice to just sit there and sing songs and enjoys the Spirit of Christmas. 
Grandpa was having a hard time breathing that night, so he mostly stayed in the living room close to his oxygen. I love that even though Grandma's house is quite small, we can fit lots of people in it and everyone still has a great time!
Anyway, both of our boys had a great time at the train depot. It was cold outside, so we didn't stand in the long line to see inside the steam engine, but the boys played on some of the old, "retired" trains and they thought that was pretty cool.
We will definately have to come visit this place again when its not so cold and we have more time! 
