Little Lamb

This year Claire started dancing with a new teacher, and I couldn't be happier. She is fantastic, and has a small company, so the recital isn't hours long. She has a dance studio in her house, and only has about 8 girls per class. Claire is lucky to be taking the class with two of her friends from our ward and from school - Cossette and Elise. It makes carpooling very nice when you only have to do it every few weeks. Her Christmas recital was to a Christmas song to Garth Brook called Mary Had a Little Lamb. The girls did a great job. Claire didn't quite understand what was going on during dress rehearsal, and only cried once. Once she got away from me and on stage, she did great! She definitely has lots of energy, and knew the dance pretty well. I was so proud of her.

My Snow Removal Workers

I thought this picture was priceless. One Sunday we got a lot of snow, and Chad's favorite job was available - shoveling snow. Owen loves to help shovel snow, so he jumped in to help. Chad had to go back to a meeting at church, so he put his boots on with his suit. I was laughing so hard, but am grateful that I didn't have to do it!

Gingerbread Houses

As per tradition with the Claysons we did our Gingerbread houses right after Thanksgiving. In fact we did them the day after. The kids always look forward to this tradition, and they have so much fun. Our house actually did not fall once this year, and it is in fact still intact. It is a Christmas miracle. I think Owen ate way more candy then he put on the house, but Claire did great, and had so much fun. It is always fun to see what we create, and watch the kids have so much fun.

Thanksgiving with the Clayson's

We spent Thanksgiving with Chad's family this year in Firth. As always there was PLENTY of food, and lots of fun. The kids love playing with all their cousins. Owen had so much fun playing with Colton this year. Those two are going to be good friends. I decided to stay the night with the kids so that I could get up at 3:30 and go shopping with the girls. We had lots of fun, and got some great deals. I am proud to say that I didn't buy anything I didn't need. I also had the pleasure of sleeping in the same room with the 7 oldest cousins. The oldest is only 6, so I was awake most of the time taking someone to the bathroom, or putting someone back to bed. The kids were great though. Thankfully I was able to take a 4 hour nap later the next day, so I got caught up on my sleep. We had a great Thanksgiving and as always look forward to the next holiday!

Owen's Thanksgiving Feast

Every year in preschool we have a big Thanksgiving feast. We invite all the parents, and practice, practice, practice for our presentation. The kids get so excited, but none so excited as Owen. He talked about it for days, and was so happy the morning of his feast. He helped me get all set up, and then was so happy when his dad came to help him with the activities, and eat lunch with him. He did a great job at his part, and was very proud of his potato turkey. He is so much fun to watch, and doesn't have a shy bone in his body. We are so proud of you Owen!

Mom, I'm hungry!

The other day Owen tells me that he is hungry. I asked him what he wanted, and he looks at me, puts his finger to his face, and says, "hmm, let me see." So funny. He couldn't decide, so I left to go do something, and he comes running in to find me with a whole thing of butter. He takes one out, and tells me that is what he wants. I know the kid likes butter, but really that much?? Probably not. He was very serious, but we had to go on the search for something a little better for him.

Meeting Santa Claus

Claire and Owen were so excited to meet Santa this year. Owen did so much better, but don't worry Grant took over his spot as the screamer, so we will be ok. Claire ran up there as quick as she could, and apparently asked Santa for a flying horse - that is news to me. Owen asked for a jumping race car, which Santa is happy to say he finally figured out what that was! Grant didn't think Santa was to great, but he allowed me one quick picture. The kids are so excited for Christmas this year, and it is so contageous. I love hearing them talk about it, but I love how much they Believe, which makes Christmas so much fun.