{ Christmas traditions }

Christmas Recital

We have a lot of Christmas traditions, which is what makes this time of year so special. Since Ayden started preschool at JDS back in 2007 we have attended a Christmas dance recital. Now granted, that first year was a pretty total bust when he freaked out and wouldn't go on stage after we had been sitting in the audience for almost 3 hours, but fortunately he has come a long way.

Our concert this year was short and sweet, which is a nice change from previous years. It was a benefit concert put on by 2 other studios in addition to ours. Fortunately we got to go first.

It is a pretty stressful night considering I am not only a teacher at the studio but I have 2 of my own kids performing as well. Sophie's team just did one dance this year but Ayden is on 3 different teams! Their dances went great and its always a joy to see them perform. Brammy came up to watch and we are thankful for her love and support.

{Camryn and Sophie }

{ Sophie's team . . . Mini Co }

(there are also 4 boys on her team, not in the picture)

{Ayden's team . . . Prodigy }

(he is also on Mini Jazz and DaGroove)

I'm so proud of my kids. I'm so happy that they love what I love and we get to share these great nights together. And I'm so grateful for a husband that is in full support of all the dancing that goes on in our lives.

Frontrunner and Lights

Last year we started a new tradition of riding the frontrunner downtown and going to see the lights at Temple Square with the Bott family. They are our good friends and will most likely be moving soon but this is a tradition we have vowed to keep as long as we can, even after they move. (tear)

{ on the way downtown }

( not sure why Ashlee is so unhappy )

We caught the frontrunner at 4:36 (barely) and it takes about 30 minutes to get to the station downtown. Last year we looked for somewhere to eat by the Temple but wander aimlessly for quite some time. This year we played it safe and went straight to The Gateway. We knew the kids would be thrilled with McDonalds at the food court and then at least we'd have some options.

{ dinner at the food court }

{ Some pretty bundled up kiddos }

The lights never cease to amaze me. How they can get that many lights on those trees is just unbelieveable to me. It's beautiful.

{ The Bott family. Lee, Ashlee, Brooke, Cami, Nicole and Daci }

{ The Hammer clan }

{ Best friends }

{ inside getting warmed up }

{ Waiting to catch Trax back to the station }

Riding Trax back to the station:

We missed the earlier train home and ended up sitting on the next train for about 40 minutes waiting for it to leave. We figured that way we would be sure not to miss it and the kids had a blast playing hide and seek on the empty train.

I love this tradition and I really hope we can find time each December to see the lights with the Botts.

Christmas Pajamas

We love the tradition of Christmas Pjs and we decided to give the kids their new pajamas a little early this year. We had a nice dinner and for family night Logan talked to the kids about why we give/get presents for Christmas. He explained that it is because Christ gave us the gift of the Atonement and continues to give us gifts in the form of blessings, and thats what we should remember when we give or receive gifts this Christmas.

They were so excited to open their presents and very excited about their new pajamas and slippers!

{ seriously, that face. }

{ Ayden 7, Myla 21 months, Sophie 5 }

For some reason the kids were serious about taking a picture with Mom. The girls were fighting over sitting on my lap for a picture. Even Boston got in on the action, silly dog.

They are all snug in their beds in their new jams right now. Good night my babies.

Merry Christmas.