{ New Years Eve . . . 2011 }

We have started a tradition of having a New Years Eve party with my family and cousins at the Rife house. New Years Eve is my Mom's birthday so it's a combine birthday celebration as well. We always have a chocolate fountain which is the highlight for the kids. I had been watching Laura's kids that week while they were gone (post to come) so it was a wild party with many children.

{ the Rife girls }

{ All the Ladies }

{ Tasha, Brent and Keith }

{ Alysha and Jesse }

{Uncle Brian }

{ I love this picture! Look how grossed out Logan is! Awesome . . }

{ Like a moth to the flame . .}

Last year we did a white elephant gift exchange. It was so funny! Everyone was so creative! So we decided to do it again this year. We let the kids do one as well but they just got gifts from Dollar Tree. They ended up fighting over which gifts they wanted so I doubt we'll do that again! But the adults had a great time.

Karrissa brought a new game to try and even though it was crazy loud in there, it was still a fun game. I'd love to play it again when the kids aren't there.

The kids made up a game of their own in which they acted like dogs and locked themselves in Bristol's crate. It was hilarious!

{ Even after the others were gone we couldn't get Myla out of the crate! She loved it! }

{ These 2 girls were good friends (Myla and Kylie) }

This picture was taken after midnight as everyone was getting ready to leave. I couldn't believe how awake and HAPPY they were!

I am really excited about a new year. It always give me a new resolve to be better and set goals for the coming months.

{ Christmas morning }

We got home so late Christmas eve that I wasn't sure what the kids would do in the morning. Even though I am an adult I still have a hard time sleeping on Christmas eve. I woke up 5:15 and waited for an hour for some sign of stirring from the other room. Finally at 6:30 I went into the kids room and woke them up! Ha! I couldn't wait any longer and we wanted to leave for Orem at 7:30.

We had so many wonderful moments as the kids got up and saw the awesome stuff that Santa brought them in the night. They always have the greatest reactions.

{ Cutest sister loves }

Our kids have the best reactions when opening presents. Our Christmas mornings are always filled with laughter.

I'm pretty sure it was a sucessful morning!

We rushed to get changed and out the door so we could head to Orem for Christmas morning with the Rifes. The kids can't get enough of their cousins.

They were exited to open their presents from Nana and Papa, as well as from their cousins.

Logan and I got spoiled by my parents with money and thoughtful gifts. My favorite gift though, was a necklace from my Mom. She has a necklace that she never takes off. It has an anchor, a heart, and a cross on it which stand for Faith, Hope, and Charity. She gave one to each of the girls and it was a special moment for all of us. I know we will all wear them forever in honor of our Mother and the wonderful person she is.

After we enjoyed a delicious breakfast we loaded up in the car once again and headed up to Salt Lake for the Hammer present extravaganza!

First the kids opened their presents from their cousins and Brammy and Bapa.

{ Sophie and Aunt Kristen }

Then Brammy had a scavenger hunt planned for the adults. It was so fun to run around the house and yard finding clues. We finally ended up in the basement where our gifts were laid out. Judy had made these beautiful family tree pictures for us. I'll post a picture once I have it up on the wall. It was such a thoughtful gift, we will cherish it forever.

So it was another very successful Christmas for the Hammer family. I'm so thankful for this time of year we get to spend with the ones we love.