Pictures with Santa

We've done a lot of things involving Santa this year but Christmas wouldn't be the same without heading to the local shopping center and getting a picture done with the Mall Santa. Of course the very second that we jump into line "Santa" had to go and feed his reindeer. (I think that's mall code for Santa's gone for lunch) We had to wait over an hour for him to finally return. Luckily we had a lot of dinning options in the food court and a few good friends to help pass the time as quickly as possible. I'm not usually a cheap person, but I'll admit I was a little miffed after waiting in line so long. I asked Santa's helper if I could just use my own camera so I didn't have to pay for one of their pictures and the guy in charge told me that the mall policy is that parents are allowed 3 pictures with their own camera but they don't ever tell you that unless you ask. He was a nice Santa and asked each of the kids what they wanted and if they had been good all year. Luke said yes he's been a good boy but not all year. That sometimes he's been a little bit naughty and mom has to get after him and send him to the naughty chair. (the things kids come up with!) Based on what Lukie told Santa I sure hope I get a present this year!

Pre-School Christmas Program

This is the second year that Bailey has done a Christmas Program with "Children's Discovery". Last year she sang "I'm the littlest Christmas Tree" and she was with the group of little 3 year olds. This year she has moved up an age group and sang the Big kids song "Hey, Hey Pack up the Sleigh". She did such a great job! We could hear her voice over the top of all the other children just belting her little heart out. We were so proud of her!

It's a yearly tradition that the Dad's get to be Rudolf when the kids sing "Rudolf the red nose reindeer." All the men get up in front of everyone with their big funny red noses and sing with the children. Russ was a great sport and continued to wear his nose until it was taken by Luke so he could feel big and manly by wearing one too.

Our Future Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer!

This is Bug and her best girl friends from school, Saydi and Riley. We all live in the same neighborhood and I have become good friends with their mothers Strawberry and Cindy. The girls did such a fantastic job at the program that afterwards we all went to McDonalds to get a little treat.

Breakfast with Santa

Last year for Christmas we did the Polar Express in Heber and it was fun, everyone really enjoyed it. This year we decided to mix things up a little and do something different so we saw Santa at Thanksgiving Point's "Breakfast with Santa'. Just thought that it is worth mentioning that Dylan wore this hat the entire day, he was so funny about it and wouldn't take it off for anything. He spent the rest of the day at my house with the kids and he even insisted on wearing it during his nap. (he told me because his daddy gave it to him.)

We had quite a group with us this year: Grandma Kathy, Aunt Rolene and Jeanine, Kyle, Dylan, Luke, Bailey and Reagan. The breakfast was only so so but the activities and entertainment made it worth it. They had a wide variety of things for the kids to do while they were waiting for the "Big man in Red" to show up.


We decorated yummy sugar cookies, talked to the Ginger Bread man, had our photo taken with the grinch, the girls had their faces painted while the boys participated in a few "reindeer games". I was going to include the photo of the kids with the Grinch, who promised the children that he has had a change of heart and that he is no longer grinchy. But Reagan wouldn't go near him. When I asked her about it she told me that she doesn't like him and that the Grinch could be a "Stranger Danger" because she doesn't know who is in the Grinchy suit. Bailey on the other hand was petting his fur and asking if she could see if his heart had actually grown since becoming a good guy.

While waiting in line for Santa they had booths set up with paper and pencils so the kids could write down their wish list. Bug wrote down that she'd like an American Girl doll, some puzzles of the continents and a few Early reader books. Luke knew just off the top of his head what he needed for christmas, SUPERHEROS, so he didn't have to write anything down. Dylan asked for a bike, which he's wanted FOREVER. But his dad told him he couldn't have one until he pooped in the potty so he thought he'd try to convince Santa instead. My cute niece Reagan came already prepared with one that she had made at home earlier that morning with her mom.

(I know, so cute!)

The girls followed the "Sugar Plum Fairy' around until she would pose for a picture. I not quite sure but I think Kyle was following her too. She was really cute! It turned out to be a really fun day!

Saint Nicholas Eve

This year Russell and I decided that the kids were old enough to introduce them to a beloved German tradition that I grew up celebrating. It is a Dutch/German holiday called St. Nicholas Eve. It is celebrated on the 5th of December and as the story goes St. Nicholas and his companion Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) travel on horses through out the country side delivering small toys and goodies to the good girls and boys. Children would place their newly polished shoes outside in hopes of receiving something special and occasionally they would set out a carrot and a bucket of water to refresh the riders horses. This tale is something to look forward to if you have been good, minding your parents and behaving like a proper child but it has a much darker side than the American tale of Santa Claus, who only leaves a lump of Cole for those who have been naughty. This is where Zwarte Piet steps in. According to the more modern Saint Nicholas legend, Zwarte Piet is a servant who accompanies Saint Nicholas on his holiday travels. In some versions, it is alleged that Saint Nicholas once liberated a young slave named Peter, who decided to serve Nicholas (as a free servant) rather than enjoy liberty alone. Zwarte Piet is today commonly depicted as a black man in the colorful pantaloons, feathered cap and ruffles of a Renaissance European Page, a tradition based on a single illustration in a book published in 1850.
Zwarte Piet is often portrayed as a mischievous but rarely a mean-spirited character. Parents used to tell their children that if they have been good, Zwarte Piet will bring them gifts and sweets, but if they have been bad, Piet will scoop them up, stuff them in his huge dufflebag and spirit them away to Spain for a year to teach them manners as punishment. Though this is increasingly uncommon nowadays, he can still carry some type of whip or scourge, especially a birch, which could be used for birching or in modern words, to chastise children who have been too naughty to deserve presents. The character is believed to have been derived from pagan traditions of evil spirits.

After listening to the legend of Saint Nicholas and Zwarte Piet the kids were excited to find a pair of shoes and set them out on the porch. We had polished their Sunday shoes but they both agreed that they had been especially good all year long and decided instead on setting out their moon boots which were much bigger and could hold a lot more. That evening Bailey fell right to sleep. However, Lukie was up half the night, terrified about what he might encounter the following morning and required verbal reassurance all evening long that he had indeed been a good boy. The next morning Bailey ran for the front door in excitement and found her moon boots filled to the brim with all kinds of treats. Luke was a little more apprehensive, not quite sure if his boots or Zwarte Piet was going to greet him on the porch. He was more than relieved to find that his moon boots were also stuffed with small gifts and goodies and of course a note from St. Nicholas' companion. It said that children must mind their parents because they love them and know what is best for them. To always use your manners and be on your best behavior. Be understanding of others and always use kind words. Be selfless and giving to those in need. If you continue to do these things then you will never have to worry about Black Pete. So, I have quickly come to the realization that there is absolutely nothing wrong with instilling a little bit of fear in your youngsters. I haven't had to remind Luke once since Dec. 5th to be a good boy. He has been an absolute model child and we are very proud of him. As you can see this particular tradition has worked rather well for our family. (as I'm sure it has for many other families throughout the world) Now I totally understand why my parents insisted on celebrating this fabulous German holiday year after year. (besides the fact that my father, Uwe, is German) You can never have too many reminders to be on your best behavior. It is definitely something that we continue through out the years with our little ones.

Bailey and her loot
Lukie relieved to have treats in his shoes instead of the alternative.

Saint Nicholas Eve has taken the place of our Christmas Stockings. We figure that the kids are so inundated with things on Christmas morning that the stockings are just too much for them. It has been a fun way to continue to celebrate and pass down the traditions of my German heritage.
What Luke thinks about the Switch and the bag.

Not having it!

2008 THANKSGIVING

Grand America

Over the years our extended families have gotten too big to get together under one roof for dinner. Our sweet little grandmother has passed away and she was usually the one to hold Thanksgiving Dinner in her home, since it was the only one large enough to accommodate a big group. So we have resorted to a new family tradition, Dinner at the Grand America Hotel. It is a special occasion and something my children look forward to all year long.
The Hotel was decorated for the Holiday season with Christmas trees in every corner, life size vignettes and Gingerbread Houses too big to eat. Dinner was a massive buffet with all the traditional Thanksgiving feast in addition to crab legs, prime rib and a Chocolate fountain with an endless assortment of goodies to dip. (Lukies favorite) They had a children's buffet with chicken strips, hot dogs, french toast and just about anything else the kids could possibly want. I loved the fact that after we were finished eating we didn't have to worry about cleaning up the kitchen or doing the dishes. Instead, we went to the movies! Mom and I skipped out a bit early and went to see Australia (Oh Hugh!) while the men watched football and let the kids play at home. Russell put a Turkey breast in the oven while we were at the show so we could all have a Turkey sandwich and a piece of pie when we got home.

Just let me reiterate that I absolutely, 100%,

L-O-V-E this tradition!This is the second year that Rolene, John and Jaime have celebrated Thanksgiving with us. We hope it continues for years to come.

Janine and Darcy
Luke dipped everything imaginable in the Chocolate fountain: Strawberries, pineapple, cheese, hot dogs, turkey, chicken strips, crab legs, sausages, grapes, cake, fingers, his tongue and I'm sure he would have tried his head if we weren't watching him properly.

Luke was completely drenched in chocolate.

(I'm talking literally from head to toe.)