Christmas Eve dinner and Nativity

Christmas Eve dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's. Sara and Tyler were so hungry after sledding that they were the first in line. Turkey, ham, potatoes, salads, pumpkin rolls, and the list goes on. It was very yummy.
Every year, we act out the Nativity. This year Nicole is the sheep and Ben is the shepherd.
Cheyenne is Mary, Andrew is Joseph, and Tyler is the Donkey.
Sara is the beautiful angel. This is the kids favorite part of the whole day. They look forward to acting out the nativity each year. It will get better when they are older and we aren't having the two year olds (there are four) escape downstairs to watch Mickey Mouse.

P.J.'s and games

Every Christmas Eve the kids get to open one present, their pajamas. They look so cute in them.
Then it is time for a group picture with all of the grandchildren. It can be challenging to get everyone to cooperate, but it finally happened.
After we left Grandma and Grandpa's house we went home, set out cookies for Santa, and read a few stories. Then Dad wanted to play a game. While we were playing a game, we heard Santa's bells outside and him say Ho Ho Ho! The kids ran to bed, not wanting Santa to miss our house because they were awake.

Sledding on Christmas Eve

Tyler loves snowboarding. He is pretty good at going down the hills.

Ben loves going down the hills. He even held his arms up. Yahoo!!!!

Sara likes both sledding and snowboarding. The kids are becoming pro's at the snowboard. Pretty soon they will be wanting to hit the Real slopes.

Sledding Fun

Sledding fun! We had a great time sledding. The kids snow boarded and sledded. Craig even went down sitting on top of all three tubes at the same time. He was insane. I overheard a few men talking about that young guy going down the hill with three tubes on top of each other. I laughed and said, yeah that is my husband. Hopefully my children don't follow.

Playing in the snow

After the snow storm on the 22nd, the kids woke up so excited to play in the snow. They got on their snow clothes and out they went. Tyler enjoyed throwing snowballs at everyone. He actually threw that snow ball at me into the house. He got my leg. Good aim! Nicole was trying to throw snow balls back at Tyler. Thanks for sticking up for me Cholee. Ben had a blast in the snow, which is amazing because last year he wouldn't step in the snow. Sara is such a good big sister to help him.
After the snow fun, Nicole decided it was best to get warm in my bed, while she waited for her Hot Chocolate.

watercolors with Ashlee

Ben and his best friend Ashlee water color. They are so cute together. Every day Ben wants to go and play at Ashlee's house. It is so fun to have best friends.

Making Christmas Candy

On December 22nd we met at Grandmas to make Christmas Treats. The kids decorate cookies, while the mom's make caramels and fudge. The kids help Grandma make the frosting. Watch out for those fingers.
Nicole was more interested in playing her Webkinz than making frosting.
Jill making caramel and Amy making mom's fudge. Yummy! Christmas wouldn't be the same without Christmas candy! Ryan's wife, Angie made some caramel as well.

Decorating Cookies at Grandma's

Decorating Christmas Cookies at Grandma's is a tradition. The kids just love to do this. They all get together and there is always much laughter and spills of sprinkles and great memories.


Ben's masterpieces. I am sure Santa will enjoy all the frosting!

Shoveling snow

Let the snow begin. Tyler was a big helper this year! Nothing could be better than to have snow at Christmas time. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. . . .

Lemon Family Christmas Party

We had a family Christmas party on December 20th. Aunts and Uncles from both sides of the family were there, along with their children. It was fun seeing everyone, playing Bingo and shooting hoops. There were a few musical numbers- Sara played Silent Night on the piano and Tyler played Jolly Old St. Nicholas. Then the brother in laws sang silly songs, and there were a few other performances. Then it was time to eat. We had three different soups, salads, chips, desserts, and we were all stuffed. As we were cleaning up, Santa showed up. This is a group picture of the kids with Santa. It was a great evening.

Meeting Santa

Ben was the first one to sit on Santa's lap. And as you can see wasn't very happy. Ben got golf clubs. It was the hit of the evening- as far as the toys went.

Luckily, Ben is good at sharing because everyone wanted a turn. But as you can see we all had to watch out for Christian and his back swing.
Sara sitting on Santa's lap. She asked for a surprise this year. The challenge is on.

PIctures with Santa

Sara got a Webkinz from Santa. She was so excited. She named it Blossom.Tyler getting his present from Santa. He asked for a Rip Stick.
Nicole with Santa. She wants a Webkinz, Ipod, a Wii, and the list goes on.
She got her Webkinz. She named it Pinkie.
Tyler and Nicole with their Webkinz. Tyler named his Collie, after Austin Collie of course.

Saras school Christmas Program

Sara had her school Christmas program that was so amazing. The kids worked so hard to learn the songs, dance moves, parts, etc. It was fun to watch them all perform. The program was about Santa who was wanting a break and so he went on a vacation to Paradise Island. Sara was one of the people on the island. She did the limbo, danced and had a great time. I have never seen a program done so well. There were solos and everything. It was like the Young Ambassadors, where every song had actions. The cool thing, is that they had three people learn each part in the program so each time they performed it different people had the lead. It is a fun way to involve more kids.

Ben finally gets his motorcycle

Ben was so excited to get his ornament. When my dad showed him the present he started jumping up and down and had the biggest grin on his face. He was a happy boy that night.

See Grandpa got me a motorcycle. He is so proud. It immediately was put on the Christmas tree when we got home!!