Teamwork

We had a big snowstorm a few days after Christmas so Ryan took the kids outside to help him shovel. Good thing I bought a few extras this year, including one Austin's size (it was cheaper than a snowblower). They all worked together and got the job done in record time!

When the work was done we jumped in the van and headed to the local driving range for some sledding!

There was a firm layer of ice underneath the fresh powder and it was difficult to get the sleds and tube back up the steep hill. It took a little effort from everyone. After a few painful falls Ryan discovered he could lower the longest sled and "pull" the kids back up the hill. It was pretty brilliant.

The powder was so fine it flew into our faces as we came down the hill, and then it slid down our necks! Brrrr.

Smith Family Christmas Party

Another family tradition of ours is to have Christmas dinner with Ryan's family and then act out the nativity story and sing carols.

This year Austin was one of the wise men.

And Dallin and Eden were Mary and Joseph.

It's always fun to get together with so many members of our family during the holidays.

Christmas Morning

Austin came sneaking into our room around 7 in the morning and whispered, "It's Christmas time." I told Austin to stay in our room while I went in the kitchen to turn on some lights. When I turned around he was in the living room pointing at one of the surprises Santa left and said, "I want this one." I told him he had to wait and see who each gift was for. We rounded up the kids and made them wait upstairs until Dad was ready with the camera. Then, they were off...

Austin got a baseball shooting toy. He loves it. Unfortunately, later in the day Eden tried to hit the ball and whacked Austin in the eye instead. It's been purple ever since.

Eden got her own camera, finally. The girl has taken hundreds of pictures with mine.

Cameron got a toy veterinarian set. That's what she wants to be when she grows up.

Dallin got an Erector set he's been dying for. The kids were all pretty happy but there were still a few surprises, like this Diego backpack that Austin wore for the rest of the day.

Austin got Eden some Barbie clothes. It's nice to see the kids appreciate each others' thoughtfulness.

One of my favorite toys were these Marshmallow shooters. Not the most ideal thing to shoot around the house but it cracked me up.

We had a wonderful morning lying around playing with new toys and just being together as a family.

Christmas Eve

We always spend Christmas Eve at my mom's house with all my sisters families and my brother. There's always good food, great company, and presents.

With this many people crammed into one living room it's always a little chaotic. But it sure does get the kids warmed up for Christmas day!

Temple Square

Every year, the Saturday before Christmas, Ryan's brother and family go to temple square to see the lights. This year we were able to go with them. It happened to be an unusually warm weekend for December (somewhere in the 20's) which made it even more pleasant.

I'm always delighted by how beautiful the temple is surrounded by all the Christmas lights. It's just another reminder that thanks to Christ our families can be together forever. It's a wonderful place to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to be together as a family.

Christmas Piano Recital

Dallin and Cameron played the finale in their Christmas piano recital on Friday. They've been practicing this duet for two months. When they first tried to put the two parts together I groaned inside. I didn't think they'd ever be able to play it in sync. I was super surprised, and impressed, Friday night. They did a fantastic job.

Santa Clause

Santa came to Eden's preschool on Thursday and stayed outside for a little bit afterwards so brothers and sisters could meet him. It was all Austin and Eden talked about for the rest of the day.