A Blizzard of Fun - SPOKANE

Our trip to Spokane was a whirlwind of fun. I probably say that each time we come back from a visit there but honestly we fill each moment to the brim and we all love spending time together with cousins, aunts, uncles, and Grannie.

By default I became the event coordinator which is no blissful job when trying to please 30+ people. It is a challenge coming up with activities that are cheap, entertaining to a 6 month old, 30 year old, and a 59 year old, and can house over 30 people. All I can say is that my kids had a blast and did not want to come home!

In November Alysee got this cute little book that suggested ideas of things to do with your girl friends. One idea was to do a book club. So Alysee suggested the idea with all her girl cousins and WAM BAM they picked to read "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle" decided on a location for their first meeting, organized a conference call for those girl cousins not able to make the first meeting, fixed snacks, and elected Grannie to be in charge of a craft.
It was a real hit! The girls all had a great time and have elected new officers for the next meeting, decided to be philanthropist and collect old Friend magazines for the children of Fiji and have chosen a new book.

While the girls were busy reading and discussing "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle" the younger boys were playing the day at Brent and Deena's house. The big boys and the dads hit the slopes for a day of skiing at Mount Spokane. They had a GREAT time!

Birch, Alex, and Tyler on Mount Spokane

Tyler Snow Plowing

Alex loved every minute!

If you are unable to view the video click on: http://youtu.be/S8a22iQMHhk
One night we were all treated to the opening night of the ABH 2011 movie. Uncle Kelly did an awesome job -- this year's movie was probably one of our favorites. We hit up Chuck E. Cheese another morning for games. Alex was on fire with the pitching arcade game.
Birch was pretty awesome at the Guitar Hero game.

Us moms sat around trying to figure out what we were going to feed the mob and planning our Girls' Afternoon away.

Nate had so much fun trying out Uncle Brent's refurbished go-cart!

Hard to believe that this kid will be driving a real car in 2.5 years. Yikes!!

We had a fun afternoon at Sky High, an indoor trampoline place. Everyone went crazy bouncy off the walls, playing dodge ball on the trampolines, jumping into foam pits, etc...

My favorite activity of the week was going to the Spokane Temple to do sealings together. It was really sweet to be surrounded by loved ones. Those that were not able to come were really missed -- truly it just didn't feel complete to not have all of our family there. It really made me think about the desire have an eternal family.

Our three days in Spokane flew by and everyone groaned when we said it was time to load up and head home. Sure is wonderful to love being together!

The BIG day

I tried really hard this year to not get too stressed about Christmas day. Having a large family I get real stressed before the BIG day making sure everything is equal between kids and something especially fun for each child. This year I felt a little more prepared and organized and didn't have to do any last minute hair pulling out.

We didn't let the kids get up until 7 am to do their stockings. The boys were all like wild boars at the bottom of the stairs being let loose for their first meal in months when we finally hollered out that it was 7 am. Santa didn't let anyone down this year. Chloe is absolutely IN LOVE with her pink princess umbrella that she so desperately wanted this year from Santa. She shows everyone who comes through our front door.

After stockings and Santa presents we got ready for church and enjoyed a really wonderful hour being reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Then we came home and opened presents.

The kids opening a family gift from Uncle Matt and Aunti Jessica. They have had so much fun with this stomp rocket.

Chloe was the delight of the day -- she just LOVED every present!

Tyler was SUPER DUPER excited for the flip video recorder that he received (love WOOT.com). Alex and Tyler have had so much fun this past year creating their own movies with friends.

The afternoon was spent having fun with new gifts, eating our traditional lunch of homemade pancakes, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and sausages. We also loaded the car for Spokane and took down the Christmas tree. About 5 pm our house filled up again with several families that joined us for a delicious Christmas dinner.

By 7:30 pm we were on the road headed to Spokane while the kids nibbled on treats from their stockings and watched new movies. We had vowed to not travel on Christmas day this year but in the end we all decided that we didn't want to miss any of the Spokane fun since our time their was limited. We pulled in about 10:30 pm and everyone had renewed energy after seeing their cousins. It was a really memorable and wonderful day!

T.R.A.D.I.T.I.O.N.S. Christmas Eve with the Dittos

Finally Christmas Eve arrived at the Dittos' house. Once again our night was full of fun traditions, TONS of food, and laughter. The Seiler Family, a teenager friend, the Sister Missionaries, and my sister Emily and her family joined us for the night.

This isn't a really awesome picture but it does represent all the delicious food we inhaled all night. Our tradition is that each person picks a favorite food for our smoragasboard. Our guests brought their favorites too so we had TONS of food. Let's see we had little smokies, mac n' cheese, potstickers, crab legs, shrimp (popcorn and fresh), Italian Sodas, homemade pizza, meatballs, peach torte, salsa, chips, mandarin oranges, jello, popcorn chicken, salad, candy, cookies, and cake.

Meanwhile while we were stuffing our faces the kiddos were busy decorating the gingerbread houses.

Next comes the loooong but FUN talent show. We had everything from dance numbers to singing to musical instrument playing to cheers.

Tyler and Nate have been perfecting their human pretzel number. It's amazing!

Alex treated us to his rendition of "Carol of the Bells" on the piano.

Ryan's gonna kill me...but his talent was my FAVORITE of the night so I just have to include it (and reap the repercussions later). He lead us all in an old cheerleading cheer. It was unforgettable!

Tyler tooted a couple of Christmas carols on his trumpet.

Chloe did a little dance number.

Alysee and Mom nervously performed "Jar of Hearts."

Birch blessed us with Christmas carol on his guitar.

Emi, Ryan, Mila, and Sage did the cutest number singing the "Fish Song."

We had several other numbers by our visiting guests so it was a fun night where none of us hid our light under a bushel!

Next up was our reenacting the Nativity. Keeping with tradition we wrote down all the characters in the nativity and then each child picked out their part. No trades allowed! Somehow Joseph didn't get picked so Birch ended up role playing that character.

Somehow Joseph didn't get picked so Birch ended up role playing that character.

Alex was a great donkey for the tired and weary pregnant Mary (Alysee).

The whole 2011 cast

Feeling sad that you missed out on our fun? Dying to see Ryan in action? No fear you can watch clips of the night right from your very own home.

If you are having trouble viewing the video you can go to: http://youtu.be/IHbG-2xww4U