Christmas Eve with the Hayes Family

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is Christmas Eve dinner with the Hayes Family. Deanne is my mom's sister. It's great to be able to spend time with them. It's one of those things where we only live a few miles from them, but don't get to spend as much time together as we'd like. Although we have managed to get in a few Scrabble games since I've been here! Christmas Eve equals some amazing food when our two families get together. On the menu: Prime Rib and Homemade Portabello Ravioli. Throw in some yummy side dishes, some great appetizers (bruschetta, mushroom caps, ceviche) and Italian Creme cake for dessert. Yummy in my tummy!

When we got there Malia was in a bit of a funk. She's been in the habit lately of taking late afternoon naps and I had to wake her up to get there on time. Needless to say, it didn't bode well. She was a super grump and took a while to warm up. Nothing a little decorated Christmas cookie can't fix...

As a side note, the above outfit is Malia's absolute favorite! She wears it all the time. Anytime I giver her the liberty of dressing herself and picking out the clothes and it is ALWAYS this outfit.

We also enjoyed some sparkling cider. Abram more than enjoyed the liquid refreshment!

Here is my cutie boy up close...

Here is my lovely sister... I sure am going to miss her...

Here was Abram's first ever Christmas present! A teething ring that he LOVES...

Dan captured Malia's super excitement over the stroller that the Hayes family gave her...

Loving the puppy that Cassie got her...

Ecstatic over her glitter crayons...

Wrapped up in Mari's gift...

Marissa excited over the jeans we got her...

We actually got jeans for Mari and Cassie... our lifesaving sitters! I really do appreciated these girls' willingness to watch the kids for me. It was a great night. Although, I do wish we could have played some Scrabble. I'm going to try really hard to get in at least one more game before I go. Who knows when I will be able to make it to another Christmas Eve with the Hayes family. It is one of my favorite Christmas events! Thanks Hayes Family! I will miss you all lots!

Malia's First REAL Haircut

Malia had an unofficial hair cut when she was about 1 1/2, really just me trimming some bangs. Other than that, I have followed David's wishes to not cut her hair. Plus, I am cheap and can't see putting out so much money for a simple trim. However, my cousin Aly came home for Christmas and is currently attending Paul Mitchell The School in Provo, Utah. Malia and I scheduled appointments and Aly went to work.

Here is Malia after her wash. She is SO into wrapping her hair in a towel lately. Such a big girl!

The beautician beginning her work...

Malia thoroughly enjoying herself...

Malia's interest started to wane so Mari tried to entertain her...

Just a LITTLE trim. I promise honey, you can barely tell! Just enough to even it out and get rid of split ends...

And now interest entirely lost... enter the attitude...

Zoning...

Quick! Get the girl some grub! Once fed, she felt a bit better. Talk about pampering!

The finished product...

I just got a trim too. While doing so, I amused myself by "squishing" Abram's head with a hair clip. I'm easily entertained!

Now if I could only schedule Aly to show up wherever I am living every other month! In the mean time, I'm thinking about investing in a pair of actual cutting shears so that I can trim Mali's hair myself. Then again maybe not. Britt and Aly just told me how much they cost! Holy Cow! Guess we will just see. I do know that Abram's hair is David's department. When he comes back for leave, he said he is going to buzz Abram's head. Once again, we'll have to see...

Christmas Tea

On Saturday my mom held her annual "Christmas Tea". Back when she owned Annie's, she often catered "High Tea" parties. Using the same concept, a few years ago she started the tradition of an evening of fun for the kids. She invites all the grand kids and my pseudo-siblings, the Hayes kids (my cousins).

The night started with a scrumptious meal: Chicken and Rice Soup, Ham and Swiss Croissants, and of course, tea! Okay, not really tea. It's actually a cider/herbal tea mixture. Pinkies were extended, nonetheless!

Here is Malia exhibiting her excitement. Note the band-aid. Earlier in the day Malia had bonked her head on the hard basement cement floor and Mom indulged her desire to "make it better".


In order to maintain some semblance of order, the kids picked partners (the bigger ones helping out the little guys). Malia and her "best friend" Andrew (turns out Malia has SEVERAL best friends!)...


Ben and Nathan...

Cassie and Adam...

Marissa and Abram...

Alex and Johnathan...

"Mom-Mom" and Nora...

{As a side note, we are in the process of packing up mom's basement. Thus the boxes and chaos...}

The whole crew enjoying some "tea"...

Fine grub was just the beginning of the fun. Next, decorating cookies!

Malia once again enjoying the addition of sprinkles to her creations... As her "buddy" adoringly looks on...

The boys got a bit carried away with the frosting...

The goal became to see who could make the tallest frosting globbed cookie...

Even Abram got to partake in the fun! He was pretty excited. Usually he can't snack on what the other kids have because of his allergies. We found one that was in the clear and he went to town...

On to story time... "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck...

What holiday activity would be complete without BINGO?!?

Malia really got into it. It helped the markers were M&Ms!

The final activity was watching a Christmas classic, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"...

A bit later the oldest Hayes, Alyssa, showed up with her man, Drew. It was nice to chat and catch up. They've been at school in Utah...

As you can see Malia wanted to dress up her pajamas with her purple tutu. Why not?

Malia showing off the goods she won in BINGO. A "Finding Nemo" jump rope, an apron (reading "Baker in Training") and chef's hat, and lip glosses. As you can see, pleased as punch with her haul...

A fantastic night of fun for the kids. I love that my mom gets into it so much. She is so thoughtful in planning out all the food and activities for the kids. I know it is something Malia and Abram will love to attend in years to come. Well, the years that we are back in Iowa for the holidays. Good time, Mom. Thanks!

Gingerbread House Construction

The fun indoor activities just keep coming! Mom got us a gingerbread house kit to do with the kids. As you can tell, Britt is beyond excited to take part in the fun.... :o)


Malia eagerly waiting for the construction to begin...



Nora all smiles...

Britt pretending to have a blast. This is one of those activities we decided to do around 7pm. It was one of those deals where we got done with dinner and couldn't believe there was still an HOUR to bed time! So even though our patience was maxed, we tried to play along...

The super exciting part for the kids... the candy...

Mali sampling some of the frosting... YUCK! The candy was just as nasty...

The mommy take over... Mom kept yelling from the kitchen that it was supposed to be an activity for the kids...

No worries... the kids kept busy with either eating or destroying our decor... Why wouldn't you soak the candy in water?!

The finished product...

And then the deconstruction the next morning...

They were making little animal figurine footprints in the "snow". Then of course licked the frosting from the feet. Gross! Although it made an amazing mess, it was overall a good time.