The kids have caught on and look forward to our Christmas Eve tradition of getting new pajamas and a new book to read together. Clarke was especially excited about the choo-choo pjs this year! And I was especially excited about the book we got--in the Christmas Devotional this year, President Monson talked about the books he reads on Christmas Eve. One of them was
We have been married 11 years on December 20th, 2011. This anniversary Ty and I spent apart--he was in Pocatello working, and I was in the Twin Falls temple. We didn't even really see each other that day, but I'll tell you what was special--11 years ago, we had no idea what we were starting. 11 years ago, we were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Then we embarked on a journey--education, kids, and lots of experiences. We ended up in Florida for dental school, where we met Carmelite. My parents ended up adopting her, and she is now going on her mission to temple square. She was able to take her endowment out on our anniversary--on the exact date that our journey began! What a great anniversary gift!
We had our traditional dinner at President Jones' house for Christmas with all the Stake Presidency, the Bishops, and all their wives. It's always such a nice dinner with yummy food and gorgeous decorations. Sister Jones is a great entertainer. I think every year they talk about how important the wives are and thank us for supporting our husbands in their time-consuming callings. It gives me better perspective and leaves me refreshed. Such a good group of people to rub shoulders with.
Chandler had his first grade Christmas program twice--once at the school and once at the festival of trees. He looked forward to it for weeks! He was soooo excited to dress up in his new Christmas Sunday clothes and wear the reindeer antlers. Aunt Bev is their music teacher and they did an amazing job. Such cute actions for every song. 
We went to my dad's garden center for family night and watched the Christmas light show and picked out a Christmas tree. It was fun--we kinda had the whole place mostly to ourselves and the kids loved picking out a tree. We got a smaller one than usual because we were worried Clarke wouldn't leave it alone and might tip it over. On the upside, it was much easier to decorate!
Fresh out of the tub, who can resist a snuggle from a sweet-smelling baby Clarke?
Carving pumpkins with Daddy
Trick-or-treating at grandma's
Chandler and his good friend, Jacobi
Mommy lady-bug and baby Clarke giraffe
Sweet cupcake Marissa
Super-hero "Am-man" Chandler