Gary the Green-nosed reindeer

Last Christmas Auntie M gave us a Christmas CD featuring the hit track 'Gary the Green-nosed reindeer'. We never listened to it last year because it was past Christmas, but it sure has made its presence known this year. Who knew that rap could bring in such a wonderful Christmas spirit.

This is N forcing himself into the picture (you may notice a trend after a while). This is B's Lightning McQueen racebox. And yes, you can spend hour after hour in here spinning the paper plate, er steering wheel.

So there is a little tag on the back of this stroller cautioning the world that "This is a toy. This is not meant for real little people" (or something similar). Did that stop the adventurous kids from pushing little Miss B around in it? No. Did it stop the parents from letting them do this? No.

A was a little anxious to get in the tub. Just couldn't wait.

kids in costume for the 'Night in Bethlehem' ward Christmas party. N is too cool to smile. But A thinks this is splendid. It's like being Bo Peep all over again.

Us in the manger.Mary and Joseph. We were asked to do this by virtue of being the couple with the youngest child. Little Miss B was great, though this was probably the only time she was in the manger. That seems about right though. New mom and dad Mary and Joseph didn't just welcome the Savior of the World into their family and then let him sit there, right? Maybe if he was their fourth child... Speaking of real life manger scenes, M figured that Mary would have been pretty tuckered out after the donkey ride and labor, she wanted to hand Little Miss B to me while she slept on the rock/beanbag. Alas, it never came to fruition. The party was wonderful. It was a lot of work lashing the shops together with the young men leaders (and 1 deacon), but worth it when we ripped it down in 5 minutes flat. During the presentation we had a chance to go through and were impressed by the strong spirit.

Down south and some potty humor (hey-that's like the same thing!)

Quick story about Mr. B that some have already heard. Our home teachers were over and talking about the wife/mom's new job. He said that she tutors someone at the special needs school by our house. B was doing something in his own world but immediately started snickering and talking to himself. "Tutors....tutors...tooters..." you can imagine where this was headed. After about 5 seconds both N and A caught on and all three of them were laughing their heads off. Mom and Dad are not so bright, it took us a little longer. They still laugh about it.
Grandpa B told me the evolutionary reason babies don't smile right away is so that you don't get too attached in case something goes wrong early in life (not as big a problem as it once was). We're relieved that we can finally start getting attached to this little beauty.

We went to Las Vegas over Thanksgiving to visit the Johnson's and play around in the warm sun. It rained half the time we were there, the rest was spent with howling winds. If I want howling winds, I'll just stay home . We have excellent howling winds. We got to visit Uncle J in the tower at North Las Vegas airport and it was really neat. He didn't even crash any planes together while we were there.

Ms. A and her cousin romping in the sink. Anyone up for a change of clothes?

N is really into football this year. He's quite good and has caught on to most of the rules. I'm proud to say that in the war between red and blue for our children's loyalty, red has won the day. And what a great year for it!

In the arboreum at the Bellagio. This tree talks. When it did, A basically lost it. She was major freaked out. She must have my genes for that. I can see where she's coming from.

The fountain show.

We had a lot of fun, though someone stole the boys' scooters while we were there. I guess you actually have to take care of your possessions when you're not in Price.