Christmas

Christmas morning was fun! We were up early because we had to be to church at 9:00 am. Everyone was happy that Santa brought them just what they wanted. We went to church and then headed to Grandma Frei's after. I can't believe I didn't snap one picture of anything during the day. I must have been like a walking zombie because of the lack of sleep I had gotten the night before! ;) We also went to Grandpa Dennis' and Grandpa Ken and Grandma Katie came and visited us at our house. That was really nice of them because Carlee really needed a nap!

That evening we went to Grandpa and Grandma Bowler's for dinner. It was a full day, to say the least, but a good day! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

We started partying on Christmas Eve a little earlier than normal this year because it was a Saturday. Grandma had her party at 2ish and then we went to the program after. I love Grandma's party, Christmas Eve just wouldn't be the same if I didn't have a Deviled Egg and her Layered Green Salad.

I love this picture of us! It makes me remember that carrying around my camera is worth it. I know I am going to cherish this picture for a very long time, 4 Generations of Reber women. I love it.

The Program is always an adventure! I would say I hate it, but then I remember that my most vivid memories as a child during Christmas were at this program. So, that being said it was an great! ;) We got through it and the kids loved it! They were all thrilled to see Santa and get their gift. Addie liked her doll, Preston loved his Spy Watch and Landon especially loved the Skills Hoop Santa brought him. Just what they wanted! Love it when Santa gets it right once and in awhile! :)

Carlee on the other hand.... thrilled was NOT the word that best describes her. ;)

We headed to Grandma Frei's house after the program and partied a little more. It was a busy night. The kids were pretty anxious to get home to bed so Santa could come. We read "Twas the night before Christmas," snapped a picture....

 and it was off to bed.

Only Landon couldn't sleep! I think he finally got a couple hours of sleep around 1:00ish. Wow, it was a night to remember. He came in and asked if Santa came every 30 minutes or so starting around 3:00. So that saying, "And to all a Good Night!" Lets just say it didn't happen that way at our house this year!  Good Times! :)

Bowler Christmas Party

 {December 18, 2011}

The annual Bowler Christmas Party took place once again. It was a fun night with cookie frosting and the nativity played out. We also wrote what our gift to Christ would be again this year. My goal is to attend the temple once a month. We'll see if I can do it?! Hopefully! Gavin was sick with the flu so he didn't make it this year to the party. I love my family and am grateful to mom for keeping these traditions going. I have good memories at these parties and I know my kids do too.

Gingerbread Houses

Making Gingerbread Houses is always a fun project. It has evolved over the past few years. It started as all of us making one house, to now everyone wanting to create their own. This year I just bought graham crackers and hot glued each house together and then they decorated it. This was a lot better on the budget than buying 4 kits. :) I think they turned out really cute. Kids are creative, it was fun to watch the process take place. Carlee loved that candy would fall on the floor. She turned into our human vacuum and consumed most of it! :) Fun night! Thanks Grandpa Dennis for keeping this tradition alive.

Baking Day

Another successful baking day is in the books. I think this was our best year yet! We started early and ended late, but we made 4 huge batches of cinnamon rolls, two batches of divinity, caramel popcorn (Addie's favorite, she ate it all day!) and a whole bunch of Toffee. Garrett came later in the day and decided we needed more toffee, so look at the batch he made! What is that saying? "Go big or go home?" That was Garrett for sure! He looks good in his Pampered Chef Apron, don't you think?? I think we went through something like 16+ cubes of butter. If that doesn't clog your arteries thinking about it, I don't know what will! :) It sure was good though! I am so glad we do this every year, I think it is a great tradition!

Christmas

Christmas morning finally came and it was great!

The rest of the day couldn't have got any better. Family is what life is all about. 

As I look back on Christmas that took place almost a month ago, it brings me a lot of joy. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! Words can't explain how thankful I am for the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ. He is the best gift our Heavenly Father could have given any of us.

Christmas Eve

I am so glad Gavin and I had the same tradition of the Christmas Eve Program. It is one of my most vivid memories as a child. I can still remember sitting on Santa's lap on the chapel stage and getting a Cabbage Patch Doll and then playing with it at my Grandma's house later that night. Now that I am the parent the Christmas Eve Program is a lot of work, at a hectic time of year. But after watching my kids perform, all the effort seems worth it. They did a great job. I hope they cherish the Christmas Eve Program memories as much as I do.

Preston had been counting down the hours until Santa would be there so he could finally open a present! Think he was excited while he was waiting in line? I love that picture!

Later that night after we got home the kids put on their new PJ's and Gavin read "Twas the night before Christmas." Then it was time for bed! I have never seen my kids so excited to say prayers and go to bed. Preston was almost giddy! Thinking about it right now brings the biggest smile to my face. There is nothing like the magic of Christmas.

Annual Baking Day

Cinnamon Rolls, Toffee, Fudge, and Carmel Popcorn were all successfully made at the our Annual Baking Day! The divinity was another story... it couldn't have had anything to do with the fact that it was pouring rain outside and the recipe specifically states, do not attempt when it is humid or even overcast! Na, I don't think that was the problem! ;) Instead of white puffy balls it looked more like blobs of Big Hunk! But, it wouldn't be baking day unless we threw something away. It was kind of like my honey candy last year! 

I loved the day,  I love the girls and I especially loved the Cinnamon Rolls! MMMmmm!!

Bowler Family Christmas Party

The Sunday before Christmas mom always holds her annual Christmas party. This year was no different. Trains were made, the Nativity was performed, and really good Chili was consumed. It is a night my kids and I look forward to every year. Gotta love tradition!

This year my mom made a quilt for everyone in the family and she gave them to us this night. It was fun to watch the kids the week before Christmas play with their blanket. They built forts with them, wrapped up and watched movies with them and slept with them each night. I can't wait to take mine to the next Sliderzz game, it's perfect! I thought it was a great idea, to give them this gift a few days early because I don't think they would have appreciated it as much on Christmas Day. Thank you mom and dad for a great night!

Gingerbread Houses

Frei Family Gingerbread making was a success once again! I am all about traditions and this is one of my favorites.  I know Christmas just wouldn't be the same unless we made Gingerbread's at Grandpa Dennis'. It is a huge mess, and a lot of work but we are getting smarter when it comes to construction. This year we hot glued all the houses together and Bradi found this little village which turned out to be the perfect size for each child to decorate. Even Addie made her very own. She was into it a lot more than I thought she would be, she gave her house a wreath, bushes, a gumball roof and even added a deer for effect! It was fun to watch her create it all on her own. (I just placed frosting where I was told!) The boys did great too! It was a fun night spent with family!

Gingerbread Train with Dad and a Concert...

Carlee had her 2 month check up on the morning that Preston was making a Gingerbread Train at school. Thank goodness Gavin was happy to go in my place and help him make this really cute train! Preston was so happy he went, he came home and told me all about it. He said "Dad even read us a story, and he was the only Dad there!" I am so thankful Gavin is so involved in our kids lives, I don't know what I would do without him. Great job boys!

The PTA had a Santa Breakfast and the 2nd Grader's were invited to sing. We all went to the school had a fun breakfast, and watched Landon sign.  He did great! Gotta love that hat! ;o)

Christmas Day

Our Christmas was so fun! It is hard to beat a Christmas morning with 3 kids waking up to see what Santa brought them. There is something kind of magical about the whole thing that gives me butterflies every year. I am so glad we have family close that can spend the day with. It makes for a long day, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Christmas Eve

Party Party Party!

The week before Christmas there were lots of parties to attend! Here are a few pictures.

Joy

This is what Joy looks like!

We were at Katie and Ken's Christmas party last week and as you can see we all had a ball.

Annual Baking Day

Katie had her annual baking day. It is always a fun tradition. This year I tried to make honey candy... I guess I needed to cook it a few more degrees. It tasted good, but oh was it gooey! Good thing everyone else made good treats so I could take something home! I did have success on my batch of toffee, and it was gone before I remembered to take a picture of it. If you ever want to get in good with Gavin just bring over some toffee and he will love you for life!

Kindergarten Christmas Program

Preston had his Christmas Program at school. What a treat it was to watch him perform the Polar Express! He did his part fabulous and even let his little sister sit by him back in his classroom. He is a great brother.

Ps Does that train car look familiar? Yep I saved it from last year! It took me awhile to make it last year, and in December time isn't something I have a lot of so, I recycled it! It worked perfect. I guess having two boys close did pay off in some ways.

Hope the next few days are Merry and Bright for everyone! It IS the best time of year!

Wishing You a Very Merry..