Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family! I can't believe that it is already here and pretty much over. Here are a few highlights from our day.

The kids playing the DS. They have shared so well.

Jett sporting Halle's shirt from Heath and Amy. He wanted to try it on to. He said it was so pretty. Halle calls it her Hannah Montana shirt so you know it was a hit.

Awaiting the descent to the basement to open presents.

Dad putting together Austin's Halo legos. It got the best of him and after a hour of cussing and frustration they still are not put together. We might need some help.

Jett sporting his Thomas underwear backwards while playing with his trains. He likes them to ride up. He has been so funny today- I could have a whole post on all the funny things he has said and done today. But the best is Merry Christmas Mom!

We are so blessed and want all of you to know how much we love and appreciate you in our lives.

Christmas Eve

The tradition continues of pajamas to open on Christmas eve (thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Cederholm). Here are the kids sporting their new pj's. I never thought that we would get Jett out of his train ones but Ironman scrubs did it. Austin was thrilled him and Dad got BYU ones. Now he has the right team he says.
We had a fabulous dinner of prime rib, potatoes, rolls, salad, veggies and ice cream cake roll. It was delicious. Great job Dad! The kids love getting that table all set with fancy dishes and candlelight, but the hit of all is the sparkling apple cider in wine glasses. It continues to remind me that it is the simple things that bring the greatest joy.
Then on to the notes and goodies for Santa (oh I almost forgot the carrots for the reindeer left outside), stories of Christ and his birth, and of course the book, "Twas the night before Christmas."

Potty Training

Jett has been potty training since Thursday of last week. He is doing awesome. It all started because he wanted to change his diaper every time he was peeing. So I got out his Thomas underwear and we put them on and off we went. He had a few accidents the first couple days, including a major #2 accident in the dressing room at the mall.(this was a blast - let me tell you to clean up in a public restroom) But since Sunday we have been accident free and have been waking up from naps with dry diapers. Yippee!
This has had its challenges too because Mister particular has to do everything himself and his way. There is no help that Mom can give to assist because "I do it!" I thought that buying some flushable wipes would help out with the #2 moments. Well it is so new and exciting that he will go to the bathroom just to use those wipes whether it is #1 and #2. Sorry for all the potty talk but this is my life and all we think about lately. I guess we really might be on our way to diaper free for a couple months before the baby comes.

Gingerbread Houses

The Richards annual tradition of decorating gingerbread houses. You notice I did not say making and decorating - we leave the making up to Costco and have fun decorating them. This year we invited our friends, the Mcminns, over to help. The boys decided that they wanted to decorate the houses boys vs. girls. Well you can imagine who won the competition. The GIRLS (or you can decide for yourself). We had tons of fun together decorating, enjoying company, eating candy (I think more made it in our bellies than actually on our houses) and caramel popcorn.

Clogging Performance

Halle had her first clogging performance today at the mall. She danced to the song from the old disney cartoon Stanley. She did awesome. She has loved clogging. It is neat to see her not be so nervous and shy to get up in front of people and perform.
You can visit my friends blog at www.mcminnbunch.blogspot.com to see the whole 30 second performance LIVE.
Way to go Halle!