Good Times, Good Times

Once again we were very blessed this Christmas. And we also had a wonderful New Year, as we hope all of you did. The fun began on the 19th of Dec. when we went to pick up Aunt Manda from the airport. I can't tell you how excited I was to see her. I started crying as soon as she was in sight. Wyatt never left her side the whole 11 days she was here. Ok, well we didn't see her everyday so I guess he left her side a little bit, but for the most part he just followed her around when he could. That Friday night he went home with Ma's and Manda and had a sleepover. And in case any of you were wondering, Manda followed through and gave him bumblebee for his b-day.


I met my mom and sisters at the mall on Sat. to find some new jeans. Both Manda and I claim to be in dyer need of new jeans. So my mom took us jean shopping for part of our Christmas. It was kind of busy and crazy being the Sat. before Christmas. But it was still fun to have all the girls together. And we found some cute jeans too.

Christmas Eve my whole family went over to my Aunt Ellen's house where we ate a lot of good food, played a lot of fun games, and enjoyed each other's company. It is always fun to get together with Ellen's family because I have a close cousin my age, and she has a little girl Sydnee's age. So it is always fun to get together and catch up.

My Cousin Megan, Me, and Manda

Manda, Sydnee and Me on Christmas Eve

After the partying was over Jer and I headed home with the kids. Wyatt surprisingly went to bed really well. I think he was exhausted from all the fun. Jer and I woke Christmas morning about 8 a.m. and we still hadn't heard anything from Wyatt. But of course now that we were awake we were so excited we couldn't get back to sleep. So I got up and got in the shower and started to get ready for the day while we waited for Wyatt to wake up. Wyatt woke about 9:00 and we already had Sydnee fed and were ready to go. Wyatt was so cute when he walked out and saw what Santa brought him. Gifts from mom and dad get wrapped but Santa just lays our gifts out so Wyatt can walk out and see them laying there. Anyway, Wyatt has been asking for a snake car for like an eternity, which of course Santa brought him. But he looked around at everything else he got, and said, "How come I got all this other stuff? All I wanted was this snake car." Apparently Jer and I could have got off easier than we thought. I guess next year we need to get him only what he asks for and nothing more. Nice!

Wyatt was nice to help Syd open all of her gifts. She didn't really know what was going on. She loves the laugh and learn table Santa brought. It definitely has been a hit. She also got a ball blower toy thing. (Sorry I really don't know what you would call it.) And Wyatt plays with it as much as she does. One of Sydnee's favorites is her glow worm doll that her cousin Shalee gave her. It's the only doll he got for Christmas and her first doll she has ever had might I add. ( I know I'm a terrible mother.) Anyway she loves to give it hugs and kisses. She likes to watch the dolls face light up and listen to the music it plays. I think Jer's favorite thing I gave him was the Michael Jackson's greatest hits CD. We listen to it daily. It was so fun giving it to him, cause he had no idea he was getting it. Jer also got what we like to call "the mini wii" from his mom. It is really fun. It has a paddle which looks just like the wii paddle and you can play all sorts of sports games on it. We have had a lot of fun playing with it. Jer gave me new scriptures. It was a huge surprise cause I didn't really ask for anything this year. So I didn't really know what he was going to get me if anything. He also gave me a shark mop. If any of you haven't seen this thing you are missing out. It is awesome! It steam cleans your floors. Grandma and Grandpa Barlow gave the kids jackets and a farm toy.

The pirate ship Santa brought Wyatt.

And the beloved snake car down in the right hand corner.


The rest of what Santa brought Wyatt for Christmas

Syd playing with her laugh and learn table on Christmas morning

Wyatt stylin in his spiderman costume

After having a slow Christmas morning of opening gifts and eating breakfast we headed to my parents house to exchange gifts with them. My parents spoiled us as usual. They gave Wyatt 3 tickets to go see Walking with Dinosaurs at the Energy Solutions arena. He is so excited and so are Jer and I because we get to go with him. It is going to be so neat. I can't wait to see Wyatt's face when he sees these huge dinosaurs walking around.

Sydnee got mostly clothes from Grandma and Grandpa.

Can't you just see the enthusiasm on her face?



Wyatt opening his Cootie game from my parents

Wyatt got a book about dolphins and a couple dinosaurs from my parents.

We tried to fit in more fun field days while Manda was still here. And then the dreaded day came. She spent the night Monday the 29th at our house and then we woke early Tues. to take her to the airport. I must say it was hard to see her go. We miss her already.

Me and Manda

Me, Manda, My Mom, and Emilee

New Year's Eve, we had a nice quiet evening at home. Jer and I got out all the snacks and games and had a relaxing night in our pj's. New Year's day we went to my parents for lot's of good food and fun games. Jer has had 2 weeks off work, I guess one perk of being a school teacher. We have loved having him home. We had a great holiday and my favorite part is just being with family!