FAMILY PICTURES

We had family pictures on Sunday. It was so fun to have EVERYONE here! Usually there is someone who can't make it because of work or school. Here are a few pics from the day. (We set the timer, so these aren't anything professional.)

Siblings

My family

Janay's Family

Alan's Family

Chris's Family

Missy's Family

Matt's Family

Jennifer's Family

Christmas Day

The kids had a really fun Christmas. They opened presents from Santa, and played with their toys for a little bit while Gentry and I tried putting toys together. (PS Toy companies let's put the stuff together before we sell it.)

We went to my parents for the Christmas breakfast with yummy cinnamon rolls, and visited for a while.

Then we had dinner at Gentry's parents and I'm pretty sure I gained 10 pounds. It was some yummy food.

Then it was off to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Loved it! I thought it was one of the best kid shows I've seen in a long time. I thought the music was really cute too.

We just got everything cleaned up and it feels so good to have my house back to "normal".

Here are some pics from today.

This is the kids waiting to come downstairs to open presents. They had to bring the pillow pets we gave them yesterday.

Boston was really excited about this "Big" orange. I've been buying the clementines so this was pretty exciting.

And yes, Brock was equally as excited about the orange.

Alyssa was excited to get her DS.

Boston and his tree frog...and pillow pet.

Brock and his pillow pet.

I think the kids had a GREAT day. And so did Gentry and I! Merry Christmas:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wow I can't believe Chistmas is already here. We had a really good week. We went to my sister Janay's for our annual family Christmas party and Santa came to visit. The kids also acted out the first Christmas. When we were leaving Boston said, "That was so fun! Santa came... AND I even got to be the Star!" (His part in the play was to hold the star, and he took his job very seriously.)

Brock was a shepherd.

Alyssa was an angel.

Boston with Santa

Alyssa with Santa

Brock with Santa

Brock with my parents....seriously this is the best smile I could get:)

My FAVORITE time of year...

This is my very favorite tradition. For as long as I've known Gentry I've gotten to be a part of his family's Christmas pajama night. I LOVE IT! Cyndy always surprises us with super cute pajamas that all coordinate and it is so much fun. Thanks Cyndy for keeping this tradition going. Not to mention the yummy food we had too! Here are some pics of the new pajamas.

JUST GIRLS:)

Grandkids

Sometimes they score...sometimes they just get in trouble...

Brock had his first basketball game yesterday. He loves it. I didn't think he would know what to do because we haven't been able to practice with him because of the snow outside. But he did a good job, he scored 4 points. Yay Brock!
I love that when he runs back he folds his arms. Like he is trying to be good....if only that would happen at home:)

Then we came home last night and noticed someone carved into our cabinets. We asked the kids who it was and Alyssa said Brock did it with his shark tooth necklace. (The necklace we happened to give him, who knew it would be such a bad idea.) We sent Brock to his room, and Alyssa showed us all the places he carved...from the cabinets to the table to the counter tops. Needless to say, he didn't come out of his room the rest of the night.This is one of the many surfaces he did. He actually carved a person on another cabinet and put detail. The pic didn't turn out very good because of the flash or I would have posted it. Maybe you'll have to stop by to see that one.

Last week we came out from Brock's 1st basketball practice and this is what we found. Apparently Claire road under Gentry's truck to the practice and stayed on his tire for over an hour waiting for us to come back out. She was all dirty so Gentry was nice enough to give her a bath.



My friend Adrienne came to visit, so we of course visited Texas Roadhouse. She told me before we left for dinner that she was going to get Gentry back because the last time we went he told the waiter it was her birthday. She was super embarrassed...so PAYBACKS!!!

What We Know For Sure...

Well lately my boys have been discovering things...here are a few.

Brock decided to tap the Christmas lights on the Christmas tree...with a screw driver. We now know that it breaks the light bulbs and glass shatters everywhere. Of course Brock wanted to try it on at least 10 bulbs. Just to make sure.

Those Easy Bake ovens can burn marshmallows. We discovered that yesterday when I went down stairs to smell something smoking. Boston thought that would be a great way to roast marshmallows. Not my proudest moment.

If you pull hard enough on the arm of the snowman decoration...it will come off. Thanks boys:)

Only 2 weeks until Christmas! Wahoo!

Happy Holidays!

Alyssa's Baptism December 5, 2009

Alyssa was baptized by Gentry yesterday. It was an exciting day for all of us. Alyssa was super excited and nervous at the same time. She said the water was really warm, which I thought was good because it was such a cold day.


My sister in law Kassie made the headband for Alyssa, I thought it was so cute. Thanks again Kassie.

Boston and Brock were excited to see Alyssa get baptized.

My Mom and Dad

Gentry's Mom and Dad


Thanks for coming to Alyssa's baptism everyone!

And the ugliest sweater is.....

Mike's sweater. He won the award. I think we can all agree his was the worst. I thought Heather did a mighty fine job too. She even detailed with Christmas earrings and socks.

I thought my sweater was going to win. I scouted this sweater out, I found it on my friend Amy's blog. Her husband wore it to an ugly sweater party and I thought it would be perfect for Gentry. Well the day of the party my kids were sick with strep throat so Gentry being the awesome husband that he is, stayed home and let me go. (thanks again Gentry:) So I got to wear this FABULOUSly ugly sweater. Thanks again Amy and Mitch for the sweater rental. (PS last minute, I let Katie's husband wear the turtle neck that was supposed to go with my sweater so he could look a little uglier...I think it worked:)

Diana was the 2nd runner up. Her sweater came accented with a gingerbread turtleneck and a Christmas pin.

Katie hosted the party and came up with the "Ugly Sweater" theme. The funny thing is, her sweater is almost back in style. With the right accessories it could be cute. I loved her fake conversation in this picture. She makes me laugh.

Mark and Lindsey are of course BYU fans. Which I have to say I'm glad, because sometimes I ask Gentry if we can just be U of U fans like all my other friends. So I'm glad to see there are a few BYU fans around here.

Lindsay and Brooks....hmmm I don't think either of these sweaters are ugly. But the mustache, well that we could all do without:) Lindsay wasn't a fan of the mustache either. But hey at least we all got a laugh.

Thanks Katie for having a fun Christmas party! Until next year...

I KNOW your gonna want one:)

So if you didn't get a Christmas card last year, I don't have your address. OR if you have moved since last Christmas please give me your new address. You can leave a comment or email it to me @ betsymikesell@gmail.com.

If you didn't send me a card last year...get a move on it! This is my favorite thing about the holiday! I get so excited to get my mail.

PS My sister in law Kassie made me and Alyssa matching headbands...aren't they cute?! (Thanks Kassie!)

HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY!
-Betsy