Christmas 2011

WARNING: This post is long and full of pictures, I hope you enjoy it!

On December 21st we headed to Venice and Glenwood for Christmas as soon as Brax got out of school. For Braxten's 8th birthday my parents were taking him to ride the Polar Express on the 22nd. He had a great time. They had hot cocoa and cookies. They each also got a mug to remember their trip as well as a special ticket. Brax was excited to go and especially excited because he got to stay in a hotel with Grandpa and Grandma. The next day they did some shopping and headed back to Venice. Brax was antsy to get home because all his Anderson cousins were in town. The night of the 23rd was the Oldroyd family Christmas party. The Anderson clan was in charge. We ate dinner, the kids decorated cookies, acted out the nativity, and played some games. It was a lot of fun. Following the party Brax headed back to my parents to have the Christmas cousin sleep over.

Brax was Joseph in orange.

The whole group.

The kids played a game where they have to dress in winter wear (gloves, hats, scarves, etc.) and then run and open a present. Brax's present was easy though because I put it in a bag. He got an eyeball that splatters on the floor. It's pretty cool.

Christmas Eve was kind of a busy day. We tried to help get some stuff done. Branden went bowling with our friends while I helped my youngest sister make rolls for the Spencer family party since my mom was sick. We ate dinner at the Andersons and then headed to the Spencer party. After playing the game we headed back to the Andersons for the kids to open gifts.

Spencer family Christmas Eve party. We only made it in time for a game, but it was fun. Each person was supposed to bring a gift under $3. Each person took turns opening a present they were handed and then they could keep it or trade with someone else. I got a little kids book, Branden traded for the popcorn, and Brax traded for chips and salsa, his favorite. I gave the book to Easton, our nephew, because he didn't have many books and it was too young for Brax.

Grandpa and Grandma Anderson gave all the boys remote control cars.

A pogo stick from Brinley.

Christmas morning, we opened presents in our church clothes. We waited for Brax to get up and so we decided we'd get ready for church while he was sleeping. He woke up and saw us ready for church and decided to get ready himself.


Branden chose what he got for Christmas. He got jars for our flour and sugar, spatulas, tupperware, a volleyball, and basting brushes. He was the 1st to use all of his gifts. He was really excited about his presents. He told me that if he expects me to make good food, then I need good things to use to make the food. I did really appreciate it.
Brax wasn't as spoiled as most years, but that was okay too. Santa brought him a Blu Ray player and some movies. He also got a new outfit and a camera. The theme this year was movies and entertainment, but that's what he wanted. He did also get a puzzle.

I too got a new camera, a vest, and a coat.

Brax hopped on his pogo stick before going to church.
After church we went to my grandparents for breakfast and more present opening. I love to go to Grandma's for breakfast. my grandparents gave Brax a remote control truck.

After visiting our siblings houses to see what they got for Christmas, we headed to my parents house. We hung out and opened more presents. We got a roaster and bobbin saver. Brax got Legos, the one thing Santa didn't bring him, but he wanted.

After Christmas day we were exhausted, but stayed up late playing games anyway. The next day my sister, Shanelle, went in to have her gall bladder removed. I spent the day with my sister and family mostly. Cara and I went to lunch and hung out at the hospital for a couple hours. We couldn't decide when to come home, but ended up staying until the 29th. By then we were ready to come home and get some stuff done and just to hang out just the three of us. It was nice to spend time with everyone for Christmas. We did stay home and hang out for New Year's as well because once again, I wasn't feeling well. While in Glenwood over Christmas I developed a sinus infection and am finally get over it.