This Christmas we decided to remain home in Philadelphia instead of spending it in Idaho with family. We did miss our family, however, we did not miss the following unexpected layovers due to weather, security screenings, over tired kids, jet lag, and all other unpleasantness that come from traveling over the holidays. We really enjoyed creating our own family traditions as this is the first time in our 9 year marriage that we have not been at parents houses. Here is what we did. Monday night we made a gingerbread house and watched Disney Prep and Landing. Tuesday we let the girls play in the snow and they had a fabulous time. Wednesday we made cookies. Thursday we had a special FHE and talked all about the birth of Jesus and what his birth and life meant for us.

We then let them open one gift (the ones Grama and Grampa Norby sent) they of course were pj's. They dressed in jammies and we went out to look at the wonderful light displays, a lot of neighborhoods have contests and nothing is spared. Kenna who was concerned about "no creatures stirring" wanted to hurry home and go to bed. Before we had left we had checked on line and saw that Santa was in England so she was sure he would be to NY soon and then on to PA. After lights we had hot chocolate and doughnuts and the girls went to bed.

I was expecting early risers but they slept in until 8:15.We lined the girls up at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning, and then got into place with the video camcorder and the camera. We gave them the go-ahead to come down the stairs. Kenna came barreling down the stairs and squealed with delight at what she saw for Christmas. No Brynlee. We called to her at the top of the stairs and she informed us that she was “scaried of San-tuh”; she thought that he was actually downstairs waiting for her and wasn’t interested at all in seeing him. We had to go up the stairs and carry her down. Once she did get downstairs she was excited. Santa actually showed up a few moments later (something the borough does here) When he walked in I thought for sure she would be right back upstairs and we would never get her back down. But I guess she was impressed with her tricycle and let him right in took him by the hand and led him to the couch for a photo. Both of the girls had a good time and have enjoyed playing and riding on the things that they got. Lauren just took it all in with wonder. The tree lights were intriguing and the crackle of the wrapping paper was magnificent. I really liked this picture of her checking out her toy. She has such a cute little profile.

P.S. The dog in some of the photos is not a Christmas present. It is just Gracie who we are watching for some friends who are out of town.

How to make a gingerbread house

Step 1) Ice the base Step 2) Place gingerbread house walls on base Step 3) Attach roof (or if you are Bryn start eating icing) Step 4) Wait ever so patiently while dad who is a perfectionist ices the house. Step 5) Add candy

Step 6) Tah-duh

With all of your excitement this evening please remember to make time to reflect on the Savior so that you may feel the "magic" of the season. Because He lives the earth has Joy.

A much needed update

So the last week of October and first few days of November we spent time in Idaho with family. It was nice (at least for me) Brad took the two older girls on Tuesday and I flew out on Friday with Lauren. A little tricky but hey when you are working with free tickets you take what you can get.

While there the girls soaked up cousin time with sleep overs, parks trips, an early birthday party for Kenna, and an early Thanksgiving, and

some much needed family photos.

We Also blessed Lauren. It is much easier and cheaper for five to go to Idaho than for 30 people to fly to Pennsylvania.

in the future when you are questioning a dose

don't call the pharmacy (we called 3 times and they said we had the right instructions) call your MD. So here is a photo of her new self at a whopping 12 lbs (finally).