The Updike's

What a fun holiday ride it has been! It is amazing how much more fun it is celebrating Christmas when you have children! Lily in particular was so excited to do so many fun activities and in return her excitement made us, her parents, so happy! Decorating gingerbread houses. Both with family and playgroup. Like any kid, she was more excited to lick the frosting and eat the candy than actually decorating. Too Cute! Happy Happy Kids! I love their cute smiles! Sam had Garrett's name for Christmas and got him a cool helicopter. The kids go nuts whenever he pulls it out. Boston is completely fascinated by it as you can tell from this picture. This year for Christmas, we visited Garrett's family in El Paso, TX. Aunt Katie was a fabulous hostess! She managed to take care of 26 people for Christmas. We really appreciate her goodness! Kids having fun doing "stickers" with Grandma Daddy and "mini-Garrett" Boston Thank you Greg and Meg for bringing Gracie! ...

Christmas Fun! Boston, the taste inspector, made sure all of the ornaments were ready to put on the tree I love this picture! So sweet to see a little child decorate a Christmas tree. Lily teaching Boston to drum on the cookie tins Ward Christmas party! Lily looking a little unsure at the "passing of the toy" game. The Crossley Family "Christmas Family Home Evening" was so fun! The whole family enjoyed dinner, a family home evening lesson, the Nativity story, a Santa visit and gift exchange. Sweet Joseph (Gavin) and Mary (Sienna) Notice Joseph (Gavin) hitting Baby Jesus (Sam) with his staff?? **Sam kindly volunteered to be Jesus since the babies that were there were either crying or sleeping) ** Lily was the angel. As you can see, the Nativity scene did not go perfectly! In fact, we were lucky to make it through the whole story in Luke 2 before the kids lost interest and started pounding on Sam, laughing, and running around. I am sure as the years go on, w...