My three week break

We had a fabulous Christmas and New Years. I haven't posted in awhile since I had the flu which knocked me out for three weeks. Everyone said the flu was bad this year, they weren't kidding! So I have a lot to post about!

Don't look so happy Matthew

For Christmas my parents, Missy, Dave and Amanda came to stay with us. We all went to Christmas Eve service at our church where Jenna was one of two kids asked to read a Bible verse. She was a little nervous standing in front of everyone at first but she is a jokester at heart and soon had everyone laughing.

Christmas morning was magical for the kids. I love seeing how excited they get. We gave them 3 presents this year (since Jesus got 3 presents) and stocking presents. It cut down on the excess and they seemed to like it. Sarah got her Elsa doll, Jenna got her friendship bracelet kit, and Matthew got a ton of train tracks!

We had planned on making a gingerbread house like we normally do every year, however the gingerbread house I bought was all in pieces when I opened the box. So this year we made a train. Each kid could decorate their own train which actually prevented some arguments. I think we will go with this in future years.

Our gingerbread train

 Sarah turned 7 on Dec.23. Her only birthday present request was poo pourri. This I blame on Amanda for showing her videos like this that Sarah loved. So she got her poo pourri for her birthday. I made her a lemon cake (her request) and we had popcorn shrimp for dinner (her favorite food).

Happy Birthday Sarah

Her gift: Poo pourri

 On Dec. 28th Dave, Becca and Charlotte came to visit. We had a great time with them except that Dave had the flu and sat on the couch for two days. He was sick pretty much the entire time he was here. Which was a bummer and just means we need to take a trip out to Sacramento to see them. Preferably when it is cold here!

Becca and Charlotte jumping at Buckeye Bounce

 We took Becca and Charlotte to Buckeye Bounce, the Anthony Thomas chocolate factory tour, and the mall. Charlotte really seemed to like bouncing. Sarah said her favorite memory of everyone being here was taking a bath with Charlotte. I guess that was more fun than bouncing and chocolate.

Charlotte playing at the mall

 Then Joel and Megan came to visit on the 31st and stayed until the 3rd. For the time we were all together we maximized our gaming. I think Erik was in heaven.
Megan had this great dark lords T-shirt with Darth Vader, Sauron and Voldemort. Very cool. We also had to show off our matching Marauder's map t-shirts. 

The coolest dark lords shirt

 While we were eating dinner one night, Erik mentioned that white corn is better than yellow corn. Of course this led to a debate resulting in a corn taste test. Everyone was blind folded and had to try both types of corn. From this taste test we determined that white corn is in fact, the winner.

Our corn taste test

The Marauders map t-shirts

Jenna reading scripture on Christmas Eve

Another closeup

It has been a great couple of weeks and now I'm ready to be back in a routine. Christmas time for us is always a wonderful break where we can spend time with family and relax. It certainly was that for me!