I am not going to say that it was one of my new years resolutions to post regularly on my blog...then I would have to admit that I am already failing. :) It is only the middle of January, not to late for a Christmas post right?

We were dissapointed that we didn't get to spend Christmas with Kasey, Kathryn and Jakson who were going to come from D.C. and Kamele and Seth who were coming from Seattle. It was nice however to begin the holiday season with family over Thanksgiving. We shared gifts as well as Thanksgiving dinner with the Broadheads, made presents for Grandpa and Grandma Kimball in Samoa and went to see the lights on temple square in SLC with the Kimball cousins. It was a great start to an unforgettable holiday season. Having Isaac home from school, Meagan home from preschool and Kip home from work (and Aaron too of course) for two weeks made plently of time for us to relax and make a lot of fun memories. It all sort of feels like a good dream now that we are back into real life (which is generally nice too :).

The second Family Night in December we have a tradition of doing Gingerbread houses. This is always very fun for me, and very messy too. I was feeling extra ambitious this year and was going to make everything from scratch and I had all kinds of creative ideas for embellishments. Then Kip talked me back down to reality and we bought one of those basically predone everything ones. We all had a great time and still managed to add some of our own creative flair between bites. It was a little difficult to involve Aaron on this one if we wanted anything to stay in tact. He ended up in the middle of the dining room table sorting through and tasting the candy. Despite what it looks like in the picture, Isaac and Meagan helped out a lot!

I couldn't resist putting in this picture of Meagan. Santa came to her preschool this year. It was complete magic for her! She was mesmorized. I asked her what she wants me to write about this picture. She says "I love you Santa!! " My favorite part about the experience was when Santa was about to leave and she jumped up off my lap and ran and gave him a hug and said "thanks for coming Santa....Merry Christmas!" It was so sweet and sincere, it brought tears to my eyes.

Isaac really wanted me to post this picture of him and Aaron. Last year Isaac recieved NFL pajamas for Christmas. When Kip and I found the same ones in Aaron's size, we couldn't resist buying them! The boys looked so cute with their matching pjs! The funny part was when Aaron picked them up and took them to Isaac, almost like saying "Mom and Dad made a mistake, these are yours!"

At our Ward Christmas Party this year we had a special Nativity program. Isaac got to be Joseph and Meagan got to be an angel. They both did a great job! Kip got to sing with a mens quartet and did a fabulous job.

In summary, we had a fabulous Christmas season.

Alisha's top 5

1. Wii fit!

2. Bath and Body works Orange Ginger!

3. Trip to Castaway Bay! (indoor waterpark and hotel in OH)

4. The kids reactions on Christmas morning and spending so much time together!

5. Getting my kitchen, back entry and laundry room painted!

Isaac's top 5

1. Castaway Bay

2. wii - wii fit, and MarioKart

3. The movie "Bolt"

4. Camping kit

5. magic kit

Meagan's top 5:

1. Castaway Bay

2.The movie "Bolt"

3. American Girl Mini Doll Julie, and book

4. Two wheeler scooter

5. MarioKart and wii bowling

Aaron's top 5: (guesses made by Isaac and Meagan, Aaron is currrently naping and unavailble for interview)

1. NFL pajamas

2. dinosaurs from Meagan

3. hotwheel cars from Isaac

4. Having Isaac, Meagan and Daddy home around the clock to play with!

5. Castaway Bay!

Kip's top 5:

1. Painting the kitchen, laundry room and back entry for my wonderful wife!

2. wii !

3. Castaway bay!

4. Playing and working with my wife and kiddos!

5. Hanging Christmas lights

(okay....so Kip was unavailable as well. Some of these I am sure he would have put, and some....well maybe not. :)

If you have made it this far in my post CONGRATULATIONS! You endured well.