sweetest gifts

Benson went to a primary Christmas party this year. It was SO well done. When the children entered they were assigned two youth escorts that took them around to all the centers. They also gave them some fake money to buy gifts for their parents. First, Benson sat on Santa's lap and was given a gift for him to open on Christmas (a new firetruck). He then went "shopping" for his mom and dad. He picked out 3 ORANGE screwdrivers for Kimball because he associates tools with dad and orange is his very favorite color. He also got him a pair of socks. He gave me a make-up bag (with make-up) in it, two dish towels, and a bracelet made of embroidery thread. At another station, he wrapped the gifts (with some help) and wrote cards for us. Benson was so excited to put those gifts under the tree and he told us with the cutest smile on his face that they were a surprise and that he wasn't going to tell us what was in them. However, he did tell me what was in Kimball's gift and then told me, 'it's fine. Dad's not here, but don't tell him." On Christmas morning, Kimball and I watched him as he gave us his gifts and as we opened them. He was so happy to give. He has always been a quite unselfish boy and loves to make others happy. He asked us several times if we liked his gifts and kept asking Kimball when he was "going to open those screwdrivers that I gave to you for Christmas." We love him and his card was precious. He drew us each a candy cane and told us that he loves us as he gave us these gifts. It was a memory not to be forgotten!

the little sneak

This is a common sight for most households, actually very common, but Kimball snapped this picture of our little sneaker. He is so mischievious AND determined and the combination is- well, hard to manage. He is in LOVE with Dum Dum suckers. He'd eat a dozen if I let him. It's only 8 am and he's already got it on the brain.

Gingerbread Houses

This is our second year of making gingerbread houses at Mitch and Tiffany's home. They have generously included us in their family tradition and Benson had a great time. Andrew loved the candy!

All of my siblings came (minus the Cannon's)

and our cousins were there too.

There were a lot of little munchkins playing and they had such a ball

with one another. It was such a treat to come, not to mention taking a night off

from the tree lot. Dad, Mom, Laura and Connor, Dan (days after ACL surgery) Benson, Andrew and Burseas.

Dan, Mitch, Clark, Angie, Benson

Mitch played football for Idaho State Univ. Rew found his helmet and I laughed watching him walk around so top heavy. It's funny how much he wanted to keep it on despite how uncomfortable it was for him.

...and the finished product. Now he plans to take it home for his gingerbread baby. What a fun night!

Make Believe Motorcycles

Back in October the boys came up with this great idea- use the arm rests on the couch at Grandma and Bompa's house as our own motorcycles. I can't believe the sounds that the boys come up with let alone that they can get their mouths to make. It's pretty cute. The best is when they "race each other."

Tree Lot Part 3

Erica got a call the other day from a close friend and neighbor who asked, "Erica, are you okay? I haven't seen your van at all lately and wonder how you guys are doing and where you are?" The short answer is that we've been spending all our time at the Christmas tree lot!

We got a storm the other day that had me digging out from the 14" of fresh. Took me all afternoon. Benson kept coming up to me and asking, "Is it my turn to shovel now?" I only had one shovel so we had Grandpa Jones bring his two mini-shovels the next day. The boys went nuts and had a blast with shoveling snow. They weren't always productive in their placement of the stuff but who cares, it's gonna melt sometime!

We could not have done this without the full support of our family. Grandpa Jones spent some quality time at the lot and mostly walks around saying, "where are all the people?" We've sold a quarter of what we brought and get people who buy from us that have visited 2, 3, 4 and 5 tree lots before ours. They are amazed that we have fair prices posted on the trees and that we're so friendly. They also like it when Benson and Andrew chase their kids around through the trees so they can pick out a tree in peace and quiet. (Unintended benefit).

Grandpa Pops comes when Grandma Weezer says he can break from the basement renovation. She pulls duty on the lot with Erica while I'm working my regular full time job.

Benson has become quite the tree climber. They're a lot easier to climb when they're laying stacked on their sides! He will climb all the way to the back of the trailer and come out wet and sappy, but very happy. I hope this post isn't getting too sappy.

Shameless plug. Come yourself or tell your peeps on facebook, twitter, your blog or whatever. Thanks in advance.