Christmas Eve 2010

This year we stayed home for Christmas. It was so nice to not have to worry about travel or anything like that. For Christmas Eve we went to my moms house and had a nice Christmas dinner. Since I was a kid my dad has always told the story of the birth of Christ and then my mom always plans fun games and activities. So, we had dinner, played games and then had a spiritual lesson on the birth of Christ. The perfect blend of fun and the spirit!

Breil only sees uncle Chris once a year but every Christmas he gets so excited and barely leaves his side! I love the bond they have.

Harlee was helping grandpa with the puzzle. She is so helpful!

After we left my moms we went home and opened...

Our Christmas jammies! We made cookies for Santa and his reindeer.

Santa left some fun toys in return...

And look at all those presents!

Burtons 2010

Since everyone was home this year we did a quick family picture.

Yes, she is this much taller than me. I wont let her wear shoes when we take pictures because I dont think its fair. :)
We are a very serious bunch! It was so much fun to spend time with everyone!

Charlie Brown on Ice! (Dec 23, 2010)

This year for Christmas all four of us kids were in town. Daniel had come home from his mission this year so we were all together for the first time in a long time. My mom and dad had always wanted to go to the ice sculptures so Jared and I got a babysitter and off we went. The Gaylord Texan hosts this ice exhibit every year and each year is a different theme. This year was A Charlie Brown Christmas. It was a lot of fun! This is all of us but my sister. She had to leave early to go to work.

They have an ice slide and this is my brothers, Chris and Daniel, race down it. Chris won!
Jared and I raced down too. He won because I totally got stuck!

Peek a boo!

All of these schulptures are made entirely of ice. It is so incredible!

Chris and I before we had to put all our gear on.

They put us in these big puffy coats because the exhibit is so cold.

Ella's birthday

This year for Ella's birthday she did not get a friend party. Instead Jared took her and a friend to Six Flags. She was so excited! Earlier in the summer, I took her and she loved it. She is tall so she could ride all but 3 rides. So, on Sunday we had family come over for a little birthday party and the Sat after she went to Six Flags! She had a great birthday!

This is her and her friend Caitlin. They have been friends since they were just under 3. We have lived apart for 2 years and dont see each other very often but I think they must have been best friends on the other side because they never forget each other. They can go months without talking or seeing each other and its like time stood still. It is a special friendship that I hope they are able to hold on to.

My Ella is 8!

I can not believe it but my baby girl is 8 years old! My how time flies. She brought so much joy into our little family. We were so proud of her. She was born on December 18, 2002 at 6:19 pm. She weighed 7lbs 7oz and was 19 inches long. She had dark black hair (I couldnt find any newborn digital images) which quickly turned blonde. She was the easiest baby. She slept through the night by 6 weeks and she never cried. Now, 8 years later she still LOVES to sleep. Her hair has turned brown and she is tall and super talented. She loves to create things, she has a vivid imagination and she is extremely compassionate and aware of the needs of others. She loves to help and is always concerned when someone is sad or has been hurt. She is truly a blessing to our family! We love you Ella!

Ward Christmas Party 2010

This year at our ward Christmas Party there was Santa, crafts and a nice program. Jared and I got to participate together in the program. I sang "Oh Holy Night" and he accompanied me on the guitar. We have never done that before in front of anyone but I really enjoyed it. I dont know that he will ever do it again but someday I hope he will :)

Ella field trip December 2010

I had the opportunity to go with Ella and her class to the Fort Worth Museum. I love these chances to go out with my kids and give them more of my undivided attention. I had a group of about 5 girls and we had a great time. It was the Egypt exhibit and so we saw a lot of cool things, including an actual mummy. Some of the girls were afraid to go in the room but I took 2 of the girls in and I thought it was pretty cool. It was the mummy of a young 14-16 year old Egyptian girl.

This was the last event I took my camera to before it completely broke so the pictures are bad but they are there nonetheless.