It was a hit they love it! They got it out and asked me to teach them how to play. Andrew followed the instructions perfect and Maelee plays her own way!
Maelee made Andrews bed and was so excited so she wanted me to take a picture of it! All I could think was oh no she is already me and Andrew is Ryan.
We are having a snowy winter! Last winter was so dry that we are all a little shocked with the snow this year..but we shouldn't be. This is our normal. It snowed a lot Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and has been snowing non-stop on the day after Christmas. Hunter called us ultra-committed but we stuck with tradition in the snow and ventured up Black-Smith Fork canyon to see the elk at Hardware Ranch. We started out the Firehouse for pizza. We then took a beautiful, slow, and snowy drive up the canyon.
When we got to Hardware Ranch they weren't running sleighs to see the elk. At first we were a bit disappointed but it turned out to be a fun change. We actually walked out into the field to see the elk. It was kind-of nice to be the only ones there, play in the snow a bit, not have to wait in line, and hey it was free!!!
Hunter, Reagan, and Samantha with the elk in the distant background before we walked down to see them.
Grandma Tamra and Mae Mae.
Anders
Samantha, Reagan, Kinnick, Kim, Andrew, Maelee, Grandma and Hunter.
Kinnick, me, Grandma, Mae, Samantha, Kim, and Anders looking at the elk. We estimated there were probably about 300 head.
We let the kids sleep until they woke up on their own which was close to 7:30. They gathered in our bedroom and headed out to the living room to see if Santa had found their house. And he did!!!
Opening Stockings, Santa had wrapped everything in their stocking so it was fun to open and see all the little things in there. 
Opening gifts, we take turn opening gifts so they watch each other and it makes it so it is not a mad house a ripping wrapping paper! 
Maelee was excited about everything that she opening. She loved her princess dress up and crib for her baby! After every gift she opened she would say “oh I just love it or this is my favorite” followed by a little dance! 
Andrew wanted a little kids Orange Hunting vest. We had looked every where and could not find one so we were so excited when Santa’s elves were able to make him one! Now he keeps asking his dad when they are going bird hunting with t dog! 
I made them this hop scotch game, hopping that they would be able to have some summer fun inside during the winter! 
Check out everything, I have to say that between Grandparents, cousins, mom and dad, and Santa they got spoiled! 
After opening gifts wee ate breakfast and got dressed and headed over to Adam’s parents house to celebrate with their family.
Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa! 
This year for the first time we did the nativity with the Johnson cousins. 
Hunter read the story from the scriptures off the phone! 
Maelee was an angel this year and Andrew was a shepherd.
All ready for bed after a great day!
We had an amazing Christmas eve. I love that we have taken traditions from both of our childhoods and combined them to make our own traditions. One of the traditions from Adam’s childhood was to take and string popcorn and fruit on string and go and hang it in the canyon for the animals. We headed up Providence canyon this year and it was so much fun. It was cold and snowing so we did not g very far but we found places to hang out popcorn and fruit and to have some sledding time!
Walking to find a place to hang the food. I love how Maelee is just enjoying the ride! 
Hanging the fruit the kids love this so much Andrew keep talking about what animals were going to eat his string. 
Sledding after hanging the food! 
After that we headed home to get ready to go over to my parents house. This is a traditions that I have from when I was a child. We would always go to Grandma Pickett’s house and have food, games, fun, gifts, Santa, and lots of cousin time! We have added a talent show to our night too, the kids love getting to show off in front of their cousins. 
Maelee and Samantha dancing for Maelee’s talent. Andrew built an Auto body shop out of Legos for his talent I am so sad I did not get a picture of it. 
Santa time! I love how Maelee is playing with Santa’s beard. Andrew was ready to list off many things to Santa. Good thing nothing new was added!
Great Grandma Pickett~What a treat to have her with us!!!
Grandma Tamra and Grandpa Elden
All the adults...love them all!!!
Santa gathered all the Grandsons and told them he had been watching and saw that they needed a little practice a hammering nails in at Grandpa's Ranch so he gave them all a hammer, nails and some wood to practice.
Every year we do the Nativity. This was something I did as a child so I love that my kids are a part of it now. Some of the same costumes are the same ones we used as children.
Wow...then present time!!! Grandma and Grandpa give to the kids, the kids give to Grandma and Grandpa, the cousins draw with the other cousins, the adults draw with the other adults, Grandma and Grandpa give to the adults, the adults give to Grandma and Grandpa, and everyone gives to Great-Grandma!!! What fun!!! 
Hayden got a heater for a chair, he loved it!
Check it out!!!
The last gift is always PJ for the grandkids from Grandma and Grandpa. We also did this as children so it is so fun to see my kids be a part of it!
When we got home we gave the kids their Christmas eve gift from us. They both got a fleece blanket! We left food for the reindeer and cookies and milk for Santa and the kids we to bed!
