Scheel's

At the end of December, we took the kids to Scheel's. Papa and Grandma Elizabeth sent the kids money for Christmas and we were in pursuit of a sled at Clara's request. We didn't find one there, but Clara and I had a great time riding the ferris wheel inside. I was more nervous than Clara was.

Snow Day

I love, love, love this girl. This picture captures her perfectly. We had a lot of snow this winter and a lot of fun playing in it.

Christmas Day 2012

This was the first year we spent Christmas morning at our own home with our little family. It was wonderful! We had so much fun picking out gifts for Clara and Rex. Rex was a little under the weather on Christmas morning and didn't enjoy opening gifts. Clara made up for it with her enthusiasm. 

For several weeks Clara asked for a tuba for Christmas. As it happens, there aren't really any toy tubas out there.  She was very happy with this instead. She built and rebuilt horns for her and Rex to play.

 

Rex got some little pull back cars like the ones he loves to play with in nursery.

A ballerina Barbie!

Rex got a new drill and toy truck.

Clara got a scooter and Rex got a little Radio Flyer Scoot 'n Zoom.  They've both spent hours outside and inside playing with them.

Ben always picks out wonderful gifts for me. Among the treasures this year, was this little beauty. I always joked when we were driving in our minivan that I needed one of these to grab everything the kids drop. Voila! I've already used it a bunch. 

A new blanket for Rex. 

Clara picked out some Mickey Mouse toys to give to Rex. 

I'm not sure what present he was opening, but I love Ben's face. I'm guessing it was his Nike Fuel Band.

Clara got a doctor's kit & needed a lab coat, so Ben let her wear one of his white shirts. Also of note is Rex--this is how he spent the entire morning--sitting/leaning on Ben.

 After our morning together we headed back to West Jordan to open gifts with our family there.  It was a wonderful Christmas holiday. I'm so thankful to celebrate the birth of our Savior with those I love most.

 

We teamed up with the Huffs to give Connie & Richard a picture of the Manti temple.

That afternoon, while Rex took a nap, Ben took Clara sledding with cousins just down the street. She had a blast. Ben said she was fearless.

Christmas Eve 2012

Christmas Eve started out with a miracle snowfall. I was so excited for a white Christmas this year. The possibility of snow for Christmas is one of my favorite things about living in Utah. After this Christmas Eve snowfall, we had snow on our grass until March. 

We spent the evening with all of the Wheeler extended family at Richard & Connie's home. We all brought appetizers and had an appetizer bar for dinner. Then we had the nativity. Ben read from Luke 2 while the kids acted it out.

Clara chose to be a wiseman. 

CC & Rex were our angels. Rex wasn't too fond of his tinsel halo. 

Clara conferring with fellow wiseman, Owen.

Mia was a beautiful Mary. She put the baby Jesus under her shirt on her way to Bethlehem.

When CC saw the awesome headwear, she became a wiseman too.

Caleb, as Joseph.

Mary had some assistance with her delivery.

The good looking narrator.

Surrounding the "manger"

Richard shared his testimony & then we all shared a favorite Christmas memory. I really enjoyed hearing everyone's memories. Mostly everyone shared a Christmas memory that had to do with service. When we got home, we let Clara and Rex open their Christmas pajamas. I'm so thankful for my sweet babies and wonderful Ben. I love seeing joy on my children's faces and being able to share this wonderful time of year with my family.

Clara was trying to help Rex stay in front of the tree for a picture.

Temple Square Lights

We were so busy during the month of December that we almost missed going to Temple Square to see the lights. We went the Sunday evening before Christmas and it was packed. I think Clara was the only one that enjoyed herself but I'm glad we didn't miss out on this tradition.

 Clara wanted her picture taken by this statue after she saw another group getting their picture taken here.

I love Ben's fake smile here. We were all ready to go home! 

This year, Ben's sister, Melissa and I got together a few times and made the girl cousins matching Christmas dresses. Missie was very patient with me and I loved how they turned out!

Our poor Christmas tree. I can't count how many times it was sat on. I love Christmas but I was excited to take down the tree.

 She is a darling girl. I love how she posed.