Snow Day

It snowed! It is such a rare occurrence around here that I have to blog about it. After seeing my sister's blog, and my mom's snow pictures the amount of snow we got is embarrassing! Anyway, my kids loved being outside in the snow. They played in it all Sunday afternoon and since it actually stayed cold they went and a played again after school the next day. For me the fact that the snow stayed around for a few days was very exciting.

Happy #4 Luke

Luke has been waiting all year for his birthday. When he turned 3 I think he thought his birthday was just an extension of the Christmas holidays, he still just didn't quite get it. As all the other kids had birthdays, he begged, and pleaded for his to be "tomorrow!" His special day finally did arrive and I think he had a great day! His dad made him a BIG birthday sign.

He is excited for his day! After decorating in the morning, Brad and I took him to the mall and we had Chick-fil-a for lunch.

Playing with his happy meal toy after all the kids get home from school.

His birthday fell on a Wednesday this year, which is a crazy evening day. We did manage to celebrate though. The night before we went to his favorite place to eat, Jason's Deli. We invited Grandma and Grandpa over at 4:15pm (between getting everyone home and having everyone leave again) for presents and cake.

Checking out the presents

The night before I asked Luke what kind of cake he wanted. He wasn't sure so we look on the Internet for ideas. He liked the lightening McQueen cake we saw.

This was my first time "carving" a cake.

I think it turned out pretty well. Luke kept telling me how awesome it was as he helped me decorate it. He put the candles on himself.

Blowing out the candles on his "awesome Lightening McQueen cake!"

4 things about Luke

1. He loves to point out letters and tell who they belong to. eg. L belongs to him, N belongs to Nelson, but he has to share L with Nelson and Mom

2. When he is bored in the afternoon he tells me "Hey, I think its time to go pick up the kids!" or if he wants to know where Brad is he asks "Is dad working or at the church?"

3. He loves to go to Joy school and playgroup

4. He is the loudest and most outgoing child in our family.

Luke you are AWESOME!

Happy 2011!!

We had our annual Hyland Family New Years party on Dec 31/Jan 1. We really partied this year! Our family didn't get home till about 2:45am. We enjoyed lots of good food, great presents, and fun entertainment.

Look at that adorable baby in his had made by his awesome aunt :)

Two crazy cousins!

Let the unwrapping begin!

What did Annie get?

Macey opened a whole stack!

Nelson opening his much awaited itunes gift card.

All the grandkids waiting to open their presents from Grandma.

She made them all block night lights

Macey's

Annie's

Kambree's

Nelson and Luke's

Nelson's all lit up.

And, I guess that is the end of the pictures. The night was much to fun and busy to remember to take pictures. I love our New Years parties. I love seeing all the talent my sister in laws have with the awesome gifts they make. The kids love playing with cousins and the adults all enjoy each others company. This year we did lots of dancing too! Happy New Years Everyone!

Friends

Between Christmas and New Years we were lucky enough to visit with some great friends. Two different families that we were friends with moved away over a year ago, and they both stopped by this holiday season to say hi while they were in town. Thanks everyone for coming to see us, we miss you a lot! (Unfortunately I only took pictures of the first visit)

They were best friends and it was so fun to see them reconnect so quickly. They even made plans to be roommates at BYU :)

Luke would not cooperate, but look at her beautiful smile!

Merry Christmas!

The tree all ready for the kids to wake up.

Kambree gets a snuggie

Brad gets a new tie.

Nelson got a surprise present!

Yep! He is happy!

I think we all had a great Christmas morning. The kids were excited with all their presents and stocking stuff. I didn't get too many pictures since I was enjoying watching the kids excitement!

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve. Every year we do progressive dinner with our family that lives here in town. We start at Brad's brothers house with wonderful appetizers. Then, we head over to the grandparents for dinner. We ended at our home with dessert. We act our the Christmas story before digging in to all the treats. It is a bring your own costume and it is my favorite part of the night. This year Brad's sisters family was in town visiting so we had a great group!

Getting ready for our play.

Waiting to start. Annie decided to be a lamb and came up with and made her costume all by herself.


The shepherds and wise men.

Mary and Joseph

All the beautiful angels. Dennis is in the back narrating.

After everyone went home and before going to bed we opened the presents from each other. Nelson got Luke a small fry bear.

Annie got a bottle cap necklace from mom.

Kambree got snowman earrings that Macey made from her.

Macey got hand sanitizers and holders from her dad.

Nelson got a BYU pillowcase that Luke helped make.

Brad got one too, but Annie helped make his. I of course do not have picture, but I did get a wonderful present. Kambree got me an awesome watch.

Then it was off to bed!