Christmas Traditions

Christmas is full of fun and traditions and we have a few that are our favorites.  One of ours is our Christmas Light Night, on the specified night we surprise the boys with new jammies, We pop popcorn, get slurpees, and drive around looking at Christmas lights all night long.  Jake is super fun this year with the Christmas lights.  He gets super excited and screams for all the big displays.  We blew his mind when we went to Thanksgiving Point.  The boys loved their matching Spiderman PJ's. This is by far one of my favorite Christmas traditions for our family.  I really don't know who is more excited for this Corey and I or the boys. 

Right before we left on Christmas Light Night

And of course we have to go on a completely different days to go and see Santa at the Riverwoods.  Jake did pretty good, but refused to talk to Santa, Derek however, asked for a Miles from Tomorrowland toy so we will have to see what Santa brings the boys.  

Derek, Jake and Santa

Santa was super cute and well Derek just fell in love.

We also have Jingle Bell, he is our Elf on the Shelf and he leaves and goes back to the North Pole each night during the christmas Season to tell Santa how boys have been doing.  Sometimes he doesn't move though (thats because one of the boys were naughty and Jingle Bell was giving them a 2nd chance before he goes back to Santa) or he just forgot!

Hatch Family Christmas

This year we held the Hatch Family Christmas early.  We had a cousin party on Saturday where the cousins exchanged their presents they bought for each other and did some crafts with them.  Then on Sunday we had our Christmas Dinner Prime Rib made by Nate with all the trimmings.  Oh it tasted so good.  Nate is really a great cook and now I can't order Prime Rib at any restaurant because his is always better.  

 These kids really are so cute together and they were so excited to watch each other open the presents they had picked out for each other.

 Of course the night ended with presents from Grandma and Grandpa and a kids nativity which is why

Grandma Cindy's Birthday

On November 15th we celebrated my Mom's Birthday. My mom is such an amazing woman and I'm truly blessed to have her in my life.  If I can turn out just half of the woman and spiritual giant that she is then I feel like I will have accomplished so much in my life.  

 Dad treated us all to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse.  It was a crazy event and the kids were a little insane but it was fun for all of us to get together.  Hope you had a great birthday Mom!

Annistyn's Baptism

This sweet niece of mine was baptized on Saturday December 5th.  I won't lie she is probably my favorite niece but only because she is also my surrogate daughter.  We take her with us whenever Derek needs a buddy (Lagoon, Birthday adventures, etc.)   and well they are great friends.  

Annistyn was baptized by her Dad Chris Gambling and was then confirmed again by her father surrounded by her grandpa's, uncles, and even a couple friends.  I'm sure those hands felt like a thousand pounds on her head.  Annistyn had a glow about her that just shown, she knew that she was making a choice today that her Heavenly Father was greatly pleased with.  

With Grandma Ann

Annistyn with her Dad Chris

The wonderful Gambling Family

These two are just great buddies

The whole Crew that showed up for Derek baptism

My two little buddies

Annistyn with Grandma Cindy and Papa Mark

Of course the food afterwards was awesome.