Santa visited the Ward Christmas party and Ginger, Micah and Violet came with us to celebrate, but the girls weren't too excited about Santa. Ellia did ok eventually.
There was such a nice meal prepared and I doubt Jeremy and I would have been able to eat if it weren't for the Martin girls helping out. 
The day before Christmas Eve we hopped in the car so we could make it to Gillespie's the next day and surprise them. First though we stayed in Ellia's favorite Vegas motel...the castle!
Right as we pulled up, Jordan, Sara and Addie came out of the house for some reason and ALMOST ruined the surprise. The next to see us was Gunner through the front window and he looked very stunned before announcing us to everyone else. Thank you Mallary for making sure it all worked out and keeping our secret. Of course the girls went straight to Addie's room and all the toys.
Ashlyn recently learned how to get big dolls from one place to another. Unfortunately, a few times she thought this would work with people too.
After a scrumptious dinner and a surprise for us - Travis and Liz are pregnant! - it was.....Present Time!!!
Ok, so I know they are brothers and they used to share a room and all, but walking into Addie's room seeing this still really surprised me.
As always Christmas crunch for breakfast.
Then off to presents. Ellia's big deal present was a Tinkerbell scooter that she has been asking for since her birthday.
I love this picture of Laura and Ellia.
As always Christmas crunch for breakfast.
Then off to presents. Ellia's big deal present was a Tinkerbell scooter that she has been asking for since her birthday.
Ashlyn didn't really request anything but enjoys working with the tools when we get them out so she got a little tool bench.
After that it was mostly just Christmas morning chaos.
Ellia was very excited about the sparkle shoes Addie gave her. 
She also really, really wanted a 'brella. 
It took Travis awhile but he finally got Ellia's toys put together.
Jer and I got a tow package for the escape! I'm one step closer to getting a tent trailer!
Addie's cat.
Merry Christmas...with a whole lotta day left.
After that it was mostly just Christmas morning chaos. 
Ellia was very excited about the sparkle shoes Addie gave her. 
She also really, really wanted a 'brella. 
It took Travis awhile but he finally got Ellia's toys put together.
Jer and I got a tow package for the escape! I'm one step closer to getting a tent trailer! Addie's cat.Merry Christmas...with a whole lotta day left. We arrived at Grandma Carol and Grandpa Kerry's to start the merry holiday all over again.
first they showed us their gifts, including this shirt which says, "Collings Guitars" neato!
Then more opening
and some sisterly affection
For our last event of the day we headed over to Emily's for the nativity story reenactment and cousin gifts.
Ashlyn was really interested in Ella, it was the first time any of us had met her after all.
I guess none us could foresee the problem with including the rocking horse in the scene.
Our gift to Cole
Ellia's Christmas...minus the Discovery Toys Shape toy, that is Ashlyn's.
Ash's loot.
Our pile (plus the tow bar)
The next morning we left the girls behind and went with my dad and Jed for a little cross country ski exercise. Jeremy is getting so much better, I think I was on the ground more than him this time.
Shut up! I have looked at this picture like a hundred time and JUST noticed Jace's finger...I was really only posting it to show how Ellia takes the camera and runs off to take pictures and how this time she took a bunch of Jace...HONEST.
What an optimist...Ashlyn sure doesn't let it bother her when she can't pick up her food with her fingers.
Jace and Ellia, having fun no matter where they are!
The day after Christmas we headed back to the Gillespie's for family pictures, and although things didn't work out how they were supposed wo, we got some really good pictures.
Adding small children always makes things interesting.
first they showed us their gifts, including this shirt which says, "Collings Guitars" neato!
Then more opening
and some sisterly affection For our last event of the day we headed over to Emily's for the nativity story reenactment and cousin gifts. Ashlyn was really interested in Ella, it was the first time any of us had met her after all.I guess none us could foresee the problem with including the rocking horse in the scene.
Our gift to ColeEllia's Christmas...minus the Discovery Toys Shape toy, that is Ashlyn's.Ash's loot. Our pile (plus the tow bar)The next morning we left the girls behind and went with my dad and Jed for a little cross country ski exercise. Jeremy is getting so much better, I think I was on the ground more than him this time.Shut up! I have looked at this picture like a hundred time and JUST noticed Jace's finger...I was really only posting it to show how Ellia takes the camera and runs off to take pictures and how this time she took a bunch of Jace...HONEST.What an optimist...Ashlyn sure doesn't let it bother her when she can't pick up her food with her fingers.
Jace and Ellia, having fun no matter where they are!
The day after Christmas we headed back to the Gillespie's for family pictures, and although things didn't work out how they were supposed wo, we got some really good pictures.Adding small children always makes things interesting.
On New Years Eve Jer took Ellia sledding in Heber, I think she had a lot of fun.
New Years Eve Dinner at Don Pedro's. The kids got their food first and ended up running around pretty crazy, maybe they did it to stay warm! That night it got to 6 below while we were waiting for the New Year at Morris and Pat's house.
