Christmas 2013

This year we had a really nice Christmas.  We decorated the inside of the house early so we were able to enjoy it longer.  Devin was in charge of the outside decorations and got a lot of them up-but didn't do as much as he had hoped.  He is already making plans for next year.  One of our favorite activities is sitting on our couch and watching all of the cars drive by to look at our lights.  There are some that will actually take photos (kinda weird)  On Christmas Eve I counted 8 cars in 5 minutes.  It was a CrAzY around our cul-de-sac that night.

 I was playing around with my camera one night and asked Kyra to pose by the tree. Of course she was more than willing.

 

Photo of our home:notice the flying reindeer?!

Cortlynn and Tristan had a Nutcracker performance and was unable to attend the Ward Christmas party.  I braved it alone (Devin made it to the dinner) and took the little ones. Santa made an appearance this year.  Kyra was excited-her first time EVER, and Brynlee was terrified.

Christmas Eve jammies.

This year Santa brought Tinsel the magical reindeer to our house early.  The kids needed to be watched and their actions reported to Santa each night.  Not only would he hide every night-but he brought a box full of wrapped books.  Each night the kids would unwrap one and we would read it as a family (or at least try. Our schedules were almost too much)  We don't have an elf on the shelf--I don't need anyone extra being and doing naughty things at the house.  Having Tinsel hide every night was difficult enough.

The kids left out a plate of cookies and milk for Santa as well as Tinsel.  He always goes back with Santa on Christmas Eve.


 

You can't see it well-but Tristan sprinkled reindeer food out on the grass.  If you look close-you can see the sparkles in the snow.

Santa made it to our house and I was able to get a photo before the kids woke up.  This year--the kids woke up early-but they let me sleep.  Kyra came in around 9:00 or so-asking me to please wake up so they could open presents. 

Brynlee enjoyed the bow on her gift more than the gift.

 

On Christmas day-we traveled to Idaho Falls to have dinner with Devin's family.  They rented out a room and it worked out so much better than piling in someones home.  We enjoyed good food and good company.  It was extra special this year because Devin's mom suffered a heart-attack just after Thanksgiving.  She sure gave us a scare--and we were happy to have her celebrate Christmas with us.

Grandma and Grandpa McIntire weren't able to come down for Tristan's birthday-so they gave him his gift at Christmas.  Can you tell by his reaction that he LOVED his gift?!

Family Halloween Photo 2013

This year our Ward had a Halloween party at the church.  Cortlynn had dance practice but the rest of us were able to attend.  Here is our family photo.

 

Everything Nutcracker in the McIntire Household

 

Since it is the last day of 2013, I need to hurry and update the blog so my yearly blog book I print isn't messed up. 

 

The last few months have been Nutcracker everything at the McIntire home.  This year Tristan wanted to be in the production-so of course, we told him yes.  Cortlynn was in the Waltz of the Flowers--one of my favorite numbers, and Tristan was a soldier in the battle scene.  Practices began in October and once November and December came along---there were weeks that we had practices 6 days a week.  CRAZY schedule-but the payoff is a beautifully done production of a Christmas classic. 

 

Tristan took the role of a soldier very seriously.  He practiced day and night--and became the best marcher his little legs could handle.  He was the smallest in stature, but the biggest in heart.  Each time I would go watch--there would be older girls telling me how cute my little Tristan was.  Devin and I are so proud of him and his talent.  He has now asked us if he could take ballet.  So-beginning next week-he will also be taking a ballet class. 

 

Cortlynn has become a beautifully talented ballerina, and this dance really showcased her talent.  Watching her for the almost 7+ minute dance made me so proud.  What dedication she has.

 Since the older kids practiced non-stop at the house for the Nutcracker, Kyra too became obsessed.  She will now sing the music around the house, dance with Tristan, she knows the ballerina dolls parts, and is constantly dancing.  She was stealing Tristan's ballet slippers so much-that we gave her some for her birthday.  Kyra wears them everywhere and all the time!

Tristan and Kyra dancing.  Of course she is in her tiara, pretty dress grandma Swanson made, and her ballet slippers.

such a serious soldier

And they bow-----