Bridger is Seven

Just a few days after my ER visit was Bridger's birthday.  I had a good portion of it planned ahead of time but not the entertainment.  We decided we couldn't cancel the party.  So we had ten crazy boys, a barely functioning mom, a terrified dad, and nothing to do.  My friend made the cake for me, which was a life-saver.  It was a work of art but she announced that would would be eating it at our own risk...she and her kids had been throwing up all night.  At this point the cake was the party so we served it.  (no one got sick)

Bridger wanted a repeat of last years party.  A Star Wars theme.  Last year Darth Vader aka Dad showed up at the party and all the kids fought him.  This year Bridger wanted to be Darth Vader.  We dragged that out as long as we could and then I found a transformers game that I had from past birthday's and then we just sent them outside in the mud.  Derek cannot handle kids in our house, it makes him crazy!  Luckily, Bridger couldn't tell it was a less than perfect party.  He had a great time with great friends.

The happy birthday boy.

aren't these two sweet

jn

The beautiful flu-laced cake

Jedi training

Clockwise from bottom left: Alex, Andrew Richins, Nathan Emerson, Peyton Boyer, Bridger, Mathew, Ben Bennion, Lilly aka Snow white, Nathan Mauery, Rigby Lathen, Ian Wilde, Cole Rawlins

The kids are growing up

Today was one of those days when you realize your kids are growing up fast.  We realized we would never have another kid in Nursery!  Lilly moved up to "big girl Primary".  She was a little nervous because she didn't know the songs but then found out she can hum the tune and that made her very excited.

Bridger showing off his lost tooth...

Lilly showing off her moves.

sdf

First day of Primary for Lilly and Bridger moved on to the CTR 6 class.  One thing I know for sure is that these kids have moves.

Another lost tooth

Christmas

Christmas Eve started at 10:00 am and went ALL day.  We started at the Johnson's.  We had a fun get-to- know you game.  Bridger loved telling everyone about himself.  Grandma and Grandpa gave them the traditional PJ's

They also gave each kid one of their favorite treats that they got all to themselves.  Lilly was obviously happy about it.

All the grandkids: Carter, Brinlee, Austin, Jade, Aubrey, Bridger, Katelyn, Perry, Lilly and Baylee

We headed out to the Doman's where we celebrated uncle Ryan's birthday and then had the Christmas program.  We start with acting out the Christmas story.  Lilly insisted on being Mary...there was no question.

The cutest picture ever!

After the Christmas story, we sing Christmas carols and then play Hide the Thimble.  It's a family favorite. Lilly had her own version- hide the baby doll. 

Then it was back to the Johnson's for one of our own family tradition's.  We always feed the reindeer.  The kids love it.  They make the food and then put it in bags that Bridger made when he was three.  We leave them on the porch.

On Christmas morning that is the first thing they want to see.  This year Rudolph left them an apple.  (I think it had something to do with the wind and not wanting the bags to blow away)
Overall it was a great Christmas.  Lilly asked for a piano and a Tuba.  Santa left a nice note explaining why he was unable to bring a tuba but promised if Lilly would eat her vegetables and still wanted a tuba after she grew a little, then he would bring it for her.  He knows her and her willingness to eat vegetables.

Bridger also got a note from Santa telling him that the Wii that he wanted was waiting for him back in Oregon.  Bridger was one happy boy.

christmas in Utah part 2

The kids and I had tried to go to the lights at Temple Square, but it didn't work out.  So I took the kids down during the day.  We walked around a bit and the ended up at the Church Museum. They had a great section for kids with a lot of activities.  My kids LOVED it.

B

Bridger has always loved Moroni.  He had a mini version of this in his room for years.  He was so excited to get his picture next to a "real" version.