Playing in the Snow

My favorite Christmas movie growing up was White Christmas. I longed to have a "White Christmas." Now that I know how much work it is to actually live in the snow, it is fun to just visit.




The kids had a great time. Jeff and I aren't skiers so we just stick to sledding.

Claire was a little nervous at first but loved going down the hill.

Jared was fearless as always and took his sister down the hill.

Jeff caught this shot of Leah and me with faces full of snow.

Lucas and Claire enjoyed eating the snow the most.

Post-Christmas Trip to the Cabin

The day after Christmas we headed up to my parents' cabin in Arnold. It is about a half-hour away from Bear Valley so the kids love going to the snow. It is a great time to relax and spend some special time with Grandma and Grandpa.




Claire spent a lot of time cuddling up to Grandma.



Grandma and Grandpa were trying to play their evening game of cribbage and suddenly they were surrounded by the entire gang. Claire even got her own set of cards.

It snowed the first night that we were there. The kids couldn't wait to take a walk with Grandma.

Christmas Morning

Santa came through again this year.




Lucas loved his lightsaber.


Leah loves to sing so she got a guitar.

Jared got a LandShark. It is this cool knee scooter that you steer with handle bars. Uncle Josh tried it and ate a bit of asphalt.

Claire got her own microphone. She loves to sing her Aladdin songs.

The kids also went to the dollar store and shopped for everyone in the family. It was fun to see them get into the spirit of giving.

Christmas Eve with Santa

We are lucky enough to have Santa visit us before we go to bed on Christmas Eve. Everyone loves it, including Duke. (Santa loves dogs.)

Lucas and Claire had lots to tell Santa. Claire said she was hoping for a candy cane. She's no dummy - she saw Santa handing them out to her siblings, and you know what they say about a bird in the hand...

We love to tell Santa what we are wishing for!

It was a great way to end a fun day... We had been out to Korean food, and headed up to the Oakland Temple to see the lights and read the Christmas story out of the Bible.

The Schultz Grandchildren

Christmas Eve morning we went by my sisters' house to take pictures of the grandchildren. Nothing like waiting until the last minute to get my parents' present together.




It only took ten minutes and we were done. Of course we needed to take a crazy picture. It is so nice to have the kids grow up so pictures aren't so difficult.

The Anderson Family Christmas Card

Normally our Christmas card would contain photos of the kids, but since you've obviously found your way to our blog, I'm sure you've noticed there is no shortage of those in other posts. :)

Our feelings about this time of year are perfectly captured by Jared in this video. He sings "The Baby Jesus," which was written and composed by his great-grandmother, Claire Stoddard Poelman.

(FYI: The embedded video player cuts off the right side of the frame; if you want to see the video in its full HD glory, click twice and it will take you to YouTube.)

We are so blessed with wonderful family and friends. Thanks to each of you for your love and friendship. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Andersons!

They Really Do Like Each Other

Every once in awhile we catch the kids all getting along. It is amazing when it happens all at the same time. Jared is such a good brother. Chaos started again right after the picture was taken.

Visit with Santa

Santa was at our church Christmas party this year. It is always fun (and surprising) to hear what they have to tell Santa.

Lucas's Nativity Play at Preschool

Lucas is 4 and goes to preschool at the most adorable school. Each year the Pre-K group does a Nativity play. It brings everyone in the room to tears.

Lucas was a Wiseman.

Lucas with his best girlfriend, Annie. She made the perfect Angel.

Jared in "Willy Wonka"

Jared was excited to be cast in the role of Charlie in his school's production of "Willy Wonka." It was his first time being able to play a kid instead of the villain. The cast and director did an amazing job and put on the whole show in 6 weeks. I am not the most unbiased person, but Jared brought the house down with his great acting and his sweet soprano voice. See for yourself in the videos linked below.



The "I love to burp" song is a favorite of my little kids.

When Charlie finds the "Golden Ticket."

The Candy Man Finale.

Deborah was the musical director.