{The Chazen Family}: December

December was fun and a bit crazy. There were so many activities it made for a busy month.

Alexa had her school Christmas program and dance concert. She did very well at both. She danced so cute and sang most of her songs at the Christmas program. It was kind of long so I think she was a bit bored by the end.

We also had our fun ward party. Alexa was dead set against sitting on Santa's lap but after she saw most of the other kids doing it, she decided it was ok. It was Gavin who wasn't really up for hit. He sat on Greg's lap while Alexa sat on Santa's and I took pictures.

Since we have moved back I have re-connected with a good "old" friend who I have known since I was probably 5 years old. MaryAnn. We grew up dancing together. She lives a few streets down and teaches at a few dance studios in the area. We joined her and her family at the Festival of Trees early in the month. Alexa is MaryAnn's buddy and was stuck to her side the entire time. We also got to watch MaryAnn's classes perform. It was really fun but nap time came and we were ready to hit the road. Mr G wouldn't stay in the stroller and was trying to play on all of the toys surrounding the trees when I would let him out. Thankfully MaryAnn's sister-in-law was able to help me with the stroller while I was chasing the monkey.

My Grandma Dean from Minnesota visited for Christmas. I was SO happy that she came. It seems like I haven't seen her forever. It has been a several years. We were able to get in some good shopping and entertainment while she was here. She is so laid back and young. I think that we have very similar personalities so it was fun as always to visit with her.

Greg's family had their annual "Perry Progressive Dinner" before Christmas which is always a good time. We hosted the soup portion which was easy and I always love to entertain so it was fun to have them all over for a bit.

After talking about it with Judy we also decided we should do a progressive dinner for my Grandma to be able to see all of our houses before she went home. We got the main dish on that one. We decided on Cafe Rio Style chicken burritos and salad. Yum!

Christmas day as always was fun. We did 1/2 and 1/2 houses which made for a long day but it was well worth it to spend time with everyone we love on Christmas. We started out at our own house for the first time in 6 years! YAHOO! It was so fun to let the kids go crazy at home. Gavin's favorite gift by far was his basketball hoop. Alexa had a few favorites, princess roller skates and Hanna Montana Microphone headset and wig. She is a crack up with that thing. I'll have to get it on video. Funny stuff

Next stop was Greg's parents for breakfast and presents with cousins. Gavin loved everything he got, he is a toy magnet and Alexa fell in love with her Wedding Dress from the Chamberlains. How appropriate for the wannabe "wife". She wears it daily. They also got an amazing bounce house from Greg's parents. This will be a hit once the snow is gone! I can't wait.

After that, the entire Perry family headed over for more gifts (spoiled) and the white elephant game with the adults. It is always funny!

Next stop, Fred and Judy's house! My mom is always generous and invited a single woman from the ward to dinner. She was very sweet and happy to have some place to go. We had a delicious dinner and then it was time for MORE presents. Did I already say that my kiddo's are spoiled? Geeze. Grandma Dean was adorable and played Mrs Clause. She had a big huge bag of "bear" gifts for the kids. She is a bear lover. There are too many kids on our side so the kids each draw names and it is fun for them to give to the person that they picked and find out who their secret giver is. Grandma and Grandpa spoiled the kids as always as well. It was fun. We HAD to set up the big slide that Gavin got so that he could try it out. It was really funny, he wouldn't stop sliding. It was cute.

Now we are stuck trying to find a spot for all of the kid's stuff. Out with the old and in with the new is Greg's motto. I think we'll be taking a load to the DI of the old stuff that they don't play with anymore. ;)

Thanks everyone for SUCH a fun Christmas and December!