Christmas 2009

We had a great Christmas this year. The boys loved everything they got and still believe...whew! We stayed home this year and just hung out, played with our toys, relaxed and had some of our favorite people over for dinner that night, The Sorenson Family! I attempted (seriously attempted and never will again) to make pies, pumpkin and coconut cream. After my fourth attempt at the crust I gave up on perfection and went for just edible. They were o.k. I guess, but I stick with brownies and leave the pies to the professionals (my Mom and Aunt Robyn) :P. We had a blast playing games and laughing our heads off with a little High School Musical 3 blaring in the background. It was no "Professional Job" (thanks though to Kaitlyn and McAli for appreciating the details), but it was a great Christmas!

Santa Claus is coming to town!!!

Alex was the most concerened this year about making sure that Santa knew exactly what he wanted. He finally settled on a bow and arrow (something he had failed to mention to Mom or Dad, luckily there was one left in southern utah on Christmas Eve and we helped Santa to find it!) :D Dallin looks so grown up, almost too big to sit on Santa's lap. Derrick told him he would stay put long enough for a picture if Santa would hand over the candy he was sure was in his bag. Funny...and Zeke stayed long enough to snap a shot and then busted into tears. Zeke didn't quite make it all the way home. I looked back and there he was with visions of sugar plums dancing away propping his little head up like this. So cute!

Christmastime!!!

This is my new favorite Christmas song. I love the video that goes with it. This is what it's all about wrapped up into one cute song! Enjoy and Merry Christmas from the Alldredge Family!

Traditions...

For about four years now I have been really struggling with the "stocking issue" as I affectionately refer to it. I have wanted cute, handmade stockings and have made several attempts to do so, but I've hated them all. When my mom was down for my birthday, we spent the day sewing pillow cases for the kids for Christmas and she taught me a new trick for an inside-out seam. After weeks of thinking about it I decided I would again attempt the impossible and make more stockings, using my lessons as a guide! I am over the moon to report that I did it! I actually made stockings for all of us that I would use again the next year without embarrassment! I am very proud of them. They are uniform, country-ish, christmas-y and not too girly all wrapped up into one. They even have lining in them! I seriously can not believe I figured this out with no pattern or help! Whew! One more tradition in the bag!

I am also adding the pillow case tradition to the list as well. The kids loved it and they are darling! Thanks Mom!

Happy Birthday Dallin!

Dallin turned seven this week! I can not believe I am old enough to have a kid this age, let alone how fast he's grown up! He's been so excited waiting patiently for everyone else to have their birthday so that it could be his turn next.
He was so excited about the remote control car from Grandma, and is still wants the RC helicopter for Christmas. I think he really liked having something that all the other boys wanted too! :P Dallin wanted chocolate cake like Alex---I guess they take after their Mom in the cake respect---I LOVE chocolate!
He is growing up WAY too fast! He is so smart and talented. I don't remember boys this age being so responsible. He takes note of everything and is very curious. He has tons and tons of friends, loves school and life. We are very proud of him!
A side note:
You know as parents when you are trying to talk to each other and you don't want the kids to know what you are talking about so you spell out the word, for example:
"Hey Dustin, do you want to go for a drive and get some i-c-e-c-r-e-a-m?"
Well that doesn't work in our house any more. Dallin is on to the trick. He comes over a few minuets later ever time and says something like, "Hey Mom, when are we going to go get that ice cream that you were spelling out to Dad?" Darn-it! Our secrets are out! LOL! Happy Birthday Dallin!

Happy Birthday Alex!

Happy Birthday to Alex! Our little guy is turning 5! I can't believe he is five already! It's funny because I kind of mark the time we have lived in St. George by how old Alex is because I was pregnant with him when we moved here. He represents big changes in our lives (for the better) and so many blessings.He has been so excited about his birthday. Counting down the days. He knew exactly what he wanted and what he was going to wait and ask for for Christmas. Smart kid. He really really wanted walki-talkies and a chocolate cake. The walki-talkies were a hit, and I did my best with the cake. (I ended up way sick with an ear/jaw infection - no fun.) Alex is such a hoot. Always acting and loves to play. Can't wait to go to kindergarten next year. Some of his most recent accomplishments are writing his name, and crossing the monkey bars at the playground without missing one or falling. We love you Alex!