This year was Belize's first Christmas where she semi-realized what was going on. She had a lot of fun running around with her cousins and chasing Dutchess (the Hawkin's pomeranian) although it was terrified of her (with good reason). And as if she isn't already the star of the show in our eyes, she tore off her lamby ears (she was originally a sheep), pushed baby Jesus aside and climbed into the cradle. Maybe she didn't want to worship him from afar. Or maybe she remembered her prior role as baby Jesus from last year and wanted a piece of the action. In any case it was fun to watch her enjoying everyone and we had a very merry Christmas eve. The other thing we tried this year was to have our own Gregg FHE (family home evening) after the big Christmas party. It was nice to have an hour or so to sing hymns and pray. Kyle gave a very thoughtful lesson about focusing on Jesus Christ's birth and what it meant to the world and to each of us. We also wrote down our gift to Him this year and we will read them again next year to see how we did. I think we will make this a new family tradition.














Cousin Marie and Aunt Richelle















Belize's Christmas talent was shaking bells to "Jingle Bells." Super cute!





























Belize and her 9 month old cousin, Madilyn.

We started the afternoon attempting to go to Snoqualmie, however when the cars in front of us stopped and we turned on the radio only to find out we had 2 hours of traffic before we could arrive at our destination, we promptly took the next exit to play in the snow at mile post 42. Belize was so delighted with the snow that I barely could keep up with her cuteness on the camera. I had a really hard time choosing which pictures to post so bare with my excessiveness.

If you know me at all, you know that I am somewhat of a sweets conisuier, so believe me when I say that this recipe is simply delectable. I used to make it every year with my grandma.

Easy Frango Mints:

*1/2 c. butter * 3 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
*1 1/2 c. powdered sugar * 2 tsp. vanilla
*2 eggs * 1 tsp. peppermint extract

Line a 8 by 8 pan with foil, then using a stick of butter, coat the foil with a thin layer of butter. Melt 2 c. chocolate chips (set aside the extra 1 c.) in the top of a double broiler. In mixing bowl cream butter & pwd. sugar together. Add eggs and beat well. Add melted chocolate, vanilla, and beat until smooth. Add peppermint and mix well. Chill in foiled pan. When completely stiff, melt then melt 1 c. chocolate chips and spread a thin layer on the top. Chill again. (If desired, you can flip, and add another layer on the bottom.) After hardened cut into small squares. These make great neighborly christmas gifts.

Maybe you've heard about a little thing called DANCING WITH THE STARS?!?!?!?! You know, fake tans, shiny sequins, and flashy costumes. Well, I did . . . dance with the stars (technically the only dancing I did was in my seat but I was about 10 feet away from the real thing and resisted the urge to run on stage). My mom and my sister got me a ticket through my old dance team (Pacific Ballroom) for dress rehearsal, we got to sit on the floor . . . AT THE FANCY TABLES!!! The dancing was great and the band was the best one i've ever heard. It was AMAZING!!!! I haven't been this giddy since I got to perform at the Marriott Center for Ballroom in Concert. Then afterwards I got to meet Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, they were both very nice.!!! I'm trying not to sound like a pre-teen girl with braces and a pink cell phone but tee hee, you would have been too (I was 10 feet away from Joey Lawrence and Drew Lachey). Pretty much the best night ever.

Oh, what can I say but I love this little girl! She lights up my life by being her joyful self.

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
   Tulley's grande hot cocoa w/ whip
   
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
   In the living room by the fireplace
   
3. Colored lights on the tree/house or white?
   Either one on the tree, depending on the theme but definitely white for outside!
   
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
   No but that is a great idea for extra nookie.
   
5. When do you put your decorations up?
   It gets spread out over the month of December the key is getting them all up before New Years Eve before you have to take them down.
   
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
   Does Aunt Faye's salad count as a dessert? or how about breakfast souffle!
   
7. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
   Homemade w/ Grandma frango mints (tradition)
   
8. Favorite holiday memory as a child? All of us cousins sitting on the stairs before we got to go downstairs and see what Santa brought.
   
9. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
   I can't even remember
   
10. What do you leave for Santa?
    Cookies and milk and carrots for the reindeer.
    
11. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
    Pajamas but only if we shared a special talent at the family Christmas Eve party (it was so embarrassing).
    
12. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
    Every year since I was born my parents have gotten me a Christmas ornament, somehow I was the only kid who made it to 20 ornaments ( the benefits of being the oldest). However this year Christmas will be celebrated sans tree due to the one year old who lives at our house.
    
13. Snow: love it or hate it?
    Love it for a few days, then it just gets gross here in Seattle.
    
14. Can you ice skate?
    Yes, ever been to that ghetto rink at the Seattle Center?
    
15. Do you remember your favorite gift?
    My favorite gift is just being with my family.
    
16. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
    Traditions (ever seen Fiddler on the roof?), the feeling of Christmas (everywhere is decorated, people are happier) and remembering my Savior, Jesus Christ was born here on earth just like all of us were and the great man He became.
    
17. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
    Extended family Christmas party and spending the night at Grandmas
    
18. What tops your tree?
    Nothing, sad. But my parents' tree always has a sweet angel w/ blond hair and a red velvet dress that my Uncle Mark gave to my mom.
    
19. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
    I actually prefer thinking of the perfect gift for each person because it makes me think of that person and why I love them so much!
    
20. What is your favorite Christmas song?
    Carol of the Bells!!
    
21. Candy Canes:
    Are okay I guess, if I'm in the mood but I prefer chocolate.
    
22. What is your favorite Christmas Movie?
    Mister Kroogers Christmas or Rudolph (the claymation one)

My grandma is the only person I know who likes fruitcake! Yuck! It should be banned from Christmas.

Trey, I think that Amanda is almost ready for you, only wait until they unpack their new house and send out those Christmas cards. Shellie Ford and I hosted a baby shower for Amanda, it was tres fun, I love the girls from our ward! P.S. Sorry, Hughy, you didn't quite make it in the picture, but we know you're handsome anyway.

Well, it happened. It snowed in Seattle. Brannon has spent the last week watching all of the weather forecasts, checking weather.com, and looking at the WDOT cameras on the pass (he gets a little snow crazy). It only lasted one day and practically melted the second it touched the ground but it was Belize's first snow (not counting last year) and she was fascinated. She kept running over to the window in our house and screaming and Brannon followed suit.

Despite being sick last week and throwing up on Brannon, Aunt Sarah and me (separate occasions), Belize still managed to be her busy self. She wore herself out so badly that she fell asleep on the couch, a first.

These are misc. pics from our phone, i've been meaning to put on the computer. Poor Naya, she puts up with so much abuse from Belize and then she even has the audacity to fall asleep on her. Abuelo on the ferry ride from Hood Canal. Belize loves to play on Abuela & Abuelo's deck.

Belize had a great time at her 1st birthday party. She ran around from person to person, loved her birthday frosting but threw the cake part onto the ground, and when the night was all done she spit up green frosting. What a perfect day!

Hey we're all in the picture at the same time! If only we could get one where we were all smiling, I might send out Christmas cards.

One of Belize's favorite presents was a box of tissues her Aunt Richelle gave her. :)

Brannon has officially returned from his mistress (Harborview) and decided to rejoin our little clan. Yeah!! To celebrate we took a little trip to his parents' cabin in the Hood Canal. And although we came back smelling a little like skunk (who apparently died close to the house) we had a blast. Belize enjoyed the ferry ride and even liked the intense wind, I'm surprised it didn't blow her over. Abuela, Abuelo and Tia Xochi joined us the next day for lunch and in time to watch Belize get a shiner on the cast iron furnace. Brannon brought his snorkeling gear and dry suit so he brought us all kinds of fun creatures to touch. It's nice to have him back, we missed him!

"This is the song that never ends." Does anyone remember that song, the theme song to Lambchops (the lamb puppet who sounded like Carol Channing*)? This is the song that we Gregg kids brought out for special occasions (ie. road trips, FHE, or just to annoy the parentals, it was our secret weapon).This is a shout out for the Anti-Lambchops! Belize's birthday is coming up and I'm on the hunt for a tried and true adult-friendly** children's CD. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!




*an American singer and actress. The winner of three Tony Awards (including a lifetime achievement award), a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nominee, Channing is best remembered for these roles: Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly!, and Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Milly.
**something that makes adults want to pull their ears off and throw them into a deep abyss.