And.... Finally....The Rest of Christmas!!

I am SO- FAR -BEHIND!!!  Oh well-- baby steps is the only way I will get caught up!  Here is the rest of Christmas -- "The Missing Pictures!"  

CHRISTMAS MORNING AT THE CRANES

Allie wrote this cute note to Santa and was so excited that he had written back!

Since Christmas was on Sunday this year, with church starting at 9am...... we decided to only open stockings before church!  The kids were delighted!

There were a few toys left out-- they just couldn't resist!  The funny thing is- (now that it is May- and I'm just writing about this) is that at the time- we thought this was way too big for Jackson.  He is loving it everyday now-- the boy is growing!!!!

All of the kids had saved to buy each other something spectacular.... 

This was Josh's idea of spectacular for Zack!!

Zack made us an awesome knitted purse, and ornaments-- We love our Cute Zack!!!

Santa decided this was the year of talents--We already talked about this earlier.  Instead of a bunch of junker toys that are lost in minutes-- we got guitars!  Sunday strum fest is a blast!

Then we were on our way to Utah!!  This was our first big trip with all the gear and Jackson-- Crazy Crazy drive--- but we made it!!!  

Here we are at the Crane Gift exchange-- Kate had Allie!  Allie was in heaven- she loved everything Kate had given her!  All of the kids loved their gifts-- Thank you everyone!

Then we were on to the Adult Gift Exchange!  None other but a great white elephant extravaganza!!  Paul got some sweet "Twilight books!"  Nice!!!

Becky got the lucky prize!!  The old phone that hung on the wall for YEARS!!!  That one truly is a memory!!  

We celebrated Mom's birthday!!

And she even got her annual picture Calendar!!!   Even though it might get old getting the same gift every year, Mom is so gracious- and appreciative!  We all love looking at each other's pictures-- that's the fun part!  

Remember how sick everyone got?!?!?!?  I feel like I already wrote all of this- so these pictures all just have a brief "recap!"  Here we are all headed out of the house to  get some fresh air!!    Those that could  went to Temple Square!!  The group that came..... Paul &  Raeanna's family, Stephanie & Paul's family, Brian & Laura's family and Us!  We only wished everyone was able to come!!

Glorious Temple Square!!!

Christopher, Kate and Allie standing in front of the beautiful ponds!  We were all loving every minute of the temple grounds.  From watching the "Nativity" to all of the Lights and excitement-

It was amazing!!!  

Fun laughs in the car!!!

Heading back to the car-- in our matching strollers (we didn't even know we were matching!)  We must be family-- great minds think alike!!!  Both of the Jackson's -- hanging tough through all the sights!  Our little Jackson won't ride facing backwards. He has to be part of the action at all times!! After this trip we realized it was time to turn him around!!!  

Fun, Fun times being all together!!!  We really love all the moments, and memories hanging out and having fun together!!  What a blessing to be surrounded by such incredible examples!!!  

WE love you all so much!!!    And by the way-- Happy May!!!  :)