These two boys being silly on xmas morning!  Love their matching vests.  :)

Banks cooking in his NEW apron Grandma Gail made him.  Isn't it so cute!?

Banks was so excited to get snow for Christmas!  He could not stop smiling the entire time he was out in it!

Banks got this neat puzzle for Christmas from the beloved neighbors , Elton and Lorna.

Christmas Morning excitement!

Sorry this pic is a little blurry.. its the only picture I have though of the two of us on Christmas morning.

More snow fun!!

I got SUPER SPOILED this year by my mom... I got a bosch mixer!!  Wow, wow, wow is all I can say.  Someone still needs to pinch me because I'm not sure if its a dream or not!

The SWEETNESS of this lil boy is unbelievable!  

What a great daddy!  Taking snow up the back and down the pants just so he could do snow angels with his boy!

I must say, I am pretty proud of this beauty.  Yes I made it ALL !  From the crust, to the filling, to the chocolate curls...

I also made an apple pie...
This was on Christmas Eve.  I hosted the family dinner.  My menu was Prime Rib, Grilled chicken in a homemade mushroom sauce, Green bean casserole (with a homemade mushroom sauce), Raspberry pretzel jello salad, Homemade rolls, Green salad, Mashed potatos and Gravy.  Sorry I didnt get a picture of all the food.  Guess we were too busy stuffing our faces!  :)

Banks with his "Pa Pa" Maruji.  Look at the magic sparkle in Banks eyes!  He's very intently watching as "Papa" performs his famous 'disappearing penny trick!'  (My favorite!!)

A better picture of Banks in his new apron helping mom make rolls for the debut in the bosch!

This is what I made to take to Japanese New Year Years.  (More details about Japanese New Years below)

Sorry this pic is a little blurry.  Lets talk about the BEST/FAVORITE Maruji tradition ever!  So my Aunt Diane and Uncle Don for years have been hosting "Japanese New Years" on new years day and inviting all the family.  Every year it might very slightly, but one thing is CERTAIN: Lots of delicious Asain food!  This year was so fun because there was sooooooo much delicious, Maruji-handmade sushi!  So not only is there endless delicious food, but its so fun to see all the family and get caught up!

Isn't this SO beautiful!?

I had to save the best for last!..PERFECTION!

(Sorry this pic is a little blurry) After everyone stuffed themselves at Japanese New Years,  Grandma Minnie (who is 90 years old) took all the kids in the gym to play the infamous "I have a lil Doggy" i.e. similar to duck, duck goose.  And the best part is, is Grandma Minnie still runs and chases the kids around!  No joke!  She is so amazing.  I hope one day I am as agile as she is!  90 never looked so good.

Banks finger painting with one of his best friends: Kate!

At our ward Christmas party Banks dressed up as a lil shepherd in keeping with the theme "A Night in Bethlehem".

  We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and wish you the very best for 2015!!