Oh no they weren't... they were waiting for presents, instead!
Tradition is that they have to come wake mom and dad up and dad goes to see if Santa really came.
Katie with some new clothes.
Bryce with a puzzle...
David with his Zoom-O.
Seth with his R/C motorcycle.
Isaac with his boxing gloves...
And finally... princess Cassie.
Proof that I was there... Less anyone wonder! :)
The discus thrower.
Angels and Demons anyone? A trip to Vatican City is absolutely necessary in Rome.
The frescos painted in the Vatican are absolutely stunning. Neither words, nor pictures can do them justice. My appreciation for ancient artists has greatly increased.
Yes, this is one of THOSE pictures... one that you see all the time in books and magazines and here I am seeing it for real! Michaelangelo, DiVinci, and Raphael all pictured here.
The view from the top of the Basilica. You actually have to pay for the opportunity to climb all 551 steps to the top. The view, is totally worth it , though.
One of the buildings behind the Basillica. We didn't know who lived here, but it was sure nice. Can I move in?
In front of St. Peter's Cathedral.
However, that aside, the excavation process is amazing and to be able to uncover an entire city with so many amenities... even though they were ancient is absolutely undescribable. Those people were brilliant. Using gravity to create water pressure for fountains... AMAZING!
Daytime view of the Colloseum. Talk about one amazing structure. Even going to a NFL football game cannot come close to the awe inspiring creation the Romans built!
The view under the floor where the gladitors trained and the animals were held for the games.
A view from farther away.
I think these are the steps where Cesear was killed. I mean, we walked right there, on those same stone streets that were built in the BC period! Can't get over it!
This guy, I think his name is Marcus Arrelius, who no one really remembers anymore, thought so much of himself that he built a monument to himself. His mustache is 5 ft long! His horse is over 42 ft long. I guess he really wanted to be remembered. What was his name again?
Went to the Borghese Art Gallery where there were some amazing paintings. We were only allowed to be there 2 hours. That's all you get. Wanna see more? Have to come back, but have to purchase your tickets early because these guys don't sell tickets at the door. They sell out too fast.
Isaac decided a LONG time ago that he was going to be a dog and I told him that would be fine. I didn't know it was THIS costume that he wanted... which was way to small, but he would not be detoured.
The night before Halloween was so cold at our ward trunk or treat that we had to dress Cassie in a warm costume. I'm glad it warmed up so she could be the little ballerina.
Cassie was off to the block party. Didn't matter if anyone else was coming or not. She is giving me a lot of gray hairs!
Here are all my kids right before heading over to the neighborhood block party for hot dogs before trick or treating. 
Katie decided that she wanted to be a dice this year. It was a little inconvenient to move in, but she loved the attention she got from it!
I don't have any idea where the obsession with Vampires came from this year, but Bryce and David both decided they needed to dress up like them.
David LOVED it! He wanted to know why I didn't like the "scary" things of Halloween. Rather than explain, I gave in and let him be a vampire.
Seth was determined to be Anakin Skywalker again this year. Thanks Mary for the costume!
Isaac and Lawana posing for a picture while dad tried to figure out the camera.
It was at least 75+ degrees outside at this point, but Seth was so excited to wear his hoodie that he just had to put it on.
David quickly followed suit and sat right up close to the fire to stay "warm" at 75.
Katie was a huge help in gathering firewood. We can't camp without a fire, right? I mean, what would S'mores be like anyway?
And then it was off to bed. It took a little while to settle them down, but they all just love camping and were happy to be in the outdoors.
Clint and Jeff were our official breakfast makers after enough comments on how our sheep herders stew didn't measure up to "dad's".
Jeanette was the designated dishwashe... or maybe she took the job, knowing how to do it the best.
Cassie and Jenna posing for the camera... Never a dull moment with these two!
Skylar, Katie, Cassie, Jacob, Bryce, Isaac and Seth. About half way thru the hike. It was 80 something degrees so they decided it was too hot to hike.
Brett was pretty excited!
All the kids were so excited that they had to rush the field after it was over. They didn't know why we were so excited, but it definitely rubbed off on them! Then they all wanted to wear his helmet and take a picture with it.
David
Bryce
Seth
Isaac
And finally, Katie. 
I can't believe he is 7 already! I hope all the wishes you made on your birthday come true!
The kids all got to play musical chairs while Poppy played the piano in the other room.
He asked for breakfast for his birthday dinner, so we had bacon, sausage, hashbrowns and eggs. He loved it.
Yes, we now are the proud owners of not just one, but 2 gerbils. This was a real stretch for me... rodents in the house... gotta love it!
And then, of course, there was the ceremonial decorating of the cupcakes. This is a tradition that the kids just love! Happy Birthday Seth! Sure love you!
