Christmas 2014

It was a wonderful, quiet Christmas Eve and day this year spent at home. 

 We enjoyed spending time together baking and preparing for Christmas day (including watching a movie together and a nap for Mom) We also enjoyed some of our favorite traditions including pizza for Christmas Eve dinner and then the dressing up and telling of the Nativity story.  Each year this looks a little different.  Some years we are at my parents or grandparents and we gather robes and tablecloths, some years we are at my in-laws and she has made some costumes for the children,  and some years we are at Tyler's grandparents with simple costumes given to over 50 grandchildren and brought into their part of the program by singing a Primary song, "This is the Season".  Each year we have different costumes and different people included, but the story and spirit I immediately feel as the patriarch of the family reads from Luke 2 is always the same.

This year Mary was played by Katelyn, Matthew was Joseph, Megan an angel, Andrew and Aubrey were wise men, and Tyler and I were shepherds.  We've enjoyed many Christmas hymns being played on the piano with the oldest four all playing the piano now so that was a fun addition, hearing them play and us singing through our favorite Christmas hymns.  

We also sang "Picture Christmas" and sent it to our grandparents, 

both out of state and alone this Christmas. 

Before climbing into bed, the kids set out a plate of cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer.

Matthew was quite worried about hearing Santa and the reindeer land on the roof because he didn't want to ruin it and go see them, but knew that if he heard them it would be really tempting!  We let him sleep with the bathroom fan on, so he wouldn't hear their landing.  :)

Christmas morning, he woke up at 5:30!  We put him off until 6:45 when he woke everyone up.  We had many fun surprises which always makes Christmas fun, but my favorite gifts are always the heart felt ones that someone made or thought a lot about the receiver and what would bring them happiness.  

Matthew was super excited to get these Ninjago Legos for his "joyful" gift 

 For Aubrey's "meaningful" gift she received the book "Focused" from Noelle Pikus Pace and was really excited after hearing her in person speak at Time Out For Women in Sacramento this fall.  She is an inspiration and Aubrey was excited to learn more about her and her life experiences.  

 Katelyn picked out a mini stapler she knew Aubrey would like, complete with pink staples!!

 Andrew was cheering when he opened his Ipod Nano, it was quite "joyful".

 Although not sure how to solve this yet, Megan thinks the Rubik's cube looks fun!

 And as a HUGE surprise, Aubrey squealed with delight at opening an IPHONE!! 

 Katelyn is happy with crafts, crafts, and more crafts!

 Santa truly delivered with this remote control car Matthew has had on his list all year!

The "BEST" gift of the day was a small paper that Matthew had wrapped up for Tyler.  You see Tyler is on "kiss rations"  with Matthew.  If Tyler kisses him too much, Matthew adds time onto how long it will be until he can kiss him again. Although, not the correct number of zeros this coupon gave Tyler 1,000,000 kisses!!  They were both pretty excited about this.

Lots of hugs all around:)

After the presents were opened we had breakfast (our favorite casserole along with some sugary cereals Santa had left) and opened our stockings.  They always have some favorite treats and a small gift or two. 

After a wonderful, lazy day in our pajamas reading new books and playing with new toys, and a ham lunch we all went to see the movie "Night at the Museum 3".  We enjoyed it and being together!