December

Megan and Amanda came home from South Dakota with several skirts that were Grandma's during her high school and college days. It is amazing how well the skirts fit and how the styles look like we just bought them at the store.

We got to visit Santa before Christmas. The kids were willing to get their picture taken, but no one really wanted to sit on his knee and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

I think this is the last year Rebecca will get to be baby Jesus in our Christmas Eve nativity.

We all (except Todd) got new pajamas on Christmas Eve.

One of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions is actually one the children started on their own. They decorate a little tree in the basement and then fill it with many gifts. All the gifts are either homemade, their own toys, or things they bought with school or piano points. They put a lot of thought and effort into coming up with all the presents. The kids are so genuine and so excited to watch someone open a present they gave. It is truly the real spirit of giving.

We open a Christmas book each night in December as we count down until Christmas, but we save 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to read on Christmas Eve.

Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!

Santa brought Rebecca a car seat. She was thrilled. Can't you tell?!

Joshua really was thrilled with his new Storm Trooper gun from Santa.
Santa also armed Ethan for battle.

Santa brought Amanda and Megan sewing machines. They spent ALL of Christmas day sewing and made several new outfits for their dolls.

Jared was especially surprised Santa brought him an i-touch.

Aunt Wendy was able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us.

Santa knows I love to read.

Todd has an uncanny ability to guess what is inside EVERY present. Todd shakes, feels and even smells ("Smells blue!") the presents before declaring his guess. The kids are always amazed!

We love Christmas because we get to spend more time together as a family and also spend more time thinking of our Savior.