Merry Christmas

 Christmas Day was a good one.

We spent the morning at our house, with our little family.  The boys woke up not too early---8:30---and found some of what Santa left out for them.

By the way, the name of the book is Underpants Thunderpants.  {It's getting harder and harder to video, answer questions from all three boys at once, make sure the baby doesn't smash our Santa plate and cup, and make sure everyone opens what they're supposed to open!}

After some breakfast tacos and the Christmas story, we opened presents.

The boys really seemed to enjoy seeing their brothers open what they picked out for each other.

Ryan got a new scooter in the biggest present of all! 

Kyle was in Skylander heaven.

The boys loved their new Star Wars bedding---they're told they LOVE it, anyway--and Evan was kept busy with his new choo-choo.

We cleaned up a little, got dressed, and headed over to Grandma's house.  Santa had been there, too!!! 

The kids colored a little and played while we prepared a quick lunch.

Then, we read from the scriptures and shared what we are most thankful for.  I really love this tradition of Christmas and the spirit it sets.

Then, the gifting began.  We opened 3 at a time this year, and I think it went really well.  Grandma got her annual calendar, which she loved.  

Baseball stuff!!!!

Grandpa seemed pleased with the photo books we made for him of his latest trips.

Rebecca got a TEXAS SIZED box of chocolates!!!!

Baby Dayton ate and slept.

Fiestaware!!!

Grandma had some little bags made for Po.  He loves carrying stuff around in little drawstring bags!

Evan was getting cranky, so it was time for a quick nap.

Rebecca made ornaments for all of us!

And some cute mustache gear for Dayton.

 Stephen was super surprised over the Bose speaker he REALLY wanted!

Chris and Rebecca found me this beautiful purple and green blown glass for my collection!

Can anyone tell me what time it is???

SNOW!!!!!

WHOOOO is it???

Trayvon!

Evan woke up from a nap and opened his presents.  All the other kids were ready to help open and play, too!

After that, everyone had plenty to keep them busy--cooking, new toys, and iPads in the new tent.  It was fun catching up, spending time, and feeling the spirit of the season.    

We had a very merry Christmas this year! 

Build up to Christmas

 2013 was not my favorite year, but Christmas was the best of it.  I was able to get things done early, so there wasn't much stress toward the end.  I was worried about the weeks with no school, but the boys have been great!  We've played games, gone on a few park runs, shopped for last-minute gifts, and done crafts.

We attempted making salt dough ornaments with our thumbprints.  It wasn't a full success, but the boys had fun painting the final projects. 

We also had a surprise knock on our door one night and found out that we were one of our ward's families who received some help this Christmas.  It feels kind of weird to be the one on the receiving end, but we also feel very blessed. 

I had Christmas cards out early this year, too, thanks to help from the Young Women from my church.  You would think 90 would be enough, but with all our moves and friends from here to there, I'm sure there were some who were missed.  

I love this time of year! 

Tooth Fairy Visit

Kyle lost one of his two front teeth yesterday!  It had been loose for several days, and we tried many tricks to get it out--eating an apple, wiggling it--but FINALLY, it came out while Kyle was brushing his teeth!  He got to use his new tooth pillow!  Santa and the tooth fairy in the same week---LUCKY!  

Christmas Eve

 Tuesday was a VERY busy day.  I had chemo in the morning, and the boys went over to Grandpa and Grandma's house.  Afterwards, we waited for Dad to get off work and hung out with "the fam."  We got to eat a DELICIOUS dinner at Pappadeaux--the alligator was amazing.  Then, we came back to open our secret Santa stockings. 

Kyle and Ryan both picked out cars for Evan. 

Kyle was SO excited for Ryan to open his stocking.  He picked out Despicable Me 2 for his brother.

 Ryan picked out a nerf gun for Kyle, with the help of Dad.  Orignally, Ryan wanted to get Kyle a Skylander, but got talked out of it.  Afterward, Kyle told Dad, "next time, you can just go down the Skylanders aisle, okay?" 

Rebecca got the "Mary Poppins" stocking, complete with Jesus nightlight and a bag of rocks!

Uncle Hubba got the *real winner.*

 The Black African soap was a hit. 

I got some cute pink kitchen stuff, Grandma's fruit cake, and DP---which I didn't come home with! :(

 Stephen's stocking had the old stand-bys.

And a few gag gifts--edible undies, condoms, and candy nipple tassles.  Kyle said, "yuck, Dad.  You got a butt!"

Grandma got some goodies and a lot of laundry stuff.

 Grandpa's treats included one for the dog. 

By the time all of this fun was over, it was WAAAAAAY past bedtime.  This was the view when we arrived home. 

We got our second wind, got ready for bed, put out cookies for Santa, read a Christmas story, and it was off to bed for these tired boys.
  

Time for Santa to come!