Christmas! 2010

We had a great Christmas this year. We were able to spend time with most of our families and relax and really enjoy each others company. We had brunch and a white elephant gift exchange at my parent's house on Christmas Eve day,  then had our traditional appetizer dinner at the Shaffers house followed by a white elephant gift exchange, The Christmas story, singing, and dancing. Santa came to our house and we enjoyed Christmas morning watching Carter open all of his gifts. After we opened our gifts we went over to my parent's house for more presents! And we had our traditional ham dinner with yummy potatoes, rolls, and fruit salad. After dinner we played games and ate lots of snack foods. I loved it, and I am glad that all the hard work that we put into Christmas was worth it!

One funny side note, throughout December when I and other people would ask Carter what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas he would say Marshmallows. I don't know where he got that idea from since he doesn't even like to eat marshmallows but Santa did end up bringing him a bag of marshmallows which he could have cared less about! Silly kid! Mom had already wrapped him up a marshmallow gun which he loves!

This is the front of our Christmas card.. I love this picture of Carter. 

(And sorry if I didn't end up getting one sent to you)

 Carter opening up his jammies from Grandma on Christmas Eve.

 Even though we are kind of blurry in this picture, I love how cute Carter looks.

 Carter wearing Drew's goofy glasses on Christmas Eve. 

He is also wearing the backpack that came with a sleeping bag in it from Grandpa Court and Grandma Diane!

 His new train stuff from Santa! Notice the yawn..

 Santa found so many awesome stocking stuffers this year. Carter's sock was stuffed to the brim!

 How cute! Matching ties!

 Mark got Carter this KNEX rollercoaster set and even though it took Mark a day and half to put it together Carter loves the end result!

 Carter loves his aquadoodle

 German pancakes for breakfast on Christmas morning. 

These things are so easy to make, and no, it isn't burnt.

 Uncle Drew got Carter and the new baby matching U of U shirts. 

Uncle Drew is a little bit obsessed with the U.

He loved his tent from Uncle Colby!

 That is one big present... what could it be?

 It is a toolbench from Grandma and Grandpa!

 The pajamas I made for Mark and I.

 The back of Mark's shirt.

 Carter's haul... he insisted on putting his gloves from Rachel on..

 The baby's gifts... (from Grandma and Uncle Drew)

Sporting his new U sweatshirt.

And of course we thought of Bridger too. Having Bridger this year really brought a new meaning of Christmas for me. It helped me relate to Mary a lot more, having to lose her perfect son. We know that Bridger is spending time where he should, in Christ's presence, and we are grateful to know that. It sure was hard not having him with us though.