Christmas time!

Christmas summary for 2011... It was Paige's 1st Christmas. She loved it. No really, she did. Of course her favorite things were wrapping paper, boxes, and bags. She got her first dolly (from Santa), clothes, toys, hats, and many more things to spoil her rotten. On a spiritual note, she was our greatest gift this year. After the crappy year that we had in 2010 it was such a blessing to have her here with us as a happy healthy baby!

Carter loved unwrapping presents this year. He also loved being the distributor of gifts on Christmas morning. As previously stated he got a wooden elephant but also got a mini kitchen with food. He also got games, puzzles, clothes, and lots of treats to keep him energized for all of the gift unwrapping.

During the day on Christmas Eve Mark's family came over.  Court, Diane & Aleeza. Rob, Jessica, Drew, Jake, Carson, & Madeliene. Julie, Mikey, & Emma. We ate a yummy Belgian waffle breakfast with bacon then opened presents from each other. All of the cousins draw a name to exchange gifts with and all of the in-laws do the same.

Even though Santa had to be crazy busy, he still made time to surprise our family on Christmas Eve! He showed up at our door while we were just finishing our get together with Mark's family! Santa took the time to listen to all of the kids requests and get pictures with each of them! Are we lucky or what?!

On Christmas Eve night we went over to my parent's house for a nice Christmas dinner. Colby & Cindy were there too. Carter and Paige got to open a few presents and guess what they got?! Pajamas!

The next day we woke up the kids and let them play with what Santa got them. Then we got ready and went to church. My parents came with us to our ward too. I LOVED going to church on Christmas. It was the best way to celebrate the meaning behind the holiday and concentrate on Christ.

After church Mel and Robin came over to watch the kids open some presents and chat. Then we were headed back to my parent's house so that we could be there for my brother's phone call! He is on his mission in Kennewick, WA and was able to call on Christmas! We were able to Skype with him as well as talk to him individually on the phone. I made sure to eat some homemade blue cheese dressing while I was Skypeing with him. I have to maintain my big sister harassment. He is doing great and it was fun to "see" him on Skype. We spent the rest of the day at my parent's house. Mostly it was spent helping Carter and Paige open all of their presents! We ate snack foods and later the Deckers came over to exchange gifts too. It was a great Christmas! I just wish we would have had some snow..

Santa Came!!

Playing with his space saving "mini kitchen"

Paige's stocking. It was mine growing up. I didn't get the chance to get her name on it but I think it is so fun that she is going to have my same stocking growing up!

After church with my sweet kids!

The first moments after waking up... checking out what Santa brought them

I got each of my kids a stuffed animal to identify their Christmas Eve gifts. Paige's said Baby's First Christmas 2011, Bridger's said Jesus Loves Me 2011 (we put his on his grave), Carter's didn't say anything but he has since named him "Sleepy Snowman."

Carter loved doing the advent calendars this year.

Mark helped Carter make this Gingerbread House one night from a kit. Turned out pretty cute!

Bridger spent his second Christmas with Jesus again this year. Still missing him!

One of Paige's 1st Christmas ornaments! (She got 3!)