Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our friends and family. We love and appreciate you all. I didn't get Christmas cards sent this year. Not unusual for me. I have only sent them out once or twice in the last 5 years. I always have good intentions and poor execution on the cards. But just because we didn't send a card doesn't mean we weren't thinking of you....

We had a wonderful day celebrating with family. We recognize the true reason for celebrating and are greatful for the knowledge that we have of Christ's birth and his love for all of us. May we always remember all that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done for us.

The following pictures are from Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Christmas Eve we spent the night at my parents house. Karen and her family spent the night as well. Before we began the talent portion of the night, my mother gave us all new jammies to wear. She does this every year as the last night of the 12 days of Christmas. After we were all ready for bed we put on a talent show. I unfortunately recorded with the video camera instead of with my camera and still need to figure out how to upload those types of video. My dad had some pretty good songs. Kendall sang "All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth" (she is actually missing her 4 front teeth), Grace and Annie did some really cute primary songs, and Travis did a great handstand. It was loads of fun.

Before we ended the evening, my dad read from the scriptures about the first Christmas. Traditions are a wonderful thing and it so fun to pass them on to our own children.

Dad singing one of his funny songs. How I wish I could put up the video!!

Grandpa is so cute. He was a bit grumpy about putting
on his new pajamas, but he is so darn cute in them.

Grace did a little dancing for us.

Kendall and Jocelyn love their Tinkerbell pajamas.
Look a those cute smiles!!

Karen is always a blast to have around. She keeps me smiling.

It was a fun night for our family. I was so impressed with
Kendall's singing. She didn't get embarrassed and was so excited
about singing. It was a good confidence boost for her.

Christmas morning was a blast. The kids slept in (I know, it is totally unheard of). We woke them up at about 8:00 a.m. Kendall and Nathan snuck upstairs before everyone was ready and got into a bit of trouble!! We spent about 45 minutes looking at everything Santa had brought them. Then my sister Wendy called. She is serving a mission in Toronto, Canada (the same mission that Kyle served in). My sister Valerie got to the house just in time to say hello and good-bye Wendy. It was snowing pretty badly and they barely made it. After we were done talking to Wendy, my dad made waffles. This is a tradition in our family. My dad rarely cooks but he always has made Christmas breakfast. Yum!!
After breakfast we opened the rest of our presents. We were all very spoiled. What a fun morning.

Jocelyn loves her easel from Santa. It is a hit with all of the kids.

Kendall loves here new bike from Santa. It has handle
breaks and she is still getting the hang of using them. It
will be easier when the weather gets better!!

Nathan loves his bike as well. We can't wait for spring around our house!!

Santa has always brought our kids a puppy for their first
Christmas. Kendall had been very concerned about Logan getting
his puppy for Christmas. I am sure that she was more excited
about Logan getting it than he was!!

We left my parents house about 3:30. We almost didn't get out of their neighborhood. The snow was really bad and the snow plows had not come through. The snow was all the way up to the bumper of our minivan.
Kyle's sister Keri came over to our house for Christmas dinner. I didn't bring out the camera unfortunately. We had a good dinner and enjoyed Keri, Simon and Jerry sharing the evening with us. They ended up spending the night, not wanting to drive home in the dark and in the snow.
We had a wonderful Christmas!!