CHRISTMAS

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. My parents flew in from South Dakota for a few days and it was so nice having them here. The spirit of Christmas is one of my most favorite things on earth. It just has such a special feeling.  I love the fact that my Savior, Jesus Christ, can bring so much peace and happiness into our home.

We ran to the gym and did some errands early on Christmas Eve day, then Grandma and Grandpa arrived about mid-morning so we just relaxed around the house. Our biggest wish came true when it started to snow in the afternoon! Chris cuddled Ben on the rug in front of the fireplace and watched the snow fall before our prime rib dinner.

Olivia and Ben, delivering cookies to a neighbor down
the street.

Our Christmas Eve program is the same every year and we love it. First we act out the nativity and Chris is always the donkey. The rest of us get to rotate roles but not him! I scored the role of Mary this year, thanks to my belly.

After acting out the story, we watched the five minute "Nativity" video. Then it was upstairs for dessert and to listen to Chris read "The Night Before Christmas" to the family. The kids opened their Christmas jammies and their gifts to each other before getting Santa's plate of goodies ready. Bedtime is supposed to be next but excitement usually wins out! The kids started sleeping together in Olivia's room a few years ago and that has become a fun tradition. Ben outlasted them all this year, undecorating Olivia's tree while his siblings slept on!

Christmas morning came early. They were all in our room by 5:50am this year. I think they had been up at least an hour. We watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" for a few minutes in our room while we waited for Grandma and Grandpa, who were told to come over from the hotel about 6:00am. We had a family prayer and then things got crazy....

Wide awake...

Grandma, holding them off while we "check" to see if Santa has been here

Wishes came true....Olivia got a microscope and
Nick a real rocket to launch.

Ben was excited about his airplane and pop gun 

The best part of Christmas morning is watching the excitement of the kids. They get so excited over every little thing. Better than any of the gifts though was seeing how gracious they were, quickly giving out "thank yous" and hugs.

Nick, handing out the gifts

Ben neatly laid out each of his presents so he could see them all

Livi's wish came true....butterscotch suckers from See's Candies!

After a big breakfast, we spent the rest of they day playing new wii games, checking out Liv's microscope, trying out to art supplies and putting together toys. (I think a few naps were taken by the big people, too!)  It was a wonderfully relaxing day in every way. 

On Sunday morning, we took my parents to the Visitor's Center in Independence. There was a beautiful art display dipicting Christ's life as well as some awesome exhibits explaining the history of the church. The "Families Are Forever" presentation had us all in tears, the spirit was so strong. It was a really great way to finish off my parent's visit!