It's Christmas!!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  You can say that again!  With our Christmas countdown, fun family activities, neighborhood lights, and concerts to attend, it finally came time for one final evening of family fun.  We all gathered at Kim's house (Aaron, Dave and our families) and enjoyed a Mexican feast for a King.  The food was amazing, as usual, the decorations were just like Mom does it, and the company was even better.  It was fun to have these cousins together...that's all they wanted for Christmas...

Max and Nate

 Kate, Megan and Emma

 Playing minute to win it games...the cookie face is always a hit.  Surprisingly, most of the kids were able to do it!  Wahoo!

 Then came their favorite part, the Nativity.  As we sang the carols and read the story of the Savior's birth, it brought the spirit in and reminded us all, that this is what Christmas is all about.  The Savior's Birth and the reason we came to Earth - to learn and become more like him.  How grateful I am for the Savior and the sacrifice he made for me so that I could be sealed to these crazy, wonderful people for all time and eternity.

 Then we said our good-night's and headed home for our traditions...

Sprinkling Reindeer food...writing our Santa Letter....putting the key out for him, since we don't have a chimney....

Saying good-bye to our mischievous elf, Gus-Gus.  Love this crazy Elf!

 

 Putting out or stockings and saying our prayers.  Tucking the little ones in bed, trying to get them to go to sleep with so much excitement in the air.

Alas, they eventually fell asleep and Santa came, right on time!  

Since our cousin Addison is serving his mission here in Phoenix, we had prepped the kids again this year that we would be delivering his box to him first and then our Christmas morning would start.  We did allow them to open their stockings and enjoy the goodies in there...you know, the new underwear and socks are always a favorite!  And then it was off to deliver the package.

I am so impresesd with these kiddos.  When we asked them to do it, there wasn't even ONE whine about not being able to rip open into their presents.  How I love these kids!

 Then back home we went (a 45 minute trip one way) and Christmas at our house began!

The morning was filled with excitement...new bikes for everyone, toys galore, a new American Girl doll for Kate, Little pet shops and spin art for Lizzie, and Race tracks and Matchbox car sets for Max. 

They couldn't have been happier!

 And within a few short hours, all the gifts had been opened, wrapping paper adorned our family room, little people eating chocolate for breakfast, bike rides in our PJ's, and toys scattered everywhere, Christmas morning was over. We enjoyed the day playing together, having Aaron's and Kim's family over for lunch/dinner, playing games, and enjoying being together.  

Christmas was a success!