Christmas morning

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. It was Anna's first ever of course, the boys' first that they are likely to remember, and our first time celebrating with just our little family. It was heavenly.

I was worried that we wouldn't have much, but Steve assured me that it would be fine. He was right of course. We made a lot of gifts and found great deals for everything else. Our Heavenly Father really provided for us.

I was also a little worried that the boys would be upset about not getting to open gifts before church. We have church at 8:30am, so there really wasn't time for much present opening. So we just opened stockings, went to church, and then opened the rest. The boys were fine with that though. How nice that they don't have any expectations yet.

The boys behavior at church was far from amazing, but they enjoyed the music, and we felt the Spirit. We spent a lot of time this month singing Christmas carols. I think music is one of the best ways to spread the true meaning of Christmas.

When we got home, the boys opened their gifts, and they loved them all. It is funny how our little Christmas ended up being so bountiful. God is so good, and he provided more than I thought possible.

And of course the best Christmas gift has already been given: our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we always remember Him, His life, His death, and His resurrection all year long. He is the way and the life.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas jammies!

Every Christmas growing up, we always opened one present on Christmas eve. And it was always pajamas. As a little kid, I can only imagine I thought it was cool. I got to open a present a day early! But as an older kid I remember thinking "Pajamas?!?! I want to open something good!" My mom continues the tradition, and as an adult, I love my Christmas jammies.

We decided to carry the tradition on in our family too. So here are the kids opening their Christmas jammies on Christmas eve. Afterwards we piled in the car and went to look at Christmas lights. Now whenever the boys wear these pjs, they ask to go look at lights.

David tearing in!

And he looks pleased!

Erik going at it.

Pajamas!!!

Anna opening her first Christmas present!!

Apparently, it is delicious.

All three kids in their new Christmas jammies. The boys just adore Anna.

And Anna adores them right back.

Happy, Merry Christmas Eve!!

Decorating our Christmas tree

Sorry about all the catch up posts.

David and Erik helped decorate the Christmas tree this year. They loved it! I would hand them ornaments, and they would place them on the tree. The ornaments ended up a little (well, a lot) clumped, but it was so fun to let them help, and they had a great time. And of course after I took pictures, I moved them all around so it looked nice.

Erik choosing a spot. You can see their favorite spot in this photo. They hung half the ornaments on one branch.

David placing an ornament on the tree.

Mommy handing out the ornaments.

This spot looks a little bare.

Ta da!!

Ready to ring in the holidays!