Christmas Memories

We had a lot of fun this Christmas season and were able to keep ourselves pretty busy and entertained.  I love the hubbub of the holidays and the excitement in the air as you get ready for it.  It's almost more exciting and enjoyable on the days leading up to Christmas than the actual day itself. Granted, with kids, the day is WAY more exciting than it used to be.  It just seems to go so fast.

This year we did lots to help us get ready for Christmas...

Daddy came home with a fun gingerbread house for us to put together for FHE.  Luckily each kid had their own side to decorate as they wished.  Addison was not a fan of Jonas' choice of decor.  He also enjoyed eating more than decorating but is that surprising?  ;)

We always get a good run out of the vending machine cars in the mall food court.  Okay, we use them for bribery to get them to sit on Santa without crying.  Thankfully, this is the first year we sat on his lap (or by his lap) without tears!  Wahoo!

We had some leftover treats from our neighborhood candy delivery that we left for Santa on Christmas Eve.  We even included some carrots for his reindeer.

And this is what Santa left for Addison in her stocking.  He knows her well.

Jonas' stocking.  So much it wouldn't all fit.  Aren't they lucky? 

Brooklyn's stocking.  She got the itty bitty sock but luckily Santa left her a few goodies outside of it too.

And yes, Santa was VERY good to us this year.  We are blessed. 

Napping after all that present-opening.  Addison and Jonas were gracious enough to share their toys with Brooklyn just in case she got lonely in that swing.

This is what nap time on Christmas Day looks like.  Curling up on the couch, surrounded by new toys, and watching the new movie of Monsters Univ that Santa brought us.  Isn't Daddy a genius?!

Participating in the commercial part of Christmas is always fun.  Especially with kids who make everything even more exciting.  However, I hope we always focus on the true meaning of Christmas and help teach our children the meaning behind why we celebrate the way we do.  Addison has become great at sharing the true meaning with us (frequently) throughout the Christmas season.  She has a great memory and can share many details about Jesus and being born in the manger and what a manger is and the star and the wise men etc.  Jonas mostly just plays with (and scatters) the pieces to the nativity but for this year we will call that good.  ;)  Lets hope next year he can relay the Christmas story in such intricate detail as his sister.  So grateful for all of our blessings throughout the year and especially on Christmas.  Grateful for a healthy and happy family and for the gospel of Jesus Christ to keep us focused on what really matters all year long.

Merry Christmas!