Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was awesome. The kids were so cute. Josh had hooked up his ds in our room and sync-ed it with Tyler's downstairs so that the would be able to "text" us when they woke up to see if it was ok to come upstairs. They were very patient waiting until Nate woke up at 8:30!

All piled up on our bed... 

This year we each received our want, our need, and a meaningful gift to bring us closer to the Savior. Santa was also kind enough to feel our stockings with a few toys and candies.

Highlights from our Christmas:

*Cinnamon french toast with vanilla syrup.

*Teaching the kids about Christ's gifts.

*Nate's new dump truck, geo tracks and shake and go cars. Keeping an eye on him so that he didn't open up all the presents when we weren't paying attention. He loved the new toys, boxes and wrapping paper.

*Lucy's new kitchen, Little pet shops, and new picture for her room. Lucy was not feeling well Christmas morning and it was so sad! She layed on the couch most of the morning not interested in opening presents. Not to mention up most of the night visiting the bathroom.

*Emily's new Nano and iHome. She said: Mom! I didn't even think I was old enough for one of these! :) The music has been blaring ever since.

*Josh miserable because he got the "professional-12 ft soccer net" he's been asking for for months! But perking up after we set it up in the basement and he has been shooting goals ever since.

*Tyler CRYING after opening his itouch. So excited he didn't even know what to say except, This is the Best Christmas EVER!

*Mom's new camera she's been practicing with all month. :)

*Dad's new Basketball shoes he's still waiting to get.

*Christmas program at Church.

*Dinner with the Atkinson's

Christmas Eve at the Kinghorn's

We look forward to Christmas eve at my parents house every year. Cousins, yummy food, games, gifts and just relaxing and hanging out with family make it one of my favorite nights.

I'm pretty sure Lucy is annoyed with my new camera.

Mom... really? another picture?

This year Austin wrote and directed a play for the cousins. They were so cute helping each other with their lines.

Christmas Bingo.. a tradition before our cousins gift exchange!

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa for our cute new clothes!

Other highlights:

*Kids singing on the fireplace

*Griffiths Christmas carols on the pipes.

*Celebrating Nicks Birthday

*Tracking santa online

*My new Greg Olsen Santa picture

*Michael Jackson Dance off on the Wii.

Temple Square

We love Temple square at Christmas time. The lights and the temple are so pretty. This year our kids loved looking at the Temple replica in the visitors center.

Theses next pictures crack me up. Every year we get a family photo in front of this big red tree. I took this first pic to make sure we were all focused and in view.

Then I asked this cute little couple to take our picture and they did:

Perfect! Can you try it again and get our kids?

Oh that's great! Can you try one more and get all of our kids?

Yes. Perfect.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Jammies

Every year Grandma and Grandpa Atkinson send us our christmas jammies. This year since they were up here we were able to open them up with them here! Of course any opportunity to open presents early will always go over well with these kids!

Thanks for the Jammies!

FHE with all of the Atkinson's

The week before Christmas Keith and Jackie were able to come up to Utah to spend Christmas with us. It has been awile since we were all together. Grandpa taught a lesson about Heber J. Grant and his coat, Warren played Christmas songs, and we all enjoyed doughnuts and hot chocolate with all the mix-ins. It was another fun night with family! 

School Christmas Sing

 Tyler sang hot cup of cocoa and poor santa.

The 5th graders had so much fun.

 Emi sang up Up on the housetop and I love Mrs. Santa Claus.

 Josh sang Jingle Bell Rock and Need a little Christmas.

My favorite part is hearing the kids sing there very loudest when they hear their songs in the car. My very own private concert!



The live Nativity

This year our family had the experience of walking to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus. Our kids loved it and were so cute to watch. Josh had just read us the Christmas story the night before, so it was fresh on our minds. They loved that King Herods guards were on horseback following us to Jerusalem and  telling us we better be paying our taxes. Josh was a little concerned and asked Dad if we were current. 

The animals were amazing. The kids loved the camels and donkeys. It was interesting to learn about the sheep and of course the horses were a big hit.

We traveled to the city of Jerusalem and learned about unleavened bread, pottery and basket weaving. It was loud and busy. Leaving the city to see Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus was peaceful and and exciting.  The look on the kids face when they were able to see real baby Jesus was priceless. They were so reverent and in awe of everything. It was a great night.

Warming up by the fire with some warm hot chocolate and a quick drive to Kohlers for donuts finished of an awesome night.

Ryan and I have been trying to keep this year's Christmas focused on Christ. Hopefully thoughts of tonight will stay fresh on their mind throughout the Christmas season.