Christmas 2012

There is nothing better than being surrounded by people you love during the holidays!  We miss being close to family, however we love the excuse to spend this time with dear friends!  The Bourne Family invited us over to spend Christmas Eve with them this year.  We had such a wonderful time eating delicious food, enjoying the good company, singing Christmas Carols and watching our kids put on homemade costumes and act out the story of the Nativity.  Of course my kids are so well behaved, it was beautiful and we were all very emotional.  Okay, so the truth is....the food really was spectacular (the menu included an exquisite Spanish Paella, Spanish Tortilla, a Cheese sampler, 7 layer dip, chips and salsa, sweets galore, and fried onions).    My kids behaved themselves for the most part.  They adore the Bournes!  Noah wasn't really sure about playing the role of Joseph, and I think he would have rather sat on Aubrey's lap as baby Jesus.  Justin was the fill in for Joseph when Noah started slacking on the job.  Simon was all over the place, I think he was a shepherd, a wiseman, and maybe even a sheep at one point or another.  Aubrey played Mary and Millie was an angel.  The great thing is they were all smiling and the fighting was minimal.  The missionaries were there, and one of the Elders sat down and played Christmas carols on the piano while we sang along.  The kids loved that part especially!  It was an incredibly enjoyable night and we couldn't have asked for better company!  A Big SHOUT OUT to the Bourne Family for inviting our little circus into their home for such a special occasion!

We really love the simplicity Christmas Morning brings when we are at home, just our little family.  The kids were so excited, enjoyed all that Santa brought to them, opened their presents and were very gracious and content at how the much anticipated morning unfolded.  It was really one of the most relaxing enjoyable Christmas mornings ever, and it feels like just maybe they understood a little bit more of the true meaning of Christmas:  turning our hearts to our Savior, bringing His Spirit into our home and really wanting to see joy in the faces of our loved ones.

Christmas Eve

The New "Bournes" were also at the Christmas Eve get-together (Brian is Travis' youngest brother, who is also in our ward).  Boston is their son, who starred as Baby Jesus in our production.

My kids were in rare form by the time we took this last picture.  Isn't it wonderful that all my boys are perfectly posed, showing their truest selves!  Amazing!

Christmas Morning

 We have carried over my own family tradition which is to gather on Mommy and Daddy's bed until everyone is awake, Dad goes out to start a warm fire and the kids line up and come out in order from youngest to oldest.  Millie did her best to try and peak before entering our room, but Sneaky Santa had her stuff on a couch so she was still super surprised when she walked out. 

 

Noah was crazy about his shiny new Roadster Tricycle!

Simon was stoked about his new Wii games, and even more excited about his new Star Wars Legos.  He also got a new bike for Christmas, but the excitement really set in when he got to go out and ride it!

Santa brought Justin a Leopard Gecko.  Justin named him Atlas.  He was thrilled, as was everyone else!

  

And Millie...she was beyond disbelief.  Santa brought her an iPod 4 in the form of an iPhone 4.  No there is no cell service attached.  It works like an iPod, but she is ecstatic nonetheless.  

(This picture was obviously taken a few days before Christmas just before Church).