We had a wonderful Christmas. It was fun to have Nora understand a lot more about what Christmas is. Some things we would like to remember about this Christmas are:
Nora would wake up once or twice a week since Thanksgiving asking if it was Christmas so we could open presents.
Tate learned to roll around the house, but only touched the Christmas tree a couple of times, and never got into the presents. He's a good kid.
Nora was afraid of Santa at the ward party, but decided that she would ask him for a jump rope and a penny. (She wanted money to give her dance teacher so she could buy a sucker. Too bad a penny won't do it.)
As we would drive around to different places, Nora loved to see the Christmas lights. She started playing a game we like to call "Boom, Christmas Lights." When you see Christmas lights, you say "Boom! Christmas Lights!" She told us to play it a lot.
I was in charge of the Christmas Program for our ward (congregation) this year. It was nerve racking, but turned out well. My parents came to watch, and it was so nice to have them there.
We feel very spoiled this year by our friends and family. I think we live in the most generous and giving neighborhood in the world. We love our neighbors and friends, and count them as one of our many blessings.
We were able to spend some time with Adrianne and Aaron and baby Will. It was fun to see how big Will is. We love that Adrianne and Aaron come to Utah often so we can see them. Thanks for making the trek to our house!
Here is the evening through Nora's eyes.
Then right before we left for the family Christmas Pajama Party... we got a visit from Santa.
This time Nora was not afraid. She walked right up to him and said she wanted a jump rope and a penny. He said he'd see what he could do. Then he gave her a candy cane with gobstoppers in it. It was a great visit!
Here's the kids and the tree. I really like our tree, and this year we added ribbon (thanks Cherice) and a star.
Silly kids. This is why we need Jen to take all our pictures. Here's how the shoot went.
They are looking, Nora's leg is sticking out.
Tate can't stop shaking the tree.
Maybe take a bite, and Nora found an ornament.
Shaking the tree...
Tasting the light.
Now what's going on over there?
Silly Daddy and Nora faces.
Here it is, all set up for Christmas morning.
The stockings were hung, until Santa came and filled them, then they were too heavy.
Here is my Christmas present. We got it a little early, and I love it! Thanks Beau!!
Here's what Tate did for most of his presents....
Nora woke up, and when asked what day it was she said Christmas, but we still had to remind her that we can open our presents on Christmas. Then she was so excited to get out there.
Anything he could stick in his mouth he did, and now we know he likes candy canes.
There's her jump rope and penny. Santa really came through.
I love the Christmas mess. It means it was a good Christmas!
Then we cleaned up and went to church. Here are the silly kids in all their Christmas finery. Nora wouldn't put her hands down until I took a picture.
That was supposed to be better.
Nora insisted on a photo with Grandma and Grandpa. Thanks for indulging us!
Our cute little family.
We were able to talk to a lot of family, hang out with family, play games and eat lots of good food. (Except for Christmas dinner, right Beau? :) ) Here's to another great year!
