Christmas Day - 2014

Evidence that Santa arrived...

He left a note behind thanking the kids for their kindnesses.

 Santa also filled the stockings!

And left a few gifts behind.

 We don't put any presents out until the children are in bed.  There is nothing under our tree until Christmas morning except for the gifts between siblings.  Never have to worry about the temptation of peaking or accidentally ripped packages.  It works well for us.

 Lining up at the stairs - waiting for the parental okay...7:15am.
Their M grandparents didn't join us this year because the daunting snowstorm the night before kept them home safe and warm.

 Stockings are the first thing the children take notice of.  I remember being very excited about what I found in my stocking as a child.  There were usually things like new chapstick, toothbrushes, socks/underwear, oatmeal or hot cocoa packets, apples/oranges/pears.
And so the tradition continues...

 ...along with a current favorite type of sweet cereal.

 Anna - Fruity Pebbles

 Jantzen & Elsie - Lucky Charms

Brinley - Cocoa Pebbles & Tanner - granola

 Santa hit the mark and brought Jantzen a new/used snowboard!

Elsie was thrilled to receive "Rebecca" from Santa.

 It was a childhood dream fulfilled for Anna when Santa brought blonde, long-haired "Julie".

All the kids were delighted to find cash rolled up in the bears' sleeves.
Thanks again G-ma & G-pa P!

 Our tradition is to go around the room opening one gift at a time - youngest to oldest.  When the kids are done, Aaron and I take turns.  Sometimes the kids pay attention - sometimes not.  This year they took notice and made jokes about me sending Aaron away with white shirts in his suitcase.

A decent piece of luggage was long overdue for our frequent traveler.

Doesn't everybody receive lightbulbs in their stockings?  The Macbook Pro behind the lightbulb was the surprise of the day.  Aaron and I have discussed my "dying computer" for a long time but it seemed down on the list as other needs popped up.  It ended up being a really good surprise because as Aaron was transferring data, we stubbled upon more damaged files and issues that would have created a host of other problems.

 Clues for the final scavenger hunt - to the family gift.

At first, they were not sure what they were reading because they certainly did NOT expect season passes to Lagoon.  But, with Tanner leaving on a mission the following summer, Aaron and I decided this year was as good as any to jump on board.  Several extended family members made the same (Black Friday) purchase so we thought it would be doubly-fun and more likely that we would take advantage of having a pass.  I have three outings already planned...just to be sure we make it worth our while:).

Our Christmas card wall is located by the back door.  We enjoy 'seeing' our family and friends throughout the holiday season.  Many thanks and we love you all!

 The only real surprise (besides Lagoon passes) for Tanner was thermal running clothes.  He was hoping for a set of the 2013 LDS scriptures and an Amazon gift card.  Check!

 Jantzen drew Quinn's name for Christmas and knew exactly what he wanted to give him.

All of his old LEGOS!  Quinn was absolutely ecstatic!

 Besides Legos and new boots, this boy needed clothes.  Earlier in the month, he actually picked out this shirt (online).  He reminded me all month long about the special shirt he wanted for Christmas. He put it on immediately after opening it.  The other favorite item - footie pjs - he's been wearing them 24/7.

 Aaron bought each of the children a hard copy of the Book of Mormon and a red scripture pencil.  When school is in session, we have family scripture study at 6:45am.  This coming year we are focusing on recognizing Christ in our lives and marking each reference accordingly.  It's opening up more dialogue and renewed appreciation for the gift of God's revealed word as found in the scriptures.

 Elsie has been 'begging' for boots since October.  Mother Nature graciously accommodated and held off the snow until Christmas Eve.  The timing couldn't have been better!

Anna and Elsie with their American Girl dolls.

 This saucer chair is what Brinley hoped Santa would bring.  Funny, I remember the days when Brinley was disappointed when she received clothing or shoes for Christmas.  Not anymore!

Yep, these are the polar-bear footie-pj's...

 Tanner gave each of us a small framed family picture to keep in our bedrooms.
It was a very lovely touch to a beautiful morning together.

 White Christmas indeed!

Not sure why I still bother since the kids start the morning out with candy canes and sugared cereal.  But hey, I love eating the traditional breakfast ring!

Elsie made her own envelops and hand-written 'coupons' for each member of the family.
They ranged from making the bed for a week to playing together for an hour after school to giving hugs every day.  Love these kids of mine!

 Later that morning, we went over to G-ma and G-pa M's with Matt & Whitney, Chris & Julia (and girls) and Erica & Jordan.  Each of the grandchildren received a photo book made by Janene.  The older kids were given a copy of the same book with pictures from Cousin Campouts since 2009.  We also enjoy getting a simple extended family history book each year from G-ma P.  These are "labors of love" we certainly appreciate!  Understandably, due to the road conditions, G-ma and G-pa P didn't make it up for a visit until December 26.  That afternoon, some of the kids enjoyed playing basketball at the church (and laughing at their mother play impromptu in her snow boots) and lounging around on Christmas day.

Merry Christmas 2014!