Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas to all!

We started out this holiday month by going to our
ward Christmas party.

Christmas is . . . smiles, presents and a snowman by the tree.

We found some snow this year before Christmas . . .
right in g-ma's backyard!

Once There Was A Snowman . . .

Yes, it's the traditional Christmas pinata! 

Candy, cousins, & singing carols at Grandma's & Grandpa's Christmas Eve celebration

Isn't this what Christmas is all about?

After many years of waking up Christmas morning in the same house, this year we spent Christmas Eve night
at Grandma Ruth's & Grandpa Mike's so we could be with them on Christmas Day.

After the traditional bible story, we opened gifts together.  There were a lot of fun things to open this year--Ticket To Ride game, umbrella, comfy pink chair, new weight set, remote control airplanes--we were so blessed.  We enjoyed the day, company, and new gifts.

Santa did have to leave a couple of gifts at home, since they wouldn't fit into his sleigh.  The kids still enjoyed waiting to open gifts when we came home. 

What was waiting for them . . . a new outdoor basketball hoop and a green house!

One of the gifts Kiana received this year was all the fixings for a new pet.  After we came home from our holiday visiting, she was able to go to the pet store and pick out her very own pet mouse.  Miss Charlotte is making herself at home and Kiana is now enjoying and learning all about pet ownership. 

(This is a first in our home.  The closest we've gotten to having a pet is either pet sitting for someone or if you'd like to count goldfish, we've had a few of those during the years--wish us luck!)