Christmas 2014

Each year it seems we say, "This was the best Christmas yet!"  And this year was no exception.  

I have to say that I love the tradition we have carried over from Bret's childhood of ice skating on Christmas Eve Day.  It is so much fun.  This year we went to a beautiful outdoor rink in Reston.  It was lovely.

They even had toddler ice-skates that we tried out with Grayson.  He wasn't a big fan.

 Gavin was definitely most improved.  It was really impressive.  He would fall down and pop right back up and keep going.  The kid is a champ.

That night we had our traditional shepherds dinner.  Bret added to the meal this year with a recipe for pan fried crusted trout that he found and prepared all on his own.  It was yummy!  

Bret gave a wonderful devotional this year about how the shepherds were one of the first to witness of the Savior.   We then took turns and talked about what we would personally witness of Jesus Christ.   As I sat there listening to each of my children share different aspects of the Savior's life, or characteristics of Him I was so grateful for the spirit that was filling our home in that moment.  It was  a wonderful and special moment.

After giving our personal gifts to the Savior and cleaning up from dinner we opened our Christmas PJ's and sibling gifts.  While there are no pictures this year to go along with the sibling gift exchange I love doing this on Christmas Eve.  I feel that the kids are more excited and are filled with more gratitude then when it gets lost in the abundance of Christmas morning.  

  

The worst part of Christmas Eve was Gavin getting sick in the middle of the night.  The poor kids was up several times, high fever and nauseous.  Because of him being sick we told the other kids that we were not going to be waking up early to open presents.  They patiently waited until 7:30 before coming into our room.  We read scriptures with them and said family prayer and then woke up Gavin and Grayson.

 Exploring Christmas stocking loot.

 I don't think we've ever had a two year old that was more meticulous with the opening of presents.  This kid had to open everything just so...getting all the paper and all the tape.  

 For a kid who is usually bursting with enthusiasm there was none to be found in him...he just couldn't be excited about anything with how sick he was.  We even had to put opening presents on hold for him to throw up.

 Zachary is trying to explain to Gavin that Santa gave them the WiiU they were asking for as a combined gift...still no expression from Gavin!

 Could it be, could it possibly be....

 A PHONE!!!!

 McKenna got a guitar for Christmas!  Can't wait for her to take lessons and hear her strumming/singing away.

 The girls were supper excited about giving Bret this shirt.  

 Gavin spent the rest of the day asleep in various locations around the house.  

 Bret has renamed Christmas day "Daddy workshop day"

 Abby spent the day reading and finished one of her new books.

Merry Christmas!