Christmas Day 2012

The kids woke us up a little before 8 on Christmas morning this year.  We have a rule that they can't go downstairs on Christmas without us, so we had kids in bed with us, and we tried to keep them quiet until everyone woke up.  They are really at such a fun stage, exciting about Santa... excited about every little tradition we have created.  We spent the morning opening gifts, and we read Luke 2 over breakfast.  We are so thankful for the gift of family, and for having the chance to shower those we love with gifts on Christmas.  Most of all, we are thankful for the gift of God's son,  Jesus Christ.
¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2: 10 & 11

Ready and waiting to go downstairs to see if Santa came!

Stockings!

So excited!

A light saber!!  He started swinging that thing all over the place and everybody had to take cover.

She FINALLY got her Unicorn Dream Light.

Hot wheels for Zach!

The doll she has been wanting this entire year.

Meet Makenna, A gymnast just like Tay.

Lauren got a new bed for her bitty baby.

Yikes, the aftermath. 

All cleaned up and ready to head over to Grammie & Papas for Christmas.

More stockings at Grammie & Papa's house.

Zach excited about the candy from Grammie.

Lo has a new barbie car.

Matching clothing sets for her American Girl dolls

The Leonard Family- Christmas 2012

Enjoying linking up on their DS's.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas Eve 2012

I'm finding it so hard to start blogging after taking nearly a year off.  I'm not sure where to start or what to say!  Here are just a few pictures of our busy Christmas Eve.  We celebrated Christmas with Ben's Mom & Brothers during the day, came home to open our one Christmas Eve gift, and then heading to Church for Christmas Eve Service.  Taylor was in a skit with Papa during the service this year, and she did such an amazing job!  She was so nervous, but you never would have been able to tell.  After church we headed over to my Uncle Dan & Aunt Diane's for Christmas on the Gilligan side.  Then it was quickly off to home to get ready for Santa!  A BUSY day to say the least, and I'm not sure how much longer we will keep up this craziness, but if we've been able to do it for this long with 3 kids, I'm not sure we have any excuses going forward. :)

Here is Taylor rehearsing before the Christmas Eve skit.

Opening their Christmas Eve gift!

New Christmas Jammies!!

The family back at Dan & Dianes.

The kiddos, Zach about to do his signature thumb pose... Seriously.

Silly shot

All the kiddos 

Back at home to put out the carrots for the reindeer.

Taylor was concerned we needed more, but I assured her they would be stopping at many houses and have enough to eat.  I hope the reindeer appreciated the organic, freshly sliced carrots.

Putting out the milk & cookies and being silly.