Christmas Eve part 2 ~ gift exchange

Every year the kids exchange names for Christmas and on Christmas eve they open the gifts from each other. They look forward to it for weeks and it has become a very fun tradition. This year instead of going youngest to oldest we just went around the room and opened gifts. They had fun and everyone got great gifts. Brothers and sisters are the very best!!!

Bummy's turn... Kassi checking out her new necklace and sweater...

Gabe got a famer and a trailer. He likes Nate's so we figured it would be fun for him to have one like it. Nate's is a little smaller and when Nate saw Gabe's new toy he ran and got his other one and tried to 'trade' telling us that Gabe really like his old one! What a kid! But Gabe likes the noises his makes and there is nothing better than buying a noisy toy for the nephew! :)

Kami's turn... and Kailee waiting not so patiently too!

Kami loves her Strawberry Shortcake! It smells yummy too!

Kailee's turn... whatever did she get from Jace???

Yay... an outfit AND BOOTS!

Kalli... part one of two gifts, the Barbie movie that she loves!

Nate's turn! Oh he was so excited. And of course he got right up on the table to be the center of attention!

Oh YAY.... the soft cuddly blanket that he loves, and the cutest Elmo slippers!

The rest... a Barbie!

Willie... who had to open a boring present from mom and dad because Kimi had his name and they weren't going to be here until Christmas morning... awesome outfit he got, but you know, it isn't the same as a toy!

Funny... he got the same shirt that Caitlyn had bought Jace. Guess mom and Caitlyn have very good taste!

Celeste's turn...

What to get the boy who needs nothing.... just give him a gift card! Boring perhaps... but very effective!

Bummy also had to open a boring gift from mom and dad since Matt had his gift... but again, he got some really cute clothes and what else would a boy want! :)

Gabe checking out the box!

Jace opening his gift from Kinzee!

He wore out his old tool box, guess it is time for a new one!

Caitlyn wanted socks... she got lots of socks...and a pretty necklace and a pretty rose!!!

Hayden and legos... the perfect combination!

Awesome Elmo slippers!!! He loves them!

Kinzee got a box full of fun things!

Kinzee's awesome hat!

Wyatt... ended up getting a couple remote control trucks!

Garrett got the best kind of fun... an Itunes card!!!

Nate!!!

Kami and her Strawberry Shortcake!

Tiffany and her awesome new coat! Thayne picked it out for her because he has the best taste! Not a lot of girls can say their father in law picks out their clothes! :)

Looking Fabulous in her new coat!Thayne is excited to get a new drill!!!

Christmas Eve part 1 at Shayne's

We decided to run in to see Shayne and Kerry and their family for a little bit before we settled in for the night and got ready for Santa's visit. It was fun to visit with everyone and spend some time with family. It seems like we are always really busy and don't get together as often as we should and it was good to have a reason to get in and see them! Mom and dad came to visit also and it was nice to see them. We didn't stay long but it was so fun. Shalum and Candice came over, and so did Kerry's mom and dad. It is nice to know that they are close and that we can get together once in a while! Merry Christmas, thanks for letting us invade your house for a while!

Shalum and dad Hey Candice!

Mom and Kailee....

Kalli playing with Gabe....

Just hanging out....

Awww... look at those sweet faces!

Nate was being bad, he would let Jace take pictures of him but not me! Not fair!!!

Gabriel's first Christmas eve!

It is so amazing to think that last year we were so excited about the upcoming birth of our first grand baby. This little man has added so much to our lives this past year and we are so blessed to have him. He is a little charmer and steals your heart with his sweet smile and happy personality. I am always amazed at how quickly they learn, how fast they grow up and how easy it is to give your heart to a child! I love that he loves me so much, because the feeling is definitely mutual. I heard the saying, "A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty." It is true! There is always room in your heart to love another... and a grand baby is just a wonderful extension of the love you feel for your children. This little man is full of charm, full of personality and has brought so much to our family. I love his smiles, his hugs and his kisses. I love that he blows me kisses and how his eyes light up when he sees me and I love that we get to share his very first Christmas with him! He is wonderful... and I can't wait to see all of the changes he will go through in the coming year! Love you Gabriel, thank you for choosing our family to come to and thank you for being so wonderful!!!

He is blowing a kiss to grandma!!! Such a sweet face... he has the most expressive faces and loves to make others laugh!

Talking to uncle Nate about Christmas and what Santa will be leaving under the tree....

I love this little face! So blessed that he calls me grandma! And he does say GRANDMA!!! Over and over... and it melts my heart everytime!

His daddy's little mini-me... growing up so fast and such a joy to our entire family! Merry Christmas little man... may the wonders of the season bring you happiness and joy!!!