Christmas Eve 2012

Christmas Eve was pretty laid back this year.  Thayne and I had a couple of things left to shop for so we headed to town first thing and got that done.  I had great plans of being all ready long before the big day actually got here but as usual things didn't work out that way and I was wrapping on Christmas Eve.  Not a lot... but still wrapping.  Maybe next year!  It's always a good dream at least...
The thing the kids always look forward to is the sibling gift exchange.  After that, the kids are trying to convince us to let them go to bed... only because they think that they can be up in the middle of the night to open presents.  This isn't my first rodeo, and I am not a push over... and I put my foot down and told them they would not be getting up one minute before 4am!!! 

Everyone was home except for Kimi...I guess that's what happens when you are married to a cop.  We missed them a lot though and really hope to see them again soon! I miss our sweet Jared and really can't wait to see him again!  It will be fun to see him with his uncle and cousin... I can only imagine what the three of them can dream up together. 

I love to see the family of my dreams become a reality right before my eyes.  I love that there is a reason to sit back and count my blessings and remember that the reason we celebrate this time of year is the Savior.  This is what life is all about....

Still trying to catch up December

We got to see Santa a few times in December... although Noah really wasn't thrilled that we had to see him at all.  Nate on the other hand has all kinds of questions about Santa's home, his ability to visit before Christmas day, his schedule, his likes, dislikes.  Really, he just asks too many questions and I am not ready to let his joy and excitement slip away yet, so I came up with rational, reasonable answers that gave him more to think about... and more questions to ask!!!

Our ward party was a brunch again with food, singing and then the annual visit from the jolly guy himself.  Gabe came with  us too, but he was about as thrilled with Santa as Noah... meaning they really didn't even want to get close! 

Santa found some helpers out in the hall....

Some of the family... who is naughty?  And who is nice?

We also heard Santa was going to be making an appearance at the pizza place the kids work at, which meant that was a great excuse for me to not have to cook and us to go get pizza.  Nate was very  excited, but worried that the reindeer weren't going to be able to land in the parking lot and would there be enough room.  We told him it would be fine and it's all about the magic of Christmas anyway.  He was absolutely certain that he saw hoof prints outside on our way to the truck.

Ho Ho Ho...here comes Santa Claus.

Noah was looking over his dad's shoulder but had no intention of leaving his arms to get anywhere near this guy!

Kami got to visit with Santa for a few minutes....

So did Nate...