Christmas 2011

Christmas was mellow this year. It was just the three of us. We've tried to start a sledding tradition for Christmas Eve but there was no snow! Then, we couldn't figure out what the heck we do for dinner on Christmas Eve, so we went to Chick-fil-A. We didn't mind. It would be nice to live closer to family so we could just stop by for a delicious family meal followed by a good night's sleep in our own beds but that's just not reality right now. So, we made do.

We were asked to visit some widows in the ward so we made cookies and delivered them on Christmas Eve. This was by far the best thing about Christmas for me. Now, I'm determined to do more service during the holidays instead of filling the days with meaningless activities. Actually, it's a goal of mine to do more service period.

Good works= my favorite value. :-)

Parker was so proud of his decorating skills...

We played with the train around the tree...

Put on our Christmas jammies....

Made cookies for Santa and set them out with some milk and also carrots for his reindeer...

Then it was sugar plums dancing in his head for this little guy.

The next morning Parker woke up at around 7:30 which was really merciful. I'm so glad he has not quite hit the age where he wants to wake up at the crack of dawn. I remember my first Christmas with Tanner and his family- we were only just engaged and his little sisters were still little. They woke up at like 5am to open presents! It was quite the shock to my system. :-)

He was totally stoked that Santa brought him "just what he wanted!" Hot Wheels Wall tracks! Thanks, Santa. They seriously are awesome because they are set up on the wall- I don't have to bug him to clean them up daily.

Parker and I both had stockings but poor Tanner did NOT. Parker assumed he must be on the naughty list. ;-)

We all were pretty lucky to have been given such generous gifts from our loved ones.

The present opening didn't take very long which gave us plenty of time to get ready for church and be there on time.

That afternoon Tanner helped me create a wonderful turkey feast! Everything was home made and super yummy! I love Christmas dinner!

We spent the rest of the day assembling all of Parker's toys- including these cool marble tracks from Nanny!

We were all exhausted by the end of the day. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.