The long awaited day finally arrives!

So this is Christmas . . .

The boys got up around there normal time (6:45am) and somehow mom and dad convinced them to snuggle in bed until 7. Santa came. And there was joy all around. Corbin and Cody leisurely opened presents, while Colton rummaged through everyone's stockings after he had finished off all his treats. We played with toys, read books, and didn't finish opening presents until after 9. It was lovely. Cody's favorite was his Bakugan (which of course we have already lost and broken some). Corbin's favorite was his Disney Scene It DVD game. It really is fun. I think Colton's favorite was the juice and the snowball whoppers in his stocking. All of the boys also got a camera, which has been a big hit (after we swapped Corbin's at the store for one that is actually capatible with our computer. It didn't take Colton long, though, to figure out that his was just a toy and didn't actually take pictures, now he is always trying to play with his brothers' (I guess Santa wasn't as smart as he thought he was.)

After a nice morning at home we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's to celebrate with all the cousins. More food, more presents, more smiles, more hugs and lots of fun.

So did your grandma ever knit you things for Christmas? Mine never did. And I think I was always glad that one grandma always gave us books and the other worked at a department store and always gave us clothes. Well, this year Grandma Sharee was making hats and scarves for all the granddaughters and Corbin whispered to me that he would really like a scarf. So I mentioned it to Grandma and . . . ta da! All the cousins got hats and scarves - and all, age 1 to 14, LOVED it! Corbin's and Cody's are perfect and they totally match their coats (more pics to come) - Way to go Grandma!

It was a very joyous Christmas. We have so many blessings and are so thankful for our family and for our knowledge of the Savior and his sacrifice. What a wonderful thing to celebrate!

Fire Dept Family Christmas

We love and look forward to the Christmas party at Russ' work every year, so much so that Corbin refused to sit on Santa's lap on two occasions previous, because he was waiting for this night. And it did not disappoint. There was kid-friendly food, a real magician, cookies and treats for all and then of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus came. They sang carols with the kids, brought presents for each one, and actually spent a few minutes talking with each child. While I started to get bored waiting for it to be MY kids' turn, they had no problem sitting and waiting and loved every minute of it (well, except Colton - everytime we turned our heads, he was in the kitchen sneaking another cookie).

Here's our night in pictures:

The first presents of Christmas are always the most exciting. Thanks Santa!

We also tried to squeeze in a quick firestation photo shoot. Here's the best of the 30-ish attempted pictures . . .

and the only outcome that most people got to see:

Twas the night before Christmas

This year for Christmas eve we broke away from tradition (which we haven't really figured out yet anyway), and did something a little different - for us anyway. We took a little adventure downtown to see the lights at Temple Square. It was such a fun night.

We took the train. The boys love this, of course. And we ate dinner at the first restaurant we found. JBs. Breakfast all day. The boys loved this too. And it was actually good. It was quick, everyone got what they wanted and we saw the lights come on while we were eating - what could be better? Then we bundled back up and headed over to see the lights. It was quite amazing. Every tiny branch of each tree and bush was illuminated. It was cool.

And, yes, it was very cold too.

But we loved seeing the life-size nativity and listening to the story of Jesus' birth.

Being near the temple made it extra special too. The boys loved the lights on the refelctive pool.

Of course we had to warm up with some hot chocolate before we headed home.

Despite the cold, it turned out to be a great Christmas Eve.

Christmas comes earlier every year

Yes, we already had Christmas. The first weekend in December. (The boys and I flew to Denver for $150 - I really couldn't argue). And it was just as wonderful as doing it on the 25th, but without all the waiting.

"Christmas" Dinner at Mom & Dad's

Lots of presents from grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (thank you!)

And of course, the tradition I just can't let go of - our nativity pageant, starring Myself as Joseph (don't ask why with three brothers and three sons, I was the only one who would do it), Colton as baby Jesus (yes, Jesus wore camo), Cody as the Shepherd or "the one who takes care of the sheep", niece Lexi as Mary, brother Mason as the donkey (hehe), nephew Levi as the Wiseman, Corbin as the angel Gabriel, and brother Matt as the Narrator/song leader. Good times were had by all.

Despite having sick kids almost the entire 5 days we were there, I am very glad we got to go (thank you Mom!). Stay tuned for more exciting posts about our busy weekend in colorful (and freezing, I might add) Colorado.

Christmas jammies - Oh how I love them!

And the last present is . . .


Thanks Aunt Megan! We love our Christmas PJs tradition!

Saying goodbye is hard to do

We had to say goodbye to our dear friends and neighbors this month.  We sure will miss them!  Of course we couldn't send them off without a proper goodbye . . .

The kids party:  crafts, games, cookie decorating, and lots of smiles and laughs.

The adults party:  food, visiting, more food, an ornament exchange (hey, it's Christmas time), and lots of smiles and laughs.

We sure will miss you, Thompson Family!  Be safe and good luck in Germany!