Christmas 2010

The final major event of our trip to Portland was Christmas. On Christmas Eve, after we got showered and cleaned up from the snow, we had a delicious family dinner. After dinner all the kids got dressed up and we acted out the true Christmas story. Since Merrick is the youngest of the children, he got to play the role of baby Jesus. We striped him down to his white onesie so that he could be in his "swaddling clothes" and laid him in his "manger". I could not believe how long he just laid there, looked around, and watched everyone. Unfortunately I did not think to snap a picture until he was already out. Luckily some people were smarter than I was so I will have to round up pictures of the actual event.


After we were done with the Christmas story we exchanged ornaments. We had drawn names and purchased/made an ornament for one other person. We did this two years ago and it was so meaningful and fun. It was great to be together with all the family on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Day everyone opened present in the morning at their own homes. Merrick once again loved opening each of his presents and his stocking.







While Merrick had lots of gifts to open he also had one gift to give. Merrick had worked really hard in the months leading up to Christmas and colored calendars for both sets of grandparents. Once again I forgot to take pictures of Grandpa and Lollie opening theirs, but I was smarter with Nana and Papa.


Eventually all the presents were open and the rest of the day was once again about being together as a family. It was the perfect Christmas and the perfect trip!