Christmas 2014

This week was Christmas and in the days leading up to the big day, Christmas festivities were in full swing.

Monday night those of us still in Oregon (Emily and Kai had gone home that morning) went out to the sticks for an amazing light and decoration display put on by a local church.  In addition to the displays they had a light show, a musical performance, hot chocolate and cider, and apparently it snowed but we missed that part.  It was no Temple lights, but the true Spirit of Christmas could still be felt.

We were back together Wednesday for our traditional Christmas eve.  We re-enacted the nativity story found in Luke 2 and exchanged presents with Nana and Papa.  Carrigan had not had a nap that day and was beyond grumpy so there are no pictures of her, but here is Merrick with his gift and my parents with the blanket we had made for them (we also gave one to Grandpa and Lollie,but alas I don't have any pictures of them opening theirs).

After everyone went home to their respective houses and the little ones were all tucked in, Santa made his appearance.  Of course he filled stockings and brought some smaller gifts, but the big surprise was in the garage.  He brought new bikes for Jeremy, Merrick, and me and a new bike trailer for CC.

Christmas day was such a hit!  Merrick got Disney Infinity and when he opened it he saw the characters and said that he could not play with them because we "don't have infinity".  Once we explained to him that that is what he just opened, he was very excited.  He also got legos, Rescue Bot dinos, a ninja castle and sword, and a few other things.

The biggest hit for Carrigan was the bag of Hi-chews that Santa brought in her stocking.  She refused to put it down or open anything else at first.  I had to open most of her presents for her.  Once we got to her stroller, she decided she was excited about that but had to put her precious Hi-chews in for a ride.  Eventually she decided she was excited about other things too.  Her highlights included a "Cozy Coupe", building blocks, an art studio for the iPad, and clothes and shoes.  She particularly loves her gold shoes from Mom and Dad and her outfit from Grandpa and Lollie.

We are SO blessed!  Not only with the abundance of gifts that we received, but with the love of God and Christ and a love for each other.  It has been a wonderful holiday season!