Merry Christmas! It was a great day for us. The kids slept in and gave Jarel and I a nice Christmas present. This is the 2nd year in a row that they have slept in Christmas morning! It was very nice. Kali and Tyler ended up sleeping in our room (they came in about midnight), so when Makena woke up, she came in our room seeing where everyone was. We were all still sleeping!
When we all finally got up, we waited a few minutes to see if Hailey would wake up. We didn't want her to miss anything. She woke up about 10 minutes later and we went into the living room to see if Santa had come last night.
HE DID!! The kids were so excited with everything they got and had smiles on their faces. It was such a nice morning. This year, the kids wanted to get their toys out and play with them after they had opened them up. It made the gift opening last longer and they enjoyed their toys. It was so much fun to see their excitement when they got "exactly what they wanted!"
Since Christmas fell on Sunday this year, we had the great opportunity to attend church and sing Christmas songs. They got the perfect speakers this year. Their talks were all focused on Christ and how he is your best friend and he knows you! It really brought the spirit to me that day and it was just what I needed to remind me what Christmas is all about. We just had sacrament meeting.
After church, we came home and Jarel's parents came over and spent some time with us. We visited with them, played Wheel of Fortune on the Wii and had a nice time. They brought the kids each a gift, and always spoil us. It was very nice to see them on Christmas. Tomorrow, we will go to their house for a get together wit Jarel's siblings and have dinner and play games.
After Jarel's parents left, we got ready and headed to my parent's house. We had lunch, got to see my Grandma and Grandpa Kofoed and Uncle Bill, open gifts and play games and get exhausted playing Dance Revolution on the Wii (thanks to Katie). Most everyone got into the dancing and their was laughter and pure fun doing it. We always get spoiled there as well. The kids were thrilled with their gifts they got. We stayed their the rest of the afternoon and into the evening.
Then we came home, played with the things we got and then come 9:00, all were exhausted and in bed.
It was a really fun Christmas! I wanted it to come, but didn't all at the same time, because then it would be over and the excitement dies down. So spirit of Christmas shines through my kids eyes. We tried this year making a soft bed for Jesus for Christmas with pieces of yarn. For every good thing we did to help someone, we got to put a piece of yarn in His bed. We started about 2 weeks before Christmas, so we didn't have a lot of time, but come Christmas Eve, the bed wasn't as full as we wanted, but I think it was a soft bed for Him. My kids were running around doing such sweet things for eachother and really trying their best to make that bed soft. There was a spirit in our home those 2 weeks that I think made the difference this year in our Christmas. It helped us focus on Christ and helping/serving others.
Watching as Dad gets out his digger
Makena with her doll "Jessica" The girls wanted these dolls and salon chairs and Santa came through for them.
Kali seeing if all the treats and milk we left out were gone. All was gone except a few pieces of cereal on Ellis' plate.
Kali with her doll, Annie. She was doing her hair!
Tyler with his Buzz and Woody shaving kit. Now he can shave in the shower with Dad!
Tyler opening up his guitar. He wanted 2 things this year...a guitar and roller skates. He is having a great time with this guitar.
Hailey showing me her Minnie Mouse doll she got from Santa
Opening a gift from Santa
Phineas and Ferb Christmas DVD
Kali with her skate board. She was super excited when she opened up this present.
Hailey needed no help in opening up the gifts. And once she opened one up, she was on to the person that had a wrapped gift so she could open that one up. She loved ripping the paper off the gifts.
Makena opening up her roller blades. This was one gift she really wanted...and it shows.
Kali got Tinkerbell roller skates, they have been practicing in the kitchen and trying to not hold onto anything while they skate. We have had quite a few falls!
Tyler got Cars roller skates. He thinks it is fun skating with his sisters.
Hailey playing with one of her toys.
Seeing the gift was roller blades for the first time.
Kids with Grandpa and Grandma Hathaway. They stopped by our house after church and visited for a little while. Always fun to be with Grandparents!
Jacob and Katie were able to come here for Christmas break. It was great seeing them while they were here. Hailey opening up her gift.
Opening their gifts
Kids patiently waiting for their present from Grandma and Grandpa
Molly made all of us hats for Christmas...Hailey sporting hers
Playing Dance Revolution on the Wii
Dance Dance
Kids with Grandma and Grandpa
Super Kali...when my mom found out Kali wanted to be a super hero with a purple cape, she made one for her. Kali loves it and wears it running around the house.
