Christmas.. Finally!

This year we had a really nice Christmas experience here in Arizona. We were able to spend a lot of time as a family, with other family, and friends. We had fun at our ward party, where the kids got to sit on Santa's lap. Brenna tolerated it alright because she knew he was going to give her a candy cane after. Mason on the other hand, was not pleased about being plopped there for a picture. He's not quite crying in this picture, but it must have been a split second before he started because the picture the ward took, he was mid-scream! Also, the bottom pictures are from Christmas Eve! We hosted the family get-together this year on Christmas Eve, and Jeremy home teaches a family in our ward that goes around doing Santa for people's families! I didn't know this until this year, but he stopped by and it was really fun. Both kids were more excited this time around, and the cousins were happy with that surprise too!

We enjoyed our gift exchange and desserts on Christmas Eve, and once we had the house to ourselves again, we had the kids open their Christmas p.j.'s and hurry to bed! I love that this year Brenna was excited about Christmas more and knew more of what was going on, but she wasn't so excited that she woke up early, so I'll hopefully look forward to that next year! So we moseyed on out of bed at 7:30 or so and went to see what Santa brought!

Aren't they cute in their matching p.j.'s!? I didn't take too many pictures unfortunately, but we were running video the whole time too. After we opened presents, we headed over to Jeremy's mom's house for Christmas celebrations over there. After brunch and presents we went outside to play for a while (I know, isn't Christmas in AZ different?? Yes, Brenna is wearing short sleeves and a dress). Brenna wanted on this bike so badly! She put the helmet on all by herself, buckled it and all, then climbed up on this bike and waited for magic to happen! haha it was cute, but a little too big for her!

Jeremy got me a new stereo for my car for Christmas (I know, he's a good man) and he spent most of the rest of the day (and good chunks of the next few days) installing it himself as well. This is Jeremy and his brother Jared working on it. I thought it looked like they were operating or something, they were huddled over it with their heads almost touching... aww brothers!

The girls then all went to the park (and Mason), but after walking there, the girls were all dead on their feet and too tired to play, so we had the boys come pick up the kids and Sylvia and I walked home with Mason in the stroller... he was tired too.

Unfortunately Everyone was feeling a little under the weather, and after Brenna started with a case of "the runs" in her undies, we decided it was time to go home and get everyone to bed. Jeremy got a little helicopter from his brother that flies with a remote, and I think it's his favorite present. He has pretty well mastered piloting this thing, and Mason and Brenna LOVE it when he flies. It's in the top right corner of the picture, but it's sort of hard to see!

Anyway, long, boring details, but a really nice Christmas! The kids and us got spoiled by family and friends, and I have been feeling overwhelmed with blessings lately in our life. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all!