Christmas 2010...

Can I just say, Christmas was so blissful this year. During all the preparations and business of the season, I was going crazy. I could not get excited. I was so overwhelmed with the idea that "commercialism" had taken over. It took the joy out of giving to others. But the day of Christmas was perfect. Just what I needed. It was a reminder of the things that are special in my life. And it was the very first year we actually had a calm, relaxing day.

Looks like it was a close call this year. Luckily it was just candy coal. Next year...who knows?

Kade's stocking

Christmas morning. The peacefulness before the chaos came. 

After a slightly good night sleep in their new jammies. 

Who knew a little stuffed animal would be the highlight of this little boy's Christmas. He takes this thing everywhere with him. He even has a make shift home next to his bed.

Stocking loot 

The highlight of my Christmas was seeing how excited the kids were to give to the members of our family. They did not even care about the presents Santa had brought. They wanted to give their presents to each other first. Brayden's face explains how truly excited they were. After every present was open, their were hugs, and pure and genuine gratitude expressed. Kade was very thoughtful and SOOO excited for the presents he gave this year he gave Brayden a paper snowflake he made a school. He gave Kaylee a frame and picture of himself, that he made at school. He gave Mike a Mtn. Dew and a caramello. And he gave me gloves and an umbrella (He was very insistent on this idea for some reason. When saying what I received he makes sure I mention the umbrella.) All the gifts were so great, but I just loved that Kade doesn't have an idea of money or "value." We didn't have to go to the store for most of his gifts and yet they were the highlight of the morning. 

Can I pull off my new hat? Taking a picture was easier then getting up to look in the mirror. 

The last present of the day.

Funny story: On Christmas Eve we had put all the kids presents in our room, and locked the door. I had gone in there and the doorbell rang. So I walked out of the room for seriously 30 seconds (why would I need to lock the door if it was real quick?) Well Kaylee innocently ran in my room for something. By the time I realized this, she had ran in the room, found what she needed and ran back out. I was SOOO mad! I knew she had seen everything (well really it would have just been the bigger presents below.) I cried and just "knew" Christmas was RUINED!!! She claims she didn't see anything and was more than thrilled when she opened her present. So who knows if she actually saw the presents, but lesson learned. I need a better hiding place. 

One of my favorite things on Christmas is wearing a new outfit. Mike knows this and plans his presents accordingly. Well, it looks like this might become one of Kaylee's favorite things too. She quickly got ready head to toe with her new stuff, even the glasses. You decide if they are real or not.

After we got ready, Grandma Sonia came over to open gifts and have breakfast. Mike was quite excited when he opened a shirt he really liked. Too bad I had already given it to him. Sonia didn't even catch on to it after he opened it (or before for that matter.) When she asked if he liked it, he replied, "Ya I like it, I'm wearing it." Thank goodness for receipts.

Kaylee and her new laptop 

After a yummy breakfast we went over to my Mom's for some more family time.

Brayden and Mormor.

Ryan, Kaylee, Becky, and Paul 

Curtis and Whitney 

Mom and Kade 

I would have to say, I received some really great things this year. I am so blessed. But, the very best thing I received this year were copies of our family home videos of growing up. I went straight home and watched them all (12 disks.) It was so fun to relive some memories of the past. This will truly be cherished. 

We filled out tummies with food all day, hung out with family, played games, played with our "new" stuff, and spied on the activity going on at the temple (a shooting.) We laughed at each other, and felt of one another's love. Truly a magical day.

Thanks to everyone for making it great.