Christmas 2011

Christmas morning finally arrived. I was awake and in bed listening for foot steps. I had a sleepless night hoping that Santa locked up the place after visiting our house. Thank goodness he did and no one broke in and stole all our goods!

About 7:55am I heard  footsteps. Jack ran down stairs, then back upstairs to Maddy's room, then to Lexi's room telling them that Santa had come and then all 3 came into our room. I love how excited they are and especially the magical feeling of Christmas morning.

We all quickly ran down stairs to see what Santa had left. Mike found his a new Cannon EOS Rebel T3i camera. He snapped a couple pictures although it was hard to take pictures and enjoy watching the kids excitement with each gift they opened.

Here the kids are looking at their stockings. They always get a giggle when Santa leaves an orange in the toe of the stocking but look for it every year with delight! Jack was so excited for his pointer finger. They each got a pillow pet with a matching blanket.

At our house, we have a tradition of everyone having their own wrapping paper to mark their presents.
 Lexi loved opening presents and was often opening Maddy or Jack's presents for them just to see what was inside. Some of her fav presents were this My Little Pony car with remote control, make up and hair set and dress up box along with new clothes and books.

Jack was so excited with every present he opened. He loves his batman Imaginex, Cars 2 Lego's, Batman DS game, new books & clothes and Wii games. Mom totally bought the wrong size coat (what was I thinking with a size 7-8 coat for my 5 year old) but I guess one day he'll grow into it.

Maddy was so excited for her Fijit Friend, at first she wanted a purple one and then changed her mind to blue but didn't mind that Santa remembered her first request...aparently blue is her favorite color! At least the Fijits asseccories were blue! She also loved her Lala Loopsy Bea doll, her bead set, purple gloves and a purple dress and  her new coloring books with roll up crayon holder.

Mike got a new camera, a BlueRay, new socks, an iPod accessory, stylus and a Soduku calendar.

I got new slippers, a food processor/blender, a camp chef and ornaments from the kids. Ok, the camera is mine too. Although, I'm afraid of it, I like the little ones but excited to take better and bigger pics!

We ate a yummy french toast casserole for breakfast.

Grandma & Grandpa Loveridge came just after we finished breakfast and the kids opened more gifts. They are so giving and generous to us all. We have much to be thankful for especially at this time of year. We are so grateful to be so close to family. We miss Idaho but celebrating Christmas at HOME is da bomb!!

I'll admit, earlier in the month, I had a bad attitude about going to church on Christmas Day, mostly because that meant I had to get dressed and get out of my new polka dot jammies (thanks Jen I love 'em). BUT it was the best present on Christmas Day. The spirit was so strong, the messages were awesome, the music was breathtaking and my cup was filled and overflowing with gratitude for my Savior. Lexi was upset, she wanted to stay at church and go to nursery!

We came home, played with our new presents, took a nap and headed to Lehi for more celebrations and more wonderful food! It was a lot of fun, although we didn't get any pictures.

I was kindof sad to see the day come to an end. BUT am determined to make the season last all year long. Merry Christmas!