Christmas

We knew we would be moving to Murray after Christmas so I didn't want to  get a new Christmas tree or decorations this year.  I didn't want to deal with putting away, cleaning, and storing one more thing. Since Hunter was so into Christmas trees and lights this year, I decided to make a felt one that would be easier to pack and store. Hunter loved it. He even asked if he could sleep underneath it on his "Thomas" couch.

Tony and Jamie needed to do some Christmas shopping so I offered to watch Will and June. Hunter loves them and enjoyed having them over. 

 We spent hours playing Simon says.

We went to the ward Christmas breakfast and got to sit on Santa. The boys were a little hesitant, but I was able to snap a quick picture. He was a fantastic Santa!

 Christmas is fun of lots of games. Isaac got a new one for his birthday, . It was pretty funny to watch.

 Champions!

 On Christmas Eve we went to the church and opened our "Ralph" gifts. We started off with trying to draw snowmen on our heads without looking. We actually did pretty good!

 Our Ralph gift was personalized Christmas marshmallow shooters. We had shooting competitions and a giant marshmallow war. It was a blast!

 We also had remote control relay races. Afterwards, we played soccer in the gym.

Then it was time for our annual service project. We made lunches to take around downtown to the homeless.

 With our assembly line, we had them done in no time.

 That night we had our traditional Christmas Eve concert and instrument devotional. 

 Annie played her favorite harpsichord. 

 Isaac played his guitar.

 Jeff played the piano.

 Preston played the cello.

Since Dayton and I don't have what we call, "stage talents" we shared a little something of our own this year. . . 

 Christmas morning the kiddos got up early. James and Hunter had their favorite lucky charms while we waited for everyone else to get up.

 We then opened stockings.

 It was fun to open presents withe everyone. Hunter got more excited about his presents this year. 

 Annie and James gave Hunter a football.

 Hunter got lots of books. He loved his little cars and construction stickers from Aunt Katie.

Carter was asleep when we did presents so we did his stocking and presents a little later.

This wast he first time our entire family was together. Alex was able to get off work for a little bit and stopped by. We enjoyed Christmas Eve together. Unfortunately that was the only time we were together. Mike had to work all day Christmas. We did get a picture of the few of us that were there.

. . . We were so excited we got everyone in a picture (minus Mike and Katie) . . . and then we realized we were missing a few. I guess that's what happens when you're family is so big. 

We had a good laugh. We even got this gem. . .  we had a competition to see who could have the best double chin. We are that cool. Merry Christmas!