Christmas

Luckily Mason didn't get up early on Christmas! He was anxious to open presents right away, but we managed to distract him until Tristyn woke up (after 9!). I really hope that continues . . . I don't want to get up at 6 am next year! When Tristyn finally woke up, Mason carried his chair into her room to try and help her out of the crib so she could come see the presents. He's a great big brother. As a side note, he will go in to her room and wiggle his fingers and say tickle, tickle to her. I think he learned it from Ni Hao Kai Lin (not sure how to spell her name) when she tickles the sun to wake it up.

The kids were excited about the gifts Santa left. Tristyn wasn't sure what to do on the first gift, but she caught on pretty quick and was tearing the paper off after that. When she opened her doll, the paper was torn away just enough for her to peak inside to see what it was. Their expressions were priceless!

I meant to put the kid's photos on first, but I can't ever remember how blogger uploads the photos! Santa went overboard on gifts and I got way more than I should have. I love the little tile that Mason painted at school and am excited to put it in the kitchen window!

Dan got a certificate for new golf shoes, to go with the clubs he got last year. He also got a few things for the Wii and radios so we can communicate during that disaster that is supposed to hit sometime! Hopefully we can figure out how to use them before that.

We've loved having Melissa with us on Christmas for the past couple of years! Santa likes dumping her presents here so the reindeer don't have to carry them to Wyoming. She was super excited about her digital camera and all the fun clothes. Santa apparently has great taste!


Mason got the pirate ship he asked Santa for (or would have asked for if we had actually made it to see Santa--he didn't dare sit on his lap at daycare when he came by). He was probably most excited about the Cars umbrella. He carried it around the house, opened, for several days. He was so excited when it finally snowed a few days ago so he could try it out.

Tristyn got a little doggy that flaps it's ears and barks. She loves it, but still has room in her heart for the white doggy she got for her birthday. She carries them both around with little burp rags for blankets. She also got a new baby doll that looks a lot like her. She wore her cute fuzzy brown dress with leggings that day and was adorable! If she'd only keep her cute pig tails in!

After presents and breakfast we got to talk to Elder Charlie in Rhode Island! We were on speaker phone from my parent's house and it was really hard to hear through all the static, but he sounded awesome and is doing great on his mission! It's crazy that he's down to about 5 months! Can't wait to see him. I can sense from his letters and emails a mission has been a great thing for him! Gotta love that kid!

We had a yummy dinner at my sister Suzy's house and spent a little time with them before heading home for naps and of course . . . more food! It was so great to have Christmas on a Friday so there was a couple of days to recouperate and play before heading back to work! Christmas is so magical with kids and I'm greatful for the child whose birth we celebrate. We are so blessed for His sacrifice and for the love He offers each of us. I hope you all had a great holiday season with your loved ones.

Some of the collage photos are small, so you should be able to double click on them to see them larger.