Christmas

Christmas was so great this year.  we had all the kids Christmas eve and Christmas morning.  We woke up bright and early and came downstairs to see what Santa brought.  Mark led the pack down (slowly)

 Then the kids came down.

 And the scene (at least what was captured in this corner).  Santa came and brought each person their stocking a a few gifts.  We decided that this year we would focus on family and family gifts instead of individual gifts.  We got a new computer, a new trampoline, new video games for the family to play, board games, movies, popcorn maker, etc.    

After all the excitement of the gifts, we had breakfast, then the girls left to spend the next 10 days with their dad.  Everyone took naps while I went for a run.  We then watched a family movie and then prepared for our dinner.  We were able to have the LDS missionaries join us for Christmas dinner.  I was so excited they would be joining us.  I can't imagine being gone for 2 years from your family and it being Christmas.  I am so glad the opportunity presented itself.  We also had Mark's parents join us.  We had ham, prime rib and all the fixings.  We ended the night with a big chocolate cake and some games with the family and the missionaries.  I think what I loved most is that having the missionaries there extended the day into the night.  We didn't turn the TV on all night, it was just hanging out time and talking about Christmas and Jesus.  I am hoping having the missionaries every year can become a tradition (especially since over the next 2 years we will be hoping someone takes Caleb and his companion in on Christmas so they don't have to spend it alone)