Christmas 2009

This year we spent Christmas at my parent house. We had a big party on Christmas Eve. Everyone was able to make it, so the house was a little packed, but we all seemed to manage. We had a wonderful dinner and the grand kids burned off some energy afterwards by running up and down the hallway chasing each other until the Nativity began. The end of the game was a little abrupt for Ethan. He was still running up and down the hallway and hiding in my parents closet waiting for someone to find him while everyone else was watching the Nativity.

We were finally able to get him to join in. He didn't want to wear a costume, but still did a great job as a shepherd going to check out the baby Jesus.

Mary (Ava), an Angel (Jacie), Joseph (Curt Ryan) and a donkey (Seth). Joseph is always the one that rides the donkey in our Nativity.

Ethan checking out the baby in the manger.

After the Nativity we opened presents from the family names we drew, grandma and grandpa and the grand kids name drawing. The family presents were so fun this year. It had to be a home made gift. My mom and dad had our name. Ethan received a marble ramp made by my dad. I don't know who was more excited, me or Ethan. My parents also started a new tradition this year where they gave us money, including the grand kids, to use to help others in need. We then wrote a note about what we used the money for and put it in a box. My mom then read the notes and we were able to hear all the great things that were able to be done for others. was such a great blessing to have been able to help others. Thanks mom and dad for giving us this opportunity.

After all the presents were opened and the massive amount of paper was cleared away, everyone went home and we put Ethan to bed. My sister Krista and her husband Taylor also stayed the night at my parents and celebrated Christmas morning with us.

The next morning Ethan was the last one up at about 7:00 a.m. to open presents. Santa definitely found our little one. Ethan did pretty good opening presents. He tuckered out with about two left. He got a Thomas train track and some accessories, a hippo flashlight, a book and a shopping cart to go with the kitchen he received from Matt's parents.

We had breakfast at my parents, let Ethan nap then headed to Matt's parents for dinner before heading home. We had such a wonderful Christmas. I love being able to go up to Cache Valley to spend Christmas with family. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to do so.

Ethan waiting for everyone to come and open presents. He was much more interested in the new Magnadoodle my parents had gotten the night before then the wrapped gifts.

Ethan with his new hippo flashlight. I didn't realize it made a lovely giggling sound every time you turned it on until we put batteries in it.

Ethan checking out his new shopping cart.

My little guy giving me a great smile in front of our little tree. Merry Christmas everyone!!