Boxing Day Photo Shoot

Conrad 15 months

Eliza - 7 1/2

Hazel - 9 1/2

Lenora - almost 5

Orson - 3

A Magical Christmas

We had a wonderful, quiet Christmas at home this year. While we really missed not being with family, it was also so nice not to be traveling. It has been a really busy semester and having time to relax at home together as a family was wonderful. Christmas came a bit early for Michael when he learned all his hard work paid off and his Dissertation proposal was approved! With his research set to begin in the new year, we were all ready to enjoy lots of family time and relaxing.

The Sunday before Christmas Hazel and I sang a duet of "Star Were Gleaming" during Sacrament meeting. Hazel was nervous, but she sang beautifully and did so well. I'm so proud of her!

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a nice dinner with a couple from church and one of Michael's co-workers. The kids were SO excited for Christmas day! Hazel kept going on about her theory that Santa is actually a wizard and even wrote a note asking hime about it. Lenora kept talking about how she would "wake up and RUSH out to the living room" on Christmas morning. When it was finally time for them to wake up, here's what was waiting for them...

Their reactions were priceless. Is there anything more magical than the Christmas when Santa brings you a bike!?! They were so excited about their new bikes they immediately headed to the basement to ride them since it was still dark outside. 

After they got some riding in and we woke up Daddy it was time to open a few more presents and then enjoy breakfast.

We spent the rest of the day riding bikes, Skyping with family, playing, and enjoying dinner with the missionaries and a sister from the ward. It was a perfect day!

Leading Up to Christmas

So many good and fun things filled our month as we tried to enjoy the Christmas season to it's fullest. Of course we had some traditional Christmas fun - making ornaments, gingerbread houses, the Christmas parade in Richmond, and chocolate peppermint pancakes. 

Conrad quickly learned to climb up to snitch a few bites. 

Wonderful Aunt Jamie got us all an early Christmas present..... They are amazing!

Our ward had a fun Christmas party. Conrad wore a sweater that was my brother Harrison's when he was a baby. It just so happened he had perfected this stink eye face that day and kept doing it every few minutes. I promise he was having fun!

The kids put on a nativity that was really sweet. Hazel narriated, Eliza was the main angel, Lenora was a wise man, and Orson was an adorable sheep. 

The weather has been really warm so it hasn't quite felt like Christmas. We went to the park several times this month. They just put in a new playground and the kids love it!

We also tried to keep our Christmas focused on Christ. Our scripture Advent Calendar this year held a short scripture with a Christmas hymn in each day. We've never included a song before but I really loved it! They brought the Spirit so strongly. 

We also participated in the Light the World initiative by doing simple things to spread Christ's light with others. We made a poster for our local Librarians thanking them for the wonderful programs they host. We took goodies to neighbors and friends. Our ward Relief Society collected items for a women's shelter. The kids picked out a few toys, and Hazel helped fill them. We visited our friend Joanne in the memory care unit and spent time with many of the other residents as well. We sent Christmas cards with handwritten notes and drawings to some of our dear friends/family that might be a bit lonely. Each act seemed to fill us with the light and warmth of Christmas! This is the Christmas proclaimed by the angels when they sang that first Noel, Noel, Noel! Now it's Christmas! Our infant Savior, our Eternal Redeemer, light, love, compassion, forgiveness, and sharing that with others. This truly is Christmas!

I so thankful for this time of year. For the fun and excitement it brings, but especially for the chance to reflect on the life of the Savior and to love, give, and live a little more like He did. Merry Christmas!