Christmas

Christmas Day was on Sunday this year.  The kids weren't thrilled with the idea, but Blake and I thought it pretty perfect!  Our church is at 9am, so around 7am the kids woke to open stockings and then had plenty of time to go get ready for church.  The only thing we missed was a big breakfast and it was so worth the trade because going to sacrament meeting was the perfect place to be on the Savior's birthday!  It was truly so spirit-filled with wonderful music and the story of the Savior's birth read from the Bible.  I was so happy we could do this and wish every Christmas day was on a Sunday.  It made me realize I need to do more to invite the spirit into our home Christmas Eve and Christmas day- those years we are not able to attend church. Because Christmas is about so much more then opening presents!  That being said.... it was wonderful to watch the joy and excitement in the kids' eyes as they opened up the gifts Blake and I (and Santa) had picked for them. Santa brought a big Bounce House for the boys, a big Minnie doll for Anna and an upgrade in phone for Ev.  She was running out of storage on her previous phone and could barely video anything these days.  She was thrilled as were the boys and Anna with their big gifts.  The boys also received two new jerseys, coats, socks, underwear, legos, soccer balls, goals, bean bags and BattleShip and Life board games. So fun.  Evelyn opened clothes, make up, a back drop for her videos, a phone stabilizer to attach to her tri pod and a new winter coat.  Anna opened up dolls, clothes, shoes, books, puzzles and figurines.  She was in heaven.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner and relaxed all day long, having the best time ever.  It was a special day to be together.... so grateful for all of the blessings we enjoy as a family.