Our LONG holiday

Christmas Eve Traditions:

Opening one present...pajamas!

Reading the Christmas StoryDan chose to use the script from our Ward Choir performance.
We decided that we were short a few people (since Mackenzie was asleep and Dad was reading) to act out the Christmas Story. Instead we used our Little People Nativity set.

We started a new tradition (thanks to a story in The Friend).

We celebrated Jesus's birthday with birthday cake.

We each "gave" him a present...a promise to do something for him.

Dane said he would say his personal prayers. I think Brice said he would be nice to his sister??

Christmas Morning!

The kids were not allowed to come out of their rooms before 7:00. And then they could call for mom to come get them. I like to see the expression on their faces when they first see the Christmas tree. Dane was worried he'd forget so I had to put up a baby gate in the hall with a sign reminding him he couldn't come out without us. This year Mackenzie woke up at her normal 6:30-6:45. We played with her in our bed for a while. By about 7:30 we couldn't believe WE, the parents, were waiting for the kids to wake up. I decided to shower. Dan was so amazed, and bugged that he decided it was time to wake them up. We started with opening the door and leaving it open. Then I took Mackenzie to change her diaper (so she'd cry outside their door). Brice woke up first and didn't seem to remember, or realize what the significance of Christmas morning was. Silly boys!

I have always wanted to get a rocking horse, with each one of my kids. This year I just decided it was time! Thanks, Santa!

"A fruit rollup! Look...ANOTHER one!"

Who knew that that was all it took for Brice to be REALLY excited?!

And then there is Dane. He was honestly, truly excited, and thankful for ever little gift he received. (Except the new shoes...how was I supposed to know that he had to have "sneakers" and who knows the difference between "sneakers" and "tennis shoes"?)

And the last present that had to be discovered: (Dane found the box with the enclosure in it under a blanket behind the chair)

The Trampoline!

After our new (donuts) and old (quiche) traditional breakfast we headed out.

Grandma's house.

That night we performed the Christmas Story (since we had plenty of people to play all the parts).

Christmas at the Brice home:

It was almost like Christmas Morning all over again (just a few days later).

January 2nd and 3rd, San Diego

Since my little brother insisted on getting married in San Diego, we decided to go down a day earlier to cut back on the driving time (with three kids in the car). We visited some old friends (thanks Bedells for letting us stay at your house!! And thanks Leah for the rest/break after the wedding) and of course we went to the beach (thanks Liz for coming to play with us!). It was the worst weather out of the entire 10 days we were in California, go figure! But we just bundled up and enjoyed it as much as we could. It didn't stop the boys! They even ended up soaking their sweats so they could jump in the water.

And the big finishing event:

Josh and Melanie got married!

Whew! And we are home, unpacked and rested. The Christmas tree is down but I just can't bring myself to taking down the rest of the decorations. I love Christmas time though each year seems more and more a whirlwind. I enjoyed all your Christmas cards and pictures. Thank you for your love and friendship!