Christmas is finally here!

Why do we buy them fancy presents when a box will do? Oh, this is why! No box ever got a smile like this!

Andy in his manly apron made by myself and Hailey

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were so amazing. Eric and Debby (Andy's parents) got here just before dinner time, and we cooked a ham and had a great meal. Then we had the kids open their Christmas PJs (made by mom), and read the Christmas story. It was really sweet. the most amazing thing was how excited Emma was to go to bed. We had her sleep in our room so that she wouldn't be up before all of us-- we wanted to witness her seeing the Santa presents for the first time. Usually we put her to bed and it takes her at least 30 minutes to settle down and go to sleep, the whole while talking to Frank and yelling requests for water, etc at us in the other room. Christmas Eve, however, was VERY different. She told me that I was not allowed to take a shower in my bathroom because it might keep her awake. Then, when Andy went into our bedroom to get something, she told him "Dad, get OUT, I've got to go to sleep!" She REALLY wanted to go to sleep so that Santa could come!

Christmas morning was filled with the usual present mayhem, with Grandpa being way worse than the kids at waiting his turn to open presents. Emma was our present delivery girl, and also cleaned up every scrap of wrapping paper. Frank had a hard time focusing on opening new presents, because he would get so entranced by every new one he got. Andrew and I got lots of great stuff, and overall, it was fantastic. We did not manage to have a small Christmas because we have got so many people who truly love us. Even if Andrew and I hadn't gotten the kids any presents at all, they would've gotten plenty from all of our family. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO LOVE US SO MUCH! SO THANK YOU, EVERYONE!

After all of the presents were opened in the house, we mentioned that there might be 1 more present outside, and Emma discovered the trampoline. Wow, they LOVE it! Unfortunately, it's been a little cold to spend too much time out there, but we're not the only ones who enjoy it. We've had to move the stairs away from it so that the dogs will stay off it. They love to wrestle and lay up there. Who knew it'd be a present that the WHOLE family could enjoy?

Thank you, everyone for all of your kind thoughts and gifts. Christmas was a great time for family and love. We truly have been able to feel the Spirit in our home, and have had a wonderful time teaching the true meaning of Christmas to our beautiful children. Also, since Andrew has the whole last week of the year off of work, we've been able to just relax and enjoy each other like we haven't been able to for a long time.

Merry Christmas!