Merry Christmas!

Christmas was rather low key this year. We had no family parties to attend, no work parties to make an appearance at, and the ward party was a simple play that the kids put on at the church. There was snow a few days before Christmas, but not on Christmas day. We had our usual Christmas eve dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and veggies, then a chocolate mousse pie for dessert. We read the Christmas story and watched the Living Scriptures A King is Born, opened the kids pajamas, then it was off to bed. Santa only made one big drop at our house--a trampoline. But the big guy didn't bother to put it together, just left it in a box in the living room. Christmas morning, the kids stumbled down the stairs, took a little glance at the box, read what it said, then continued on to the wrapped gifts. Santa doesn't wrap stuff at our house. There was a very nice flat screen TV that seemed the catch their attention briefly--thanks to grandma and grandpa! A new computer was set up in the office--thanks to other grandma and grandpa! And then the opening frenzy began. The girls each got an American Girl doll. Hillary got Julie and Whitney got Chrissa. That was the hit of their gifts. Carter got an iPod shuffle and a skateboard. Kemery got a lot of books. Grandma Swensen made each person a super comfy hat and scarf set that all the kids wear everywhere! Far too many Wii games made their way here, but the kids are loving them.

Then when the rain finally stopped for the day, Brian got outside and put up the trampoline. Suddenly, Santa came through. The kids loved it! Now it's too cold to use it again, but Christmas day was beautiful.

We missed the time we usually got to spend with our cousins and family, but were glad that we were able to spend Christmas together as a family and remember our Savior and His birth.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Kemery's Stash(Yes, that pen is up her nose)

Carter's Stash

Whitney's StashHillary's Stash

Kemery's Cute Hat