Christmas

We're so grateful the Evans' delayed their Christmas morning so we could take over with our little family Christmas. I think this was the first year that I was really sad I couldn't do Christmas in my own house. Of course I didn't want to be in Gallup! But it would just be so much fun to create memories in your own house. I wonder if that will ever happen!

Just when you think you've done everything you need to do for Christmas, you remember you forgot to get something for the baby! So last night, I snagged an old toy out of my mom's basement to stuff in Olive's stocking. Just in case the boys were concerned she was left out. And hope they don't recognize it as one they already play with! Plus, I forgot to get stuff for Trav and my stocking. Poor Travis was pitied by Aubrey and got an assortment of Lindor truffles stuffed in there. Obviously, I'm really good at all of this.

All Weston wanted for Christmas was a "Mighty Mega Monster Truck". (There is an old fashioned show on Netflix called just that, that he loves. And now assumes all big trucks have the proper name of Mighty Mega Monster Trucks.) 

Well, it wasn't super huge, but it makes noises and rolls along at the push of a button, so I think he was pleased.

I also got him a soft puppy that barks and wiggles when you pull the rope in his mouth. I was SURE he'd love it. He loves all animals, stuffed and real. But he wasn't too excited. Go figure.

Both boys got Ninja Turtle paraphernalia. Turtle power!

And Collin's heart wished for Optimus Prime. (Talking about it was literally the ONLY way I got him to hold still and be distracted while getting his allergy blood draw.) This thing has no less than 20 complicated moves to get him to transform. I'm going to let Travis be the keeper of those moves. Ain't nobody got time for dat!

The boys also got a pile of books that I think I'm more excited about than them, a couple of song effect puzzles, two games, some toy motorcyles, play doh (which they say play doh doh doh...  like the commercial. I guess they think that's really what it's called!), and Legos. 

My big present was.... a camera!!!! Fist pump!!! I'm soooo dang excited! Megan sent Travis the link for the camera she knew I'd love. And best part is, I have someone to teach me the ropes! 

Then my stinker husband totally surprised me with a new, gold watch and necklace. I love both. Megan helped him get the necklace I've been wanting. It's just a simple chain, with three gold pennants on it, with each of our kid's first initial on them. He also surprised me with a wheat grinder! Seriously, I was half excited, half slightly miffed! He spoils me way more than I need. He has always been this way. I feel lucky and guilty at the same time. He has a heart of gold. 

Travis's big surprise was kind of lame. I got his diploma custom framed to hang in his office. I've never done custom framing before.... um expensive. Yikes. But I think it turned out nicely. The other downside... I couldn't bring it with us. So he got a picture of his present on Christmas. Lame wife. His other presents we shopped for later that week. An I-pad and a new suit.

Olive was not forgotten at Grandma's house! Her first purse, keys and cell phone. So funny! 

David's idol, Ron Burghundy.

Megan made this template that we adapted for my Dad's Priesthood line of Authority. I got it custom framed and really loved how it turned out.
Too bad it wasn't ready by Christmas! :( It was a nice, 3 days after Christmas, present.

This was David's card to my parents, haha.

This looks super non-appetizing, but I promise, it was divine. I look forward to sausage, biscuits and gravy every Christmas!

Jeffy is turning into such a pretty guy.

Nephew love!

After our morning at my parent's house, we got dressed and had lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They had on old, silent home movies that were really fun to watch. Then my Aunt MaryAnn played the piano and my mom played the violin in a little duet for my grandparents. 

That evening was spent opening presents at the Evans' house. I'm still waiting to get the big family picture of all of us in our matching pajama pants. 

Travis got just what he asked for... food storage! Exciting! And I got a Forever 21 gift card and some nice food storage containers. From the sibling exchange with me family, Trav got a shotgun case to go with his new, fancy schmancy shotgun that Bron gave him. I'm glad he got something exciting on Christmas! And I got a shirt and necklace. We were spoiled for sure. Sometimes I think I just need to pinch myself. I'm so grateful for two wonderful families to spend Christmas with! We are blessed beyond imagination.