Christmas

I always write something to go with our Christmas cards, but I just couldn't muster up the time or energy this year. Which made me sad, but it is what it is. Just designing, ordering and getting cards out on time was a major accomplishment. And of course, after spending soooo much time pricing them out at numerous online sites and trying to find the best deal, I ended up ordering from Sam's Club and they cut off Tanner and Collin's names so it looks like we have a "lanner" and "ollin". SIGH. 

Those pictures though... all the heart eyes in the world!

Christmas Adam was on a Sunday this year and we ended up going to our parent's ward to see my parents and Travis's dad sing in their choir. Olive is wearing one of my old dresses which I loved. 

The Christmas program at the Evans always starts with Wayne leading everyone in some Christmas hymns, which is nice. Usually we do all the activities on Christmas Eve, but since it takes so long, this year we split it up a little. Talent show one night and acting out the nativity the next night on Christmas Eve.

Then comes the talent show. Olive sang Jingle Bells, Collin played the trombone and Weston played the piano.

After all the families had gone, someone suggested all the cousins who played an instrument should try to play Jingle Bells together. Kayda played the flute, Abbey played the cello and Collin played the trombone! It was so fun to watch!

I guess this used to be something Travis's siblings did with their cousins a lot.

Wayne's creations are always amusing!

Weston was one of the wise men this year and he brought Frankincense. Hahahahahahaha!

Collin was the donkey, hehe!

Another year of Christmas pants!

We went over to my parent's house for a quick second and took Grandpa's lit up RZR sled out for a ride!

We've been doing good acts all month and adding straw each time to Jesus' cradle to make it nice and cozy for him! 

I thought the kids' snowflakes on the window turned out to be a nice touch!

Hobby Lobby no longer sells these letters, so we are short a "T". Wahhhh! I bought a few extra letters back when I first made these, in cautious anticipation of any other children we might have. Didn't work out though. 

The initial Christmas morning rush down! We made them wait until 7am. Tanner was still sleeping, so they had to wait even longer to start on the big presents. We finally woke him up around 7:30am.

Collin is the BEST kid to give gifts too. Hands down. He is ECSTATIC. Jumps up and down! Exudes pure joy! It is just fun to watch. I feel like Weston and Olive see him and sort of take note that that's how you should react so we get pretty good feedback with each present that is opened, haha.

Olive loved her big girl bike! She had been constantly asking for unicorn slippers and robe (saw them in the Target catalog) all month. A robe would have been useless, but she got her slippers! Also a date with mom to go see Disney on Ice and some gelly shoes, a Barbie car, waterbottle and skirt!

Collin and Weston got trick scooters, Star Wars sweatshirts (their favorite), Beyblades, books, and Legos and remote control cars. Collin also got some new shoes.

And Weston got a new bike helmet!

Travis got a new hat, some shirts and ties and a new belt. 

Travis got us the Ring doorbell camera and I got a new recipe book and shirt!

Collin loves to give gifts. Even when I helped each child pick out a gift for another sibling, he still wanted to do more, so without me knowing, he drew detailed pictures for everyone and wrapped them. This is what he drew for Tanner. I love that he is so thoughtful.

We headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house around 10:30am for biscuits and gravy and more opening presents!

Marcie and I got our parents tickets to see Billy Joel in a couple of months! So really, we got it for mom and dad gets to go along, haha! Collin must have gotten his present opening happiness from his Grandma because she's really fun to give presents to too! Her reaction made up for 23 years ago when I got her something Billy Joel related as well. Back when I was in 7th grade, my friend showed me how she had written to Billy Joel's office and gotten a signed picture from him. Not having any money, but wanting to get my mom a present for Christmas, I thought that was the PERFECT idea. I knew she really liked Billy Joel's music. I was so proud of myself for coming up with something creative for her and couldn't wait for her to open it. Christmas day came and I distinctly remember her opening up the picture and then just DYING laughing. She showed it to my dad and he fell over himself cracking up as well. They laughed until they cried and not understanding the "joke", I just felt like they were laughing at the present and was crushed. Pretty sure I even cried a little too, feeling sorry for myself. Now, it's a family joke. If only she could find that picture now, I would make sure it got framed and put somewhere in that house, haha!

David and Abbey had a fun announcement!! She has been wanting a baby for so long... we were thrilled for her!! David's face in this picture is too good. The things you do for the woman you love!

Turns out, Christopher and Jael had the same announcement, but their card didn't get here in time, which was a bummer. Lots of babies coming this way! 

We went to the other Grandma's house that evening and enjoyed time with the Evans. The adults played a White Elephant game instead of exchanging presents and we had some laughs. 

Grandma Ann sent out this Christmas letter with money to all of us and I didn't want to lose it so I thought putting it here would make sure I had it always! I love her memories and learning about how life was for her through the years. I am abundantly blessed. Travis kept thanking me for all I did to make it a wonderful Christmas, but he deserves so much credit for funding all of it! I feel like we live a very luxurious life and that is thanks to him and all the sacrifices of our parents and those before us.