Christmas 2008

Do you every have those holidays that when they are over you can sit back and say - I think that went pretty well. We had that kind of Christmas. Not void of craziness at times, but it was a good Christmas with a lot of relaxing and just enjoying each other. This year we were able to have all of the boys with us. This only happens every other year in our family because of the whole divorce thing. We had all the boys on Christmas day and we loved it. Next year we will only have Ethan on Christmas Day. We spent Christmas Eve with Dana and her family and then we just spent Christmas day by ourselves. Darwin's parent are on a mission in the Philippines and my parents decided to go to Utah for Christmas. Dana had her in-laws with her so we spent Christmas day at home. Christmas morning Ray and Linda (Darwin's parents) were able to watch the boys open their presents from Santa live on the Internet. We usually talk to them this way and we had the idea to have them watch. It was so good to have them as part of our day. We miss them very much. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying the spoils. We have been very blessed this year. We are at a time in our lives where life seems relatively calm and good.

Christmas Eve at Dana's house. We have a tradition of hamburgers and tamales for Christmas Eve Dinner. Strange I know, but I guess you could say it's unique. I just love food and especially Christmas food and goodies.

Each family was supposed to do some kind of talent. Dana's family sang and played the piano. We did talent the West style. We did a silly Christmas skit. We were impressed how well the boys acted out their parts. When it was all over I realized my zipper was down. I was standing in front of everyone!! You really should tell people when their zippers are down. :)
Chandler was Joseph (green sash). Ammon (tan headdress) and Taylor (blue striped headdress) were Wise Men. Nikoluas (in the back) and Ethan (how can you miss the leopard shepherd) were shepherds. The little shepherd did not exactly enjoy his roll. I guess in our Christmas Story sippy cups are the norm.

I love this part of Christmas. I remember doing this as a child and I loved it. My boys think it's just another torture treatment that parents think up to put pre-teens through.

Every year I make pajamas for my family. This year I just made the pants and bought the shirts. I get such a kick out of seeing them all decked out in their jammies. They are always such good sports about it. This was late Christmas Eve and Ethan had had enough.













Chandler and Nikolaus love to put things together. Thus Bioncle and Legos.














Ammon and Taylor enjoyed their mega huge Nerf Machine Guns.














Ethan loves anything that moves. Trucks, cars, and trains. He spent the whole day playing with all of his trucks and trains. I am totally encouraging the train thing. I love it.














Nikolaus spent 4 days straight putting all his Legos together.