Christmas Day

We had another fabulous Christmas. In fact, this might have been the best yet. On Christmas eve we got to spend time with both our families. We ate delicious food and had a gift exchange. Because Christmas was on Sunday and we were attending 9:00 church with Brandon's family Brandon and I got up at 6:00 am to start things rolling.

Alex must have been good this year because Santa brought him some pretty cool toys.

Before we got Alex up Brandon and I opened our presents from Santa. After working from 7 pm to 1 am the night before Brandon was thrilled to be up at 6 am to open presents. At least he got some good presents.

Alex immediately ran into his new "Adventure Hut." He loves it.

Alex, checking out his stocking loot.

Alex got a mini light-saber from Grandma and Grandpa Clements.

He and Mikah did a little dueling.

Max, checking out the treats.

We are so lucky to have such wonderful families to spend the day with. It was so much fun. It was also fun now that Alex was old enough to open his own presents. He was a little crazy the whole day taking it all in. I can't wait for next year!

Baking

During this Christmas season we have done a lot of baking (and a lot of eating) around our house. Alex even got into it. He enjoyed wearing Daddy's apron and he was great at drumming on the bowl with a big spoon.

Gygi Family Party

Every year the Gygi side of Brandon's family has a Christmas party. Because of the size of the family it has to be held at a church. There are more kids each year. This year we ate delicious food (as always), visited with Santa and even had a quick gift exchange.

Alex loved running around with the other kids.

Max and Alex

Max
Mikah and Santa

Alex and Santa. Once again Alex was not having it. This is so funny to me because if we had handed Alex to any other stranger at the party he probably wouldn't have cared. There is just something about that white beard and red suit that scares him to death.

Santa insisted the Brandon join him on his lap. Sadly, this didn't help.

Max and Santa

At least this time Santa brought Alex a toy. He was pretty excited about that.

Pictures with Santa

Another year means another family picture with Santa. Last year Alex was pretty indifferent about the whole thing so we were anxious to see what his reaction would be this year. He was not a fan, although he didn't cry until we all left him to take a picture alone with Santa.

On Tuesday night we went to Brandon's work party. Santa came and we thought we would try again. This time was even worse. This is the "before" picture, waiting in line.

Not having it at all, although he did give him a high five after we picked him up.

Christmas Nativity...Sort of

One of my favorite traditions my family does each year is act out the Christmas nativity story. We are each assigned a part and dress up in ridiculous costumes. It seems to get crazier every year.

The staging area...

This year Alex was the angel Gabriel. He played the part really well.

This was the best picture I could get of Mary, Joseph, and Joseph's assistant (our family gets bigger each year and we are running out of parts).

Narrator, piano player, and Boo.

Beautiful Choir of Angels

The most frightening 3 wise men you will ever see.

I love this tradition because not only is it usually hilarious but it is a good reminder of why we celebrate this time of year.

The Best

After working a 14 hour night shift and then stopping on the way home to get an oil change, Brandon brought home this beautiful poinsettia for me. He left it on the kitchen table along with a sweet note. Even though I didn't notice it for awhile (I'm really observant), I loved it! I have been telling Brandon that I wanted one for our kitchen table for a while but felt bad spending 8 or more dollars on one when it will eventually die. Well, apparently Brandon does listen when I ramble because he brought one home for me anyway. It looks so good in our kitchen and I will enjoy it all season long. I really have the best husband!

We also have the best son. The other day Brandon found Alex like this, sitting in the chair in his room reading some of his books. I tried to sneak a picture before he noticed me and moved but it came out a little blurry. Alex loves looking at books. Although he sometimes is a little rough with them (he has only ripped a couple), it is so fun to see him pull them off his shelf and read through them. My favorite is when he will randomly bring one to me and then sits on my lap so that I will read it to him. He is such a smart kid and we love watching him learn.

Festival of Trees

It has become a tradition for Brandon and me to go to the Festival of Trees each year. Brandon mostly puts up with it because he gets to eat a scone or two. This year the trees didn't seem to be quite as exciting as usual but there were some great ones as always.

Winnie the Pooh
Go Utes!

Up - my personal favorite

Alex was super excited the whole time. Maybe next year we will get a babysitter.

Snoopy

Tangled

Alex was also excited when he got his scone.