Our First Christmas at Home

I know we're almost a month out, but I wanted to share a few photos from our first Christmas at home.  Yes, this was our VERY FIRST Christmas in our own home and we were so excited to create our own traditions.  Every year since our marriage, we have spent Christmas Eve and Day at either of our parents' houses out of a suitcase.  It has been great to make memories there, but when our kids started asking, "When are we going to have Christmas at our house?"  we knew it was time to do it on our own.   Aaron's parents and brother did come and stay here through the holiday, which was wonderful.  They are pretty-much empty-nesters and so now they get to come and enjoy our celebration.  

Aaron's parents arrived on Christmas Eve in the afternoon.  We were still finishing our gift-wrapping and getting the house ready when they came.   We had one of our favorite meals for dinner- homemade fettucine alfredo with shrimp and chicken.  Then, after dinner we had a little program.  Erika and Kyle sang a song, Erika and I played a piano duet of "Jingle Bells" (which she had played at the school talent show a few weeks prior) and then I sang "Oh Holy Night".

Mary holding baby Jesus

Doesn't she look the part of an angel?

Then, we had the kids dress up for a nativity program.  While Aaron read the story, the kids acted it out.  They also did a little flannel-board story of it.  The kids were really excited about this because it was their first Christmas present- a Bible and Book of Mormon flannel board set.  (I think mommy was the most excited about this!)  After the program, we sang some songs and then the kids each got to open one gift (which were all books) and then we went to bed!  Oh, we also remembered to put out a few cookies and hot chocolate for Santa and we sprinkled some oats out on the driveway for the reindeer.   

  

Here is the note Erika left for Santa:

Christmas morning, the kids waited patiently downstairs until mom and dad were ready.  Then, the fun began of opening presents.   We enjoyed a nice relaxing morning opening gifts and then had a great breakfast of sticky buns and eggs and sausage.   I think the kids were all very happy with the gifts from Santa and mom and dad.  

Kyle got a marble tower.

Erika was surprised by a new barbie house built by her dad. 

Jared had the most fun playing with (and eating) the wrapping.

After breakfast, we headed out and went sledding.  This was a challenge because there wasn't much snow.   We had to drive over the mountain towards Logan to find some.  We found a great spot by Wellsville close to the road so grandma and grandpa could even shuttle us up the hill with the car!   We had a great time!   It was a beautiful sunny day.   

Uncle Ryan making a run with all the kids.

A beautiful view of cache valley and the mountains.  

When we got home, we had a delicious turkey dinner.  Then, we watched a movie together, "Despicable Me", one that has recently come out.   After that, Christmas was over and we headed off to bed.   It was great to have grandma and grandpa here to share it with us.   It was a very memorable Christmas!  

We didn't get around to making our gingerbread house until the week after Christmas, but that's okay, right?