Christmas Day

Christmas morning was so much fun! I have been waiting a few years to be at home with our kids for Christmas morning. It was everything I anticipated. As we walked down the stairs to see what Santa left for our family, Jack said, "OOHHHHH! SANTA!" I don't think he quite understood everything, but he noticed the train set and candy right away! Jack's stocking
Mine and Jason's stockings

And our sweet Gavin's stocking

After we opened Santa's gifts, my family came over and we had Christmas breakfast.

And here is the big gift . . . Jack got a swing set!!

And a Woody figurine.

(According to Jason, it is NOT a doll)

A little afternoon nap with dad is always a necessity on a day like Christmas!

And nothing like a night swim in the jacuzzi!

Uncle James even brought over their dog for Jack to play with.

And talking with Elder Matthew Mortensen was definitely a highlight of the day.

Becca even got to announce her engagement to her boyfriend Corby!

Days like Christmas are always a little bittersweet, but it is because of our Savior that we have hope and peace. Even when we are missing those we love so much.

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful dinner Christmas Eve at Via De Brazil. Afterwards, we went back to my parents' house where Jack opened his Buzz Lightyear pajamas from his Aunt Becca. He looooves Buzz!

We were able to have a fun Christmas program with music, singing and a bit a scripture reading too.

I have to admit, this Christmas with Jack was one of the very best!

Kids make the magic of Christmas reappear for adults!

Gingerbread House

Christmas Eve morning we decided to make a gingerbread house.

Jack wasn't sure about putting the candy on the house . . .

. . . but he had a fun time with dad!

I think this may be a tradition for years to come!

Two Of A Kind

Santa brought an early gift this year.

Matching ties for Jason and Jack.

Pretty dang cute - if I don't say so myself . . .

I may just have the most adorable boys in the whole wide world.

Christmas Box Angel Memorial

Last night was the annual Christmas Box Angel Memorial at the cemetery.

I can't believe this is the fourth year we have gone to this memorial.

I can't believe four Christmas have come and gone without our sweet baby Gavin here to hold.

The memorial is such a nice way to take some time out to remember him.

There isn't a day I don't think about him.

But it is nice to set aside a special night during this holiday season to remember Gavin and feel the peace of an eternal family and the comfort of a merciful Father in Heaven.

The grief comes and goes now.

It isn't as prevalent as it used to be.

But the emptiness of missing a child never leaves a mother's heart.

It is nights like this one that makes me reach for my husband's hand with the common understanding of what we are both thinking and feeling.

And not a word has to be spoken.

He Likes to Move It!

Today Jack and I went to Great Harvest Bread. As I was paying for our bread I turned to check on Jack. I couldn't see him (panic sets in a full force right about now) and then I find him standing in the middle of the tables dancing for all the people eating their lunch. They were loving it and laughing.

Go figure.

I think I have a performer on my hands . . .

The Second Encounter . . . With Santa

Tonight we tried the Santa-thing again at my parents' ward Christmas Party. Maybe we did it for our entertainment since Jack already made it very clear how he feels about Santa . . .
But, we let PopPop take Jack to Santa and he did a little bit better.

At least he gave him a high-five this time. Or maybe he was influenced with the candy . . .

The First Encounter . . . With Santa

Jason's work had kids Christmas party tonight and invited Santa! Jack has been talking about "HoHo" for a few weeks now. He doesn't get it - but he recognizes the big man in the red suit with the white beard.

So, I got him dressed up and headed over the the party . . .

. . . and he screamed the minute Santa walked into the room. In fact, he made both Jason and myself stay in the picture with him. And he STILL cried!

Good thing Santa knows what he wants! :)

Decorating for Christmas 2010

We started decorating for Christmas this week. Here are a few pics of all the fun!

Jack insisted on helping Jason put up the lights on the house this year so we had to bundle him up for the occasion. You know, 55 degrees outside is pretty cold for us Vegas kids!

Here is a funny story about the candy canes: Jack kept messing with the candy canes so Jason told him not to touch because they are hot. Jack looked up at Jason, grabbed the candy cane and said, "No Dad. COLD!" There is no foolin' that kid!