Christmas Afternoon with the Cox Family

On Christmas afternoon we all loaded into the van and headed out to American Falls to spend some time with the Cox Family.  We all unwrapped presents but LeeRoy was super happy when he found his present was a huge air compressor that was hidden out in the shed!  Peggy and Mike were also there visiting which was great so we just hung out and ate a gigantic, delicious meal.  Wendy started throwing up not long after we arrived though and started to feel pretty sick so we had to cut our visit short and get her home.  Once there she slept for a bit and then felt much better!  I asked her if Christmas was ruined because she didn't feel well and she assured me it was still the best Christmas ever!  That make me one happy mom!

 

Christmas Present Scavenger Hunt

After we finished opening presents Christmas morning we spent some time playing with toys, laughing, and talking.  After about 15 minutes had passed I asked the girls if they were happy with all they received and when they excitedly said yes I told them how disappointing that was to hear.  They looked at me very confused until LeeRoy and I told them there was still 1 more present for them but they would have to find it.  We played the hot and cold game until they found the gift but when they unwrapped it this clue was all they found.  They proceeded to follow 5 more riddles and clues until the last one led them to their real presents hidden in the dryer.  

They had so much fun on the present hunt and squealed with delight when they each opened a Stuffie.  It's a stuffed animal that has lots of secret pockets to hide stuff in.  They had fun finding that mom and dad had hidden little treasures in each pocket but were shocked to find ipods inside the biggest one!  Neither of them knew what to say, they just sat and stared at them for the longest time before it finally registered in their minds.  Then they freaked out!  They were so happy!  It was a great moment!

 

Merry Christmas

Christmas morning was so exciting.  Emily was the first up and rang the bells to wake everyone up.  The girls were so excited as they lined up and walked out to see what Santa brought.  Emily had asked for a down comforter and Wendy asked for a My Little Pony Friendship is Magic Wedding Castle. They were both so good this year and received what they asked for.  LeeRoy got a new razor and I got an iPad Mini.  I was so excited!  We took our time opening the rest of the presents and playing with each and every one.  It was so fun to watch how excited the girls were for each other to get a present.

 

Elf on the Shelf

Before I post all about our Christmas holiday I wanted to share some of the fun things Alfie-O did during the month of December.  The kids were always so excited to wake up in the morning and see what that crazy elf-on-the-shelf had done.  

 

Christmas Eve

I love my family!  That is all there is to it.  Any chance we have to spend time together is so amazing.  That is probably one of the many reasons I love Christmas so much!  We have had our share of holidays apart so the ones we are lucky enough to spend together we truly cherish!  On Christmas Eve we spent the morning in pajamas hanging out together.  We cooked breakfast and played a ton of games laughing and talking.  Then we braved, and barely survived, a quick trip to Wal-Mart for some last minute supplies.  

In the evening the Palmers came over for dinner and even more games.  Then we watched 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and the girls got to open up their Christmas Eve pajamas and slippers.  They were so excited as we set out cookies and water for Santa and tracked his flight online.  They could barely contain their excitement as we tucked them into bed.  I felt the same way and couldn't sleep for the life of me so LeeRoy and I stayed up late cuddled in bed playing games together on our phones.  Emily and Wendy told us the next day as they fell asleep they heard Santa's bells ringing in the night and a distinct HO HO HO!  There was definitely magic in the air!

Christmas Card 2012

I found a Christmas card online that I loved so I decided to make it on my own.  It took some time but I love how it turned out.  Our family also loves to play the game Killer Bunnies so I made our own personalized playing card to send as well. Alisha teased that I was showing my dorkiness way to much so I made sure to only send it to the families familiar with that game.  I always look forward to sending out cards and receiving them in the mail.  It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions!

Polar Express Night

For kindergarten yesterday Wendy got to wear pajamas to school for Polar Express day.  She loved it.  Later in the evening LeeRoy was able to take her back to school where they hosted a Polar Express Night.They got to ride a trolley-like train to view some Christmas lights, drink hot cocoa and eat cookies, visit with Santa, and do some activities in her classroom.  It was a cold and windy night but they both had a blast spending time together and having fun!