This year was so special because it was Caden's very first Christmas! I remember thinking last year when it was Makayla's first Christmas how weird it would be the next year because we would have two little babies opening presents, and here we are!! I just love this time of year, and helping our little Cader-tot celebrate his first Christmas makes this year especially great!!
Christmas Eve was with my side of the family this year and we had the party at our house. We ordered pizza's then opened presents.
Makayla had to help Caden open all his presents. My parents gave Caden a toy dog/walker and a cute outfit.
Makayla got an outfit from Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob and a cute baby with a stroller, crib, and carrier. She LOVED it!
Aren't my parents cute? They sure spoiled all their grand kids!
Hannah, Maddie, and Sadie got Furbies. Let's just say they were one of the most obnoxious toys ever! After presents we had dessert and then sat around talking. I think every one was really excited for Christmas day because they all left around 7:30. Either that or we throw a pretty lame party!
Since it was early we decided to catch the last part of the Collard Christmas party. When we got there they started the talent show. Carson read a story and Makayla did "Ring around the Rosie" for her talent. Since Tyler is the only one with real talent in the family, he went next and played the accordian.
I think we may have scared Ryan's new girlfriend Aubree. She didn't know what was more weird: Tyler playing the accordian or us singing Christmas carols.
Our kids were pretty good troopers. It was way past their bed time, but they were good sports. Although this little guy was getting pretty tired. Look at those puppy dog eyes...
We did our traditional Sweedish dance in the street. Makayla and Grandpa Craig got to lead us again.
Cader-tot and I were the caboose.
Then it was time for more presents. Goodness we are spoiled! Makayla got a dinosaur from Aubree
Caden got clothes and toys from Uncle Bruce, I got earrings and a shirt from Tammy, and Tyler got a grill light... you know for all those times when you bar-b-q at midnight! :)
Kayla loved all her gifts.
After presents we had dessert. The kids were pretty tired considering they were up almost 3 hours past their bedtime so we headed home. See? Poor little kids!
Christmas morning we woke up hoping that Santa Claus brought us gifts and did he ever!!!
As soon as Makayla walked down stairs she started running toward her toys saying "presents!" It was the cutest thing ever! I think this year was so much fun with Makayla because she kind of understood what was going on.
Caden and Kayla started playing with all their toys from Santa.
I think Caden loved his very first Christmas
Sometimes it was harder to tell who loved the toys, Daddy or Caden
And let's be honest, I was probably more excited to play with Makayla's kitchen than she was!
Then we started to open the other presents. Kayla got a new blankie
And a new book
She also got a new pair of pants and bath toys.
Caden got a new book
And bath toys that immediately went into his mouth.
But I think Caden's favorite toy was his new binkies. Caden has started to like them again. Good thing Santa keeps an eye on these kids and knows exactly what they need and want!
Caden also got a new outfit and an ornament for the tree from Santa.
We tried to open presents from each other, but Kayla was a little off schedule from all the fun the previous night. She was so ornery and crying every time we asked her if she wanted to open presents, so we put her down for an early nap at 9:00. She ended up sleeping until almost 11. We figured we would open presents the next day.
Once the kids woke up, we got them all ready in their new Christmas outfits and posed for a picture. Kayla actually put her hand around Caden... pretending to like each other was the best Christmas gift!
And of course I made my family take our traditional family picture in front of our tree.
We started out Christmas day at Grandma and Grandpa Evans' house with Craig's side of the family. We had a yummy ham dinner and then did a talent show. Makayla's talent was Ring around the Rosie again, but this time she did it with Grandpa.
We got spoiled
again with lots of presents. We got a Cafe Rio gift card form Aunt Jo and the kids got more toys and pajamas from Aunt Karen and Great Grandma and Grandpa Evans.
I really wish I knew what everyone was looking at! :)
This little guy was so tired from all the fun activities. But Daddy loved having some snuggle time with his little man.
After a few hours there, we stopped by my parents' house to say hi. Since we switch off holidays, we ended up missing my brothers and their families, but we heard they had a lot of fun. By the time we left my parents house Makayla was so tired she was screaming. She didn't know which way was up. I think Chirstmas is so much fun, but it sure is hard on little babies when they get off their schedules. But really, who can blame them?
Remember how we didn't get to open our presents from each other on Christmas? Well we decided to open them on December 26th, so our Christmas ended up being three days long.
I gave Tyler some shirts, a pair of pants, two pairs of shoes, and P90x so he can get that 6 pack abs and look like Brad Pitt... yum!!
I got a coat, some boots, slippers, perfume, earrings, and an iTunes gift card.
Makayla and Caden got some clothes, jammies, books, and toys. Kayla was too busy playing with all her stuff to pause and pose for a picture with me.
By the end of our three day Christmas our basement looked like this.
I'll take that as a sign that we had a great Christmas!
In all the fun, we can't forget the reason for celebrating. Not to get too sentimental, but it really is important to remember the day Christ was born and the ultimate gift our Heavenly Father gave to all of us. I feel so grateful for all the blessings we have and for the wonderful Christmas season to spend with family and friends. My kids don't understand it now, but I want them to know that although getting presents is fun, it is important to take some time during this hectic season to thank Heavenly Father for all gifts he has given to us, especially his son, Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas! What a great 2012.
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