What a wonderful Christmas morning! We woke up the kids early so they could open their presents before going to church. They were so cute and excited; it cracked me up how Stockton knew exactly which presents were his, and ran right over to start checking them out! Annabelle was so excited to see her "Ariel Wedding Dress" and her doll, "Sunflower," waiting for her :) I can't even tell you how excited I was for the kids to see their presents--their very favorite things waiting for them. When I saw Annabelle see her new dress and doll for the first time, my eyes filled up with tears--how crazy emotional do you have to be in order to break down so easily?! :) I didn't take any still-shot photos due to my severe regret at not having any video from Christmas Eve; I decided to videotape the kids opening their presents this time. Annabelle was so cute when she opened her "Royalty Castle" (that's what she calls it). Josh was putting it together and she was picking up each piece saying "Look at this royalty door Mom! Look at this beautiful royal chair..." It was cute.
After we opened presents, we got the kids dressed and headed to church with Grandma, Papa, Brady, Angie and Rusty. Rusty and Stocky looked adorable running around together in their coordinating outfits. It was funny because everyone in the halls thought Rusty belonged to me and Josh, and that Stockton belonged to Brady and Angie :) They were all surprised when we told them it was actually the opposite. I would venture to say that people would also be quicker to place Annabelle and Rusty together as siblings, as opposed to Annabelle and Stockton :) Nevertheless, I absolutely LOVE Annabelle and Stockton's many differences; it makes our next baby an even greater mystery--blonde or brunette? Thick or thin? Brown eyes or blue? Boy or girl? Olive skin or fair skin? Two things are a given: Tall and Adorable :)
I always love going to my mom's ward the week of Christmas--they have a really great choir and the programs are touching and inspiring. I also love seeing everyone in the neighborhood again; I like showing them the kids; I like seeing them and their grandkids; I like it when some of my past friends from the ward come back to visit their parents, and I get to catch up and see their cute kids :) Christmas is all about coming "Home" and being with family. Attending my parents' ward during the week of Christmas feels like "coming home."
Attending church on Christmas morning was WONDERFUL! It was a challenge getting everyone up and ready for church at 9:00 on Christmas morning, but when we got there it was all worth it, and provided a PERFECT beginning to the day. After all the rush and excitement died down from our early, eventful morning, it was a peaceful feeling to walk into a reverant meetinghouse, feel the spirit, see the faces of those we love, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Making the choice to be there together to worship and celebrate was the most important and special decision we made the entire day.
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| "Ariel Wedding Gown," "Sunflower," and the "Royalty Castle" |
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| Stocky's Treasures |
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| Josh's Stocking. |
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