After waking up a million times all night we finally got up and headed out to get presents around 8AM. The boys were so cute and excited. Christmas morning is the best. After checking out what Santa brought we had a yummy breakfast and then opened all the family gifts under the tree. We were so spoiled and feel so blessed to be loved by so many.
We started the evening off with a DELICIOUS dinner at Grandma and PapPap's. They outdid themselves. After stuffing ourselves we headed out in a crazy rain/wind storm to get home. Not a white Christmas for us this year. When we got home we all opened our new Christmas jammies before cuddling up together to read the the account of Christ's birth in Luke 2. We set out some treats for Santa, the reindeer, and our elf Winkie, and then headed outside in the rain to sprinkle some reindeer food on the lawn. After squaring that all away we quickly tucked the boys in bed so that visions of sugar plums could dance in their heads. Tanner continued to wake up every hour all night. Guess the anticipation was too much. ;)
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| Someone's lucky Santa didn't hold this against him and still brought him toys! |
We've been anxiously awaiting Eric and Morgan's arrival so we could make our gingerbread houses with them. We thought Dean would be at the Church for some baptisms last night, so we helped the boys make their houses earlier in the day so they could just do the decorating that night while he was gone. Luckily/unluckily Dean's had some dizziness issues lately and was feeling too yucky to drive so he was able to come join us for the house making party. The houses turned out great, we think. Eric and Morgan were still going at it when we left so we'll have to wait to form a final opinion on their's. ;)
Christmas kid crafts with Mom...
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| We had to remember the bus drivers |
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| Tanner's gift for his school class |
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| We even got a sweet Christmas Card back from Eric the Mailman |
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| Neighbor/Friend Gifts |
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| Dad's Pancakes on Christmas Eve |
think they're in charge around here, but really we all know the boys call the shots. Dean's the cyber school coordinator at the high school and has made himself indispensable as the go-to tech guy as well. Andrea loves being a stay-at-home mom, hanging with Keaton all day. She does her best to keep up with the boys and is Activity Days Leader at Church. She volunteers with the PTA and blogs in her "spare time."
is nearly 18 and is halfway through his freshman year at BYU. He's pursuing a degree in Chemistry but changes his mind often. He has pet snails in his dorm and is working on a podcast in his spare time. He also loves to cook and is enjoying his independence.
is 15 and in 10th grade. He plays the trumpet and piano and participates in the school musical every year. He can't wait to turn 16 and learn to drive and is enjoying being the oldest now that Tanner's away at school.
is 13 and in the 8th grade. He plays saxophone in the school band and continues to take piano lessons. He rocks the school musicals, plays on the boys soccer team, serves with NJHS, and a million other clubs. His mischievous smile keeps us all on our toes, and he is best known for his scavenging skills, bringing home all sorts of "treasures" he finds at school.
is a big 10 year old and rocking the 4th grade. He's the lone Nelson at the elementary, but handles that like a champ. He plays piano and is always talking our ears off. He's smart as a whip and loves playing soccer.
is almost 3 and absolutely full of energy. He loves music and sings all day long. He is smart as a whip and has an impeccable memory. He's adored by his big brothers and gets into EVERYTHING.
