Christmas Day 2010

We woke up to find that our elf had found our candy cane stash!

And that Santa had come just as he had promised...

...leaving letters for the boys who had worked so hard to write some to him...

Our boys each got a want (dart gun/bumbo for Kortlen), a need (shoes/snow gloves/onesies), a wear (long-sleeve T) and a read (a book) from Santa, and I made their quilts, pillows and the car mat...everything else is from our *Secret Santa...we. are. blessed. So very. blessed.)

Painted in the wee hours of the morning...for many days...on 40" x 60" of duck cloth.  I even got a cardboard tube from an upholstery store for free to roll it on...talk about labor intensive!!!

Finished quilts for the bunkbeds, pillows to read with, and smaller monster ones to keep the monsters away at night (they're super ugly, but that's what happens when you "create" at 2 am).  Also, labor intensive...during more wee hours in the week between birthdays and Christmas Eve. 

Growing up, we had a tradition that we could not open presents until Grandma and Grandpa Crandall had come...so we invited Ryan's parents to come Christmas morning to watch the kids open their presents.  It was a fun way to be with them without having to go to Rexburg and then to Chesterfield in the same day.

The boys throughly enjoyed the morning, and Kortlen just wanted the wrapping paper and a nap.  Go figure!

It was simply magical to watch them, their expressions, and the excitement in their eyes and voices.

To put it modestly, we'll have games to play  and toys to play with for YEARS before I'll hear "I'm Bored".

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After a yummy breakfast of Apple Pancakes, grapefruit and milk, Grandma and Grandpa Poulsen headed off to visit more grandkids, and we picked up and packed our bags to head to Grandma and Grandpa Crandall's house.

Going there never disappoints.  Not only did they have so much fun playing with their adoring aunts and uncles, but they played non-stop with their new Buzz and Woody.

*This picture taken on new year's day...didn't get a good one on Christmas day!

 My mom's tree is always gorgeous!

 And we had another wise man join the family!

The day wouldn't be complete without the reading of Christ's Birth.  There's a real baby in that manger, too!  Check out the shepherd's sheep...and the lovely little angel! 

It was a fabulous day, filled with memorable gifts, fun visits, and great reflection on the greatest gift of all, our Savior.

Our hearts are full of gratitude to our Heavenly Father, our loving family, and wonderful friends.

__________

We got to go to my parent's ward on Sunday, and then Ryan had to get back home for work, but I decided to stay for some more adventures, and hoped that Ryan would get some better sleep when he was home.