Our Christmas was very merry and bright. We had our own little Christmas morning a few days early and then flew to Monterey to be with the Bennions for a week. It was days filled with games, crafts (the girls mostly), chocolate, yummy meals and more chocolate. Claire loved her first Christmas. It was so so very precious to see her giggle and hug her new stuffed animals and dolls and instantly want to play with every new toy she opened. It was very fun to get to play Santa for the first time for your own child! It also caused us to realize that our family Christmas morning traditions differ a little. No biggie, we'll compromise on how Santa displays and wraps (or doesn't wrap) his gifts :) Highlight for me - Kindle Fire for my reading and browsing pleasure and for Christian - hang gliding gift certificate!! He's been dreaming about hang gliding (and flying in general) for ages so it was so fun to see his surprise :) But most importantly, this week allowed us to let the blessing of family, which is centered around our Savior, sink into our hearts.
My favorite homemade gift for my bro Matt. Inspiration here.
Our living room's festive touches
Are all these things for me?!
The daughter of a dentist needs to start early.
Hugging her baby
Kissing her baby
Ball from Grandpa Raleigh
Kissing (or eating) the head of the baby from Grandma and Grandpa Raleigh
This pic is for my dad: Thanks for the S&P shakers!
Claire had a little bit of a hard time with all the big boys at Gammy and Pop's place. Lots of new people, places, and things caused her to get a little clingy . She is demonstrating her happy but worried face here. However it wasn't anything seeing their doggy Jens couldn't fix! It looks like doggy is her first word - sounds like either dee, gee, or da. Well, maybe not a full word, but she would point to the back door excitedly and babble her words whenever we'd ask where the doggy was.
The traditional Christmas Eve dinner at the Bennions. Thanks for the lovely week and gifts and love Dave and Lorraine. We love you!
And of course things weren't complete without video chats with my fam in Utah. My bro David is getting home from his mission in April so I will get to spend some quality time with them all soon.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2012!
Ooh, I planned on making one of these for Autumn to give to the other two kids for Christmas, but just didn't get around to it. Partially, because the version of the game that I bought isn't the flip up kind...anyway, your's looks awesome!
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