Christmas Day

The kids weren’t supposed to wake us up until after 7:30am on Christmas morning.  Usually they’ve had to wait for everyone to wake up on their own accord before heading downstairs – this year we told them if Drew wasn’t awake by 8am we would wake him up.  Still torturous I know, but sleep is very much protected and encouraged around here.  Both Jason and Drew slept til minutes before 8am.   The girls were surprisingly very patient, but they didn’t waste anytime and quickly gathered everyone on the steps.  

Once they filed downstairs they delved into their stockings.

Santa usually doesn’t bring very big gifts – the traditional orange, tooth cleaning products, new underwear and/or socks, lifesavers, etc…. This year both Jason and Katie asked for Legos and boy, did Santa deliver!

Drew also got a pretty fantastic gift from Santa!

Justin couldn’t quite figure out what Santa had left him in his stocking.  Poo-pourri!  Funny, I had one wrapped under the tree for him as well.

Drew was so fun to watch open gifts.  He’d tear off a piece wrapping paper, we’d cheer, then he’d look at us as if asking, “really, this is ok? You want me to do it again?!?”  Then he’d tear off another piece and again look at us for confirmation that he wasn’t going to get in trouble.  So cute!

Later that morning he laid right down in a pile of wrapping paper and kicked and flailed his arms and legs.  My kid is awesome!

New Pants!

The kids were all very excited for their secret siblings to open the gifts they had chosen for them.  The girls in particular were very thoughtful with their gift giving.  Abigail even used some of her own money to buy gifts for some of her other siblings.

Going into Christmas I felt we’d kept things pretty simple and didn’t get the kids much.  So I was surprised when it took us over an hour to get everything open.  It helps that my Mom had several gifts wrapped for the kids as well.  The kids were thrilled with everything they received and even our pre-teen daughters thought they’d hit the jackpot.  I hope they will always be so easy to please.  

A T-Mobile light up bracelet – exciting, no?

How many 10 year olds would be so excited about getting their requested crayons?

Carly LOVES her new jacket from Grandma & Val

New pillowcases made by Grandma Kesler

More Legos from Grandma & Val – this kid was in Lego heaven!

The girls put together some really thoughtful gifts for Justin and me.  Abigail made Justin a coupon book full of various ways she would help and serve.

Carly created an I “heart” U puzzle out of melty beads with a cleaver banner.  She spent many, many hours creating (and recreating after Drew destroyed it) this top secret gift in the days leading up to Christmas.

There were several gifts under the tree that Justin had “acquired” – the cow that danced and played Christmas music was a HUGE hit with Drew.

After all the gift exchanging was complete we had delicious “waffle love” waffles for breakfast at Justin’s request.

That evening we headed down to Grandma and Grandpa Fletcher’s for more Christmas fun.  Grandma started the evening by giving each of the grandkids a new Disney pillow pet.

Unfortunately {and fortunately}, I put my camera away after that and just enjoyed the evening.   It seems that after every Christmas I wish I would have taken a picture of the kids with all their Christmas goodies – once again I didn’t remember.  It’s safe to say everyone was thrilled with their gifts and felt the joy by giving as well.  Another wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Justin prefers to work the day right before a holiday just in case he can get off early without taking vacation.  Even if that means that for the rest of his family – that holiday/pre-holiday is much like any other day.  We like feeling like we’re getting a deal and working 6 hours out of 8 is apparently a bargain ;)

Anyhow, that left the kids and I at home getting ready for Christmas.  Christmas Eve always means making cookies for Santa.

We met up with Justin’s family at Ivar’s for an early dinner and to walk around the “Clam Lights”.

Back at home Justin read the story of Christ’s birth from the Hipwell family bible

Reading from the scriptures was quickly followed by dessert and then the kids were “allowed” to open just one gift.  

Drew pretty much threw aside his gift to play with the wrapping paper

Surprise!  PJ’s are always a hit!

The girls didn’t expect to have matching jammies

They were even more surprised that I’d bought a pair for myself!  

Drew didn’t want to be left out of a picture – crazy kid!

Christmas jammies for all!  

Holiday Activities

Snoqualmie Tree Lighting

Our first holiday activity was attending our local tree lighting event on Saturday, December 6th.  This is the first year we’ve attended and it won’t be the last.  Free cookies, hot chocolate, popcorn, free horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, and live music.  It was a fun event to kick start the season.

Bellevue Nativity

The following afternoon, after church and tithing settlement, we attended the big nativity event our stake hosts each year.  We always enjoy looking at the hundreds of different nativities on display and getting our family nativity picture taken.  This event is always so well done and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Botanical Gardens

The next evening we went to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens for their holiday lights.  Grandma and Grandpa Fletcher met us there. Thankfully, the rain held off while we walked around.  Not something we need to do every year, but still enjoyable.

Ward Party

Our ward Christmas party was on the 20th.  I was disappointed when I heard that it was going to be a dinner instead of the usual Christmas breakfast.  It was so well done though.  Our church building was transformed into biblical cities – structures were built, and water well created, etc… so much effort and planning was put into the event.  After dinner there was a wonderful Christ-centered program in the gym.  There was even a small corner of the building for the kids to meet with Santa before the dinner began.  Don’t mind the crazy outfits – we were encouraged to wear biblical attire.

Christmas Sunday

The boys dressed in their most festive attire for Christmas Sunday – so handsome!

I purchased gingerbread houses for $1 after Christmas last year and we saved them til the very last Sunday before Christmas to get them out for the kids.  Not only did I know it would be a mess, but I didn’t want to have 5 gingerbread houses strewn around my kitchen all month.

Yes, it was a mess, but the kids really enjoyed putting together and decorating their own houses. Guess I need to get out and find some kits on clearance for this next year.

Drew tried to sneak candy whenever he could

Abigail had a friend over later in the week and they put together the last kit.

Snowflake Lane

On Monday, December 22nd we joined thousands of others at Snowflake Lane.  Seriously, the most crowded we’ve ever experienced this event.  We squeezed into a space in front of the Macy’s stage, but next year I think we need to try a different spot.  

Watching Katie and Drew get swept away in the excitement and magic was well worth fighting the crowds.

Add to the above two holiday parties I attended with girlfriends, Abigail’s band concert, a couple get togethers with friends for me and Justin, holiday parties for the girls church/friend groups, etc… it was a busy fun-filled month!