Christmas 2011

This year Christmas was pretty low key.  We did go to two different Christmas Eve parties (yes, we were stretching our comfort zones).  We didn't get home until about 11 pm and Owen was still wired.  It took us a while to get him to calm down enough to sleep.  Then we finished all the preparations for Santa Clause and hit the hay.  Since Christmas fell on Sunday this year, we had a wonderful Christmas Program planned for Sacrament Meeting at church.  Chris had put a lot of work into it.  It was basically singing the songs of Christmas with the narration of the Christmas Story between numbers.  The choir sang four songs and there were many different smaller group numbers and congregational hymns.  Chris sand "O Holy Night" and it was amazing - not many people in the congregation had dry eyes by the end.  We think that you should always go to church on Sunday - makes sure that you remember the reason for all the gifts and giving.  Owen was so wiped out that we had to wake him up at 9:20 am so we could get him ready to go to church.  Before church, he opened his stocking and found the Wii.  We opened presents in three groups - one right after church of gifts from our family and Santa Clause, one via Skype with Beki's parents to open their gifts, and one via Skype with Grandma Nettie to open her gifts.  Here are some of the highlights.

Owen opening his Christmas Eve gift.

New P.J.s.

At one of our Christmas Eve parties, they gave all of the children this Magical Reindeer Food.

Getting ready to spread the Reindeer Food.

Tossing it on the front lawn.  Now Santa Clause can't miss our house.

Owen was SO excited to get Beyblades (Official Site) that this was the best picture we could get of him.

Playing some Beyblades before church.

1...2...3.. let er rip!!

They "battle" each other and are some really cool tops!!!

Checking out the stocking.

He got a Hershey's Bar the size of his head.

Getting down the family stocking.

Wii games for the family.

Found the Wii controllers.

Looking for the Wii.

Found it!!

One stoked boy!

And there were wheels for Mario Cart.

Two wheels and one was red!!

Helping Papa with his stocking after church.

Now Mommy's turn for her stocking.

Snooty chocolate bars (they were AWESOME).

Book from Owen's Kindergarten teacher.

Owen's gift for Mommy - new RED slippers.

Papa opening a gift from his best friend Jayme Glasmann.

It was a Dragon Lapel Pin.

Some Phineas and Ferb action for the boy.

Mommy's gift from the Glasmann clan.

Papa opening his gift from Grandpa Coins.

Sock!!!

Owen's gift for Papa - some new shirts.  Really cool ones.

One of them had to be put on right away.  This one says, "Come To The Dark Side.... We have Cookies..).  There was also and Angry Bird's shirt that said, "Crush Your Enemies" and another one about the movie "A Christmas Story" that has a picture of the little kid and his BB gun and says, "I shot my eye out!" 

Cars 2!!

Some nice storage containers for Mommy so we can freeze some dinners.

Owen's present from the Glasmann clan - DINOPEDIA - we read it every night.

Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

Owen opening his present from Grandpa Coins and Grandma Carolee - a Hot Wheels Monster Truck stadium.

Adding things to his pile of loot!

Got some new cars from Cars 2 - they had to be opened and played with right away.

Papa's present from Mommy....

new pants.

They had to be put on right away as well.

Ninjago - he was not expecting it.

Utter amazement (official site).

The Ninjago LEGO had to be put together right away.

Finding all the pieces.

Owen's loot - not bad.

Playing with the Ninjago.

This was a really cool vehicle that was in the Ninjago kit.

Beyblade battles - apparently the cookie sheets have a higher purpose.

Gifts from Beki's family - Lightning McQueen LEGO car from Sarah, Curtis, and Piper.

Something awesome from Tia... a bed tent (see below).

Elephant and Piggie Books from Grandma and Grandpa White - he reads one everyday now.  If you don't know about the awesomeness of Mo Willems and his books, then you need to check this out.  We love his books.

Papa putting together the bed tent.

Playing some Mario Cart on the Wii.

Playing the Hot Wheels Monster Truck set.

Opening presents from Grandma Nettie - some Color Wonder paper - in a role!!!

Some new Hot Wheels cars.

A really cool book of science experiments you can do at home!!!  Mommy and Owen will have lots of fun with this one.

Owen opening Grandma Nettie's gift - cash is always welcome.

The bed tent - it had to go onto his bed immediately.

We had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas and sharing with family and friends.  We are so grateful for the birth of our Savior and Redeemer and the role He willing fulfilled in our Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation.  We love Christmas so much because the spirit of Christ is able to touch so many people during this time of year.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas too!  

For God so loved the World....