Skyping at Christmas

Probably the highlight of Christmas was talking to my brother who is serving in the Philippines.  He skyped with us for 45 minutes Christmas night.  He was so organized-- he asked us a head of time in his weekly email, to have questions ready (so we don't waste time) and then he had questions for each of us.  And his questions were missionary related, like at the end he would bring it back to our testimonies or missionary work.  I loved it.  He looked 24 and like he's been serving for 3 years.  I could see that he wants to do well, follow the rules, give his best, and just serve.  At the end he told us, by name, that he loved us but he loved serving the Lord more.  And then right at the 45 minute mark, he said goodbye and logged off.  Such an obedient missionary.  I was bawling by the end and didn't want to say goodbye, but it was comforting to know that I would still be getting another email from him in just a week.  I can't wait for Mother's Day.  Merry Christmas Elder!

Christmas!

 

 Myer got a scooter for Christmas!  He brought that thing over to Grandma Di's house to show everyone.  I don't think he walked at all that day--just scooted every where.

 ^^^ someone liked the scooter too ^^^

 Christmas day was magical!  We spent the day over at Grandma Di's with ALL our Morse cousins.  So fun to have everyone back.  Myer loved his scooter, digger, Thomas the train stuff, books, his "white board with markers" and lots of chocolate.  Lennon just loved all the attention.  (She got some dolls and a wooden zoo puzzle.  She loves them.) Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve first started with a movie with Aunt Jessie.  Just cousins.  They saw "Big Hero 6" and loved it.  Props to my sis for taking all 3 little ones.  She's the best.

Then it was time for the Nativity!  We went over to my other sister's house who is finally back for the holidays and dressed all up for our parts.  Myer was Joseph and Navy was Mary.

 

^^^^ Lennon was the angel. ^^^^

 ^^^^ Bringing "good tidings of great joy!" ^^^^

 ^^^^ All the shepherds listened to the angel ^^^^

 ^^^^ Great Grandma and Grandpa were the wise men.  Very fitting ^^^^

 ^^^^ decorating sugar cookies! ^^^^

We loved hanging out at my sister's house.  Cousins and family make holidays better and just more entertaining.  I loved acting out the Nativity with my our kids because it was what we used to do as siblings growing up.  Traditions!  Next up, Christmas!!

Myer's Preschool Christmas Program

He knew every word. Every action. And it was the cutest thing. I wasn't sure how this was going to go, because he wouldn't let me sing any of his program songs with him.  I was so surprised.  And so proud!  After he met Santa, he told me "When I grow up I want to be Santa's Elf and sing songs for him all day."  We may have a little singer on our hands...

christmas eve and christmas morning

 

^^^ making Christmas Eve dinner with my grandma and mom ^^^

^^^ we played a game with paper plates on our heads.  Myer fully participated. ^^^

 

^^^ Christmas morning! ^^^

 ^^^ Striped Christmas Jammies ^^^

 ^^^ My little brother Oakley got a unicycle for Christmas so Jake was showing him the ropes ^^^

This is my favorite Christmas by far.  Having kids who understand what is going on is THE BEST.  Myer was excited about it all-- the cookies for Santa, carrots for Rudolph, Christmas jammies, our traditional Hoot-nnany pancakes, and of course his presents.  And to have a cute little girl on my hip made it even sweeter.  We are still coming down from our exciting two days and still in our pj's. I'll let you know if I ever decide this Christmas is over.  Until next year...

santa at the conference center

 Jake's dad, who works for the LDS church, invited us to his work Christmas party.  Which was kinda shocking because it was in the Conference Center and they basically let us roam all over.  Myer got to sit at the organ, speak into the pulpit and even go back stage.  But, the best part was Santa.  (who was really my father in law.  They lowered him on ropes from the ceiling, and I don't know who was more excited; my son or my husband.)  Myer got to sit on his lap and tell him all he wanted for Christmas.  It was kinda special that it was his Papa Morse and I think he gave M some extra minutes just because. 

This was the only Christmas party we were able to attend this season and it more than made up for ones we missed.  I left Lennon with my parents and I'm so glad I did so I could see the magic in Myer's eyes.  What a great party.  I love Christmas with kids.  So magical.  Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Our ornaments this year

 Of course the big event in our life this year was when Lennon was born.  So naturally, that is hanging proudly on our tree.  But, we also had a really fun trip to San Diego this past summer so we had to get an ornament commemorating that.  It must be a bird theme this year...

Also, here was last years ornament-- red for when I was a teacher at AFHS (their colors are red, black, and white).  Myer thinks it's his and calls it "when I went to school".   I just nod and smile.  I love our tree and all the memories it holds.  Click here for the past post showing other yearly ornaments.  It's one of my favorite traditions.